Patriot 12.0 Angler

Before I review this particular kayak, I'd like to add that when I initially did my own research by consulting reviews, I found that the ratings are artificially high. I believe this is because people generally enjoy any kayak, and their sample size remains small. Anyway, about the Patriot...

I purchased this yak mostly because of the value. It was inexpensive, and came with an anchor and rod holders. The craftmanship of the body is excellent; there were no holes or defects. However, the carrying handles are flimsy, and after 3 years they are fraying. And, the seat cushion detached soon after I got it. But, I am still able to slide it in place before I get in.

The dry hatch is not watertight from the inside, so water will get in as the cockpit fills with splash water. I've seen this problem on much more expensive kayaks as well. This was easily fixed with some caulk. It is also difficult to access while paddling for those without superb flexibility.

A feature that stands out is the extra large cockpit, which is large enough for me to pack all of my personal camping gear, or my 6 year old son. The boat is the most steady sit-in kayak I've ever been in, and I can even stand when the water is still. The tracking and speed are not great, but that's the trade-off for the stability. The front rod holder is not fancy, but is adequate for its purpose. The anchor is small, but will work for most situations.

Overall, I am satisfied with this boat, and would recommend it for anybody who is looking for a good value kayak with a large cockpit and great stability.

Same as other comments... easy to get in/tracks nice But cannot access storage while in kayak. Unfortunately that is where I store my skirt and if it gets rough it is not accessible. Still great on Lake Superior.

I bought this kayak for my husband, who is a big guy at 325 lbs. It is a nice kayak! He can get in and out of it since the opening is large. It is the angler model, which means it has a Scotty rod holder, 2 places to hold a rod behind the seat and comes with an anchor.

I gave it a 9 because the cover to the hatch in the back is kinda hard to get off and on. No way could you get in and out of it in the water. I kayaked in it tonight, and I love it! I thought the seat was comfortable. It seemed to go much faster than my regular kayak. Tracked good. From my research the kayak is rated for 400 lbs. That was a big factor in choosing this kayak. It has "ribs" along the bottom of the kayak which I think helps it go faster. It is also very stable and doesn't feel "tippy" at all. Great kayak and I'm glad we got it.

After weeks of research, I purchased a Perception Patriot Angler from Gander Mountain. I am 6'1" and 220, so the large cockpit was a big selling point along with the leg room. On the first outing on a slightly windy day on an area lake, I found the yak to be very stable, easy to paddle, and very easy on the long legs. I could even slip my legs out and lay them on top with no problem.Tracking was good. I did not get wet in spite of the large cockpit. Foot braces were easily adjusted from the seat. The rear bulkhead did not leak, but I have not gotten any water in the cockpit,yet. The dual-density hatch cover looks like it will not ever sag in the middle over time like some that are completely made of rubber. The seat was definitely not a fancy one, but was comfortable enough. (Some have warned about the seat breaking, so I will be adding some reinforcing foam backing as a preventative measure.)

This one came with three rod holders, an anchor, a cleat, and a Harmony cockpit deck with small tackle box. I like this yak as well as some more expensive ones that I have paddled. We will see if that changes after the next long trip!