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I have only had this kayak for a couple of weeks and only paddled it a few times but I consider this to be an excellent kayak. Tracks like a dream. I can edge the kayak quite far before it starts to roll over. It is fairly fast (you won't win any races, but you won't be left in the dust either) I had no problems overall keeping up with a Current Design Gulfstream.

The three hatches keep everything dry no matter how much water gets on them and I have given them a bit of abuse on a few occasions. I do wish that there was a bulkhead between the day hatch and the rear hatch but that is a minor detail overall. The hatch covers are somewhat difficult to close, you must make sure to press them down all the way around. Once you know this they are excellent covers.

I am not a big rudder fan but I am learning to adapt to the rudder as I go. So far I really haven't had much reason to use the rudder except to play around with the turning in some small and confined spaces. I don't like the foot pegs on the rudder equipped boats. They are still way to mushy even with the rudder up and in the parked position. I have had the rudder come loose from the parked position when I was doing a low brace turn. Not a lot of fun. I am in the process of replacing the foot pegs with Seal Line Toe Pilot foot pegs .I think this will help tremendously.

As everyone knows the Phase 3 seating is fantastic. I have had no problems with any part of my lower body falling asleep or hurting after paddling. I would prefer a lower seatback but again this is a minor detail overall. I may remove the seatback and install a shorter backband at some point but I am not in a hurry to do that. We will see how well it rolls and then I will make a decision from that point.

The cockpit is a little on the large size for even me. I am 6ft, 200 lbs. I will be adding some hip braces and I have adjusted the thigh braces as well to suit my needs. The thigh braces are extremely easy to adjust. Wilderness Systems even gives you a screw driver to adjust the braces.

Overall an excellent kayak for those of you looking for a smaller touring kayak. I had storage issues and don't have enough room to store a 16 or 17 ft kayak. I can't give it a 10 but it is very, very close.

I've been paddling for several months and this is my 2nd kayak. It seems to be the best kayak that allows you to grow with your skills at such a short length. I had to go shorter because of storage concerns. It seems to track straight with the skeg up or down. Even in a strong cross wind and a very strong current I had no problems tracking straight. It edges very well, but you will definitely need a spray skirt. My first experiment in edging I got very wet. My only complaint I have is the fact that at 6ft and 200lbs I have a problem with the foot pegs. I wish the seat was back about 6 inches. I found that I can't really paddle with shoes on. I have to wear water socks or nothing. That gets cold paddling in Michigan in November. I have only paddled so far in a couple of rivers and I like what I see so far. I just wish it was a little higher volume in the front so I could wear shoes. Other than that it is an excellent kayak. I bought from a dealer who uses this kayak in his pool lessons for rolling, etc

Definitely one of the best kayaks you can buy for such a cheap price. I paid $329 at Dick's Sporting Goods. Compare that with $649 for the Pungo 120. I did have an issue with the first kayak I bought but it was quickly replaced without a hassle. As previously mentioned you get the same mold as the Pungo and the great handling and tracking. Yes, you are missing some of the extras you might get with a Pungo but:

I bought a seat pad for about $40 that is close to equal to one of the Phase3 seats. I would agree that the floation leaves something to be desired but again buying a couple of floation bags is still cheaper than the Pungo. I have also added a bungie rigging kit to the front of the kayak that works just fine. Although I do wish it had a bulkhead for what I paid I am not complaining.

This is a great kayak for someone who is just beginning to learn to kayak and is a kayak that will not be quickly out grown as your skills improve.