Sportsman Salty PDL 120

I purchased a salty in 2022. and have used it quite extensively. For point of comparison, I will be comparing it to a 2018 predator pdl.

Pros:
Lighter
doesn't roll to a side when lifted from the bow
cheaper
drive was slightly quieter (maybe just because its newer)
Forward facing flush mount rod holder

Cons:
Less stable.
Gets pushed around by wind and waves very easily. (I think it has to do with the bow shape)
Lots more splash (probably also bow shape related)
Less robust. Has a plastic rudder and plastic on parts of drive.
Open storage area up front instead of hatch. (This would be personal preference if it weren't for the fact that it doesn't drain fast enough when you have a wave come over the bow, leading to increased likelyhood of additional waves coming over the bow)
The handle on the bow for lifting and towing is 90 degrees offset from a natural position for your wrist.

Conclusion: This is a very good kayak, a solid 4/5 stars. But, for literally any purpose I can see, the Predator/Bigwater will do just as good of a job, if not better. Unless added size/weight of the Predator/Bigwater would be a problem, or saving a couple hundred bucks is super important, I just don't see the niche that this particular kayak fills.

I'm not unhappy with the Salty, it's served me well, but I definitely think I would have been happier with two Predators/Bigwaters than I am with one of each.

Great