Profile

My brother-in-law has 2 Future Beach Quantum 124 kayaks, that my wife and I have been using for the past year. I figured that we should buy our own, so I started looking at kayaks. I liked that the Quantum had a water tight storage compartment in the bow, and that it had ample room in the stern to stow your gear. I also liked the two fishing pole holders. I could fit 2 of the kayaks in the back of my Toyota Tacoma, and the weight of the kayak was manageable for easy loading and unloading (~50lbs). I also liked the adjustable footrests inside the shell. I did not like that it did not seem to track straight, and the drain plugs were a pain, because they would get blocked if you turned the kayak upside-down to drain.

I found that Future Beach and SunDolphin were acquired by KL Outdoor, and that the Quantum 124 is no longer available. I found that Dick's Sporting Goods sells the Evoke Trophy 126. This kayak seems like an improved version of the FB Quantum 126. The number in the name of both kayaks is the LOA in inches, so the Trophy 126 is 2" longer than the Quantum. The weight of the Trophy is virtually the same as the Quantum, but the storage compartments forward and aft are both watertight. The forward storage compartment of the Trophy is MUCH bigger (deeper & longer) than the Quantum. There is also a "dashboard" with small compartments for fishing tackle, or a tablet (better get a waterproof case) or other stuff. Because the aft compartment is watertight, there is no access to what could be a huge storage area behind the seat.

I bought 2 of them ($450 each) and have cut out the rear storage compartment out of one of them. Cutting the compartment out allows access to the rear storage, and it reduces the weight of the kayak (and gives you a piece of polypropylene for the inevitable repairs). On the water, the kayaks track straight, and seem to glide well. They also seem very stable. I have only used the kayaks once, but I will update if there is interest.