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I am 5'-6" and weigh 165lb with sciatic nerve and multiple other health issues not uncommon among paddlers that will purchase this kind of kayak. Kayak hull weight is the main factor I consider. Anything above 40 lbs is out of consideration. After 5 + years and thousands of miles on a 40 lb Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Ultralite (unrepairable cracked hull) the only suitable replacement was the Eddyline Sandpiper 12 at 38 lbs, On paper, the Sandpiper is 1" narrower but just as stable. Pleasant surprise it feels a lot narrower. In a sense, it's more my size. I don't hit my knuckles against sharp WS edges anymore. That alone made all the adaptations worth it. It's not any faster than the Pungo but not any slower. It feels more "front heavy" however it glides through the water with less effort. With a lower bow, it doesn't take much for boat wakes or choppy water to submarine the bow something that in the WS was rare. To Eddyline's credit, the design of the hatch is so that water doesn't easily come in. Using a skirt is not an option I would consider. As expected the seat is not Wilderness Systems-like. The seat is unbearable painful to use if you have back problems. Another fellow paddler with almost identical conditions reports the same. Two hours into the paddle I was ordering an Eddyline infinity backband. I ordered two as my friend also was willing to try one. 10 days later the backband arrived. It was an improvement but still very painful to use. Keep in mind not everyone has back problems so your experience could be different. After much research, I added a Yakpads Paddle Saddle (low back version) and that seems to have resolved the issue. The overall build quality of Eddyline feels great. If the seat was more comfortable it would be a 5 star.

After three years with an Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro I upgraded to an easier to paddle and more comfortable Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140. Due to a back injury, the 14Ft 68LB Tarpon had to go. Wilderness systems phase 3 seating surpasses any other kayak in the market so anything but a WS was out of the question. Other manufacturers should take notice. The Pungo 120 has excellent primary and secondary stability. I was able to enter it by sitting on the side and rolling my legs in while turning just like I used to do in the Tarpon 140.

The Pungo 120 is more a more versatile, faster kayak that accommodates just about everyone's needs. It is 20% easier to paddle and performs as well as any 14FT kayak. Excellent tracking and easier to turn than comparable width kayaks. Narrower kayaks will turn easier but stability decreases. This kayak does it all. I have no plans on taking it to rough seas that is what sea kayaks are for.

Allows me to carry two 14' kayaks on a Nissan Murano. I am very happy with my Bowdown as I can store my SUV inside the garage with them folded down. Wind noise is not a problem, minor noise if there is a 40+ wind howling outside but at that point it doesn't make a difference.

Lesson learned with 2 kayaks mounted, a strong crosswind broke the hinge part on one of the Bowdowns. I call Yakima and asked they send me a replacement part which they agreed to immediately. Yakima customer service is superb. In two days I had, not the broken part, but a new set of Bowdowns delivered to my front door. I took a another users advice and when carrying two kayaks always tie the kayaks together. If only carrying one kayak tie the kayak to the opposite side rail as a preventive measure. Wind gusts are unpredictable and no matter what you use the automobile speed and wind combination can shear anything if it hits it just right.

I am 5'7" and not a body builder so maneuverability is important. For years I had an OK Scupper Pro which took a lot of energy for me to paddle. After spending 3 hours on a Tarpon 160 which I liked very much, I took a Tarpon 140 for a test drive. Came back 90 minutes later convinced I would buy a Tarpon 140. A week later I bought a 2011 Tarpon 140 from South River outfitters.

Extremely happy. I can even stand on it if need be. I don't fish and tend to paddle into tight locations so I skipped the rudder but if one had to be installed it is pretty simple.