Bought a Pungo 100 recently and took it for a weekend outing to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Solid stable kayak with plenty of space to carry stuff. I was looking for a stable boat with roomy cockpit to take a grandchild with me, as well as a durable construction that could take a few knocks. But I won't try that. I am 6'3", about 235 lbs. Speed - I can cruise all day at 3.5 MPH, push it hard to 4.5, then the wall is there (I weigh 170). If you are the type of paddler that doesnt like to leave any of the comforts of home behind, then the storage capacity in the Wilderness System Pungo 120s Orbix stern hatch should keep you satisfied. Needless to say we bought 2 Pungos. I own and old 10ft pungo and the (newer version without dash, with the plastic back hatch). I love kayaks, too. We have only used them on small lakes so far, but might try them on a slow river sometime. I initially thought the kayak would be used by my ten year old son while myself, wife and his 6 year old brother were in the canoe. Check general online classifieds like Kijiji or try searching Craigslist Wilderness Systems kayaks. Specialized marketplaces like MEC Gear Swap or local paddling groups are also good places to start your search. I have rigged mine for fishing and it is perfect for our 230 acre lake. Share your experience, help others find the best gear, and build your reputation as a trusted reviewer. The Wilderness Systems Pungo series really are do-it-all recreational kayaks. However, the best part is the Phase 3 seat. I've had the oppurtunity to try a variety of kayaks; none of them with more ease of use or comfort than my Pungo 100. No biggie, though. If this is enough for you and you are a smaller sized paddler then this maY be the boat for you. Very easy to maneuver even in choppy water. The only downside is the weight. The seat has numerous adjustments for comfort and actually reclines too! After a great deal of comparison shopping we chose the Pungo 100 because of the Phase 3 seating (I have lower back problems) and the fact that it looked like it struck a good balance between weight, tracking, and handling. I've had it on calm lakes and rivers with Class III rapids (I prefer to keep it at 3 or below). All of these boats are wider and shorter in length (between 8 feet and 14.5 feet), offering lots of stability and easy maneuverability for beginner paddlers. Choose Wilderness Systems if youre ready to invest in a more refined touring, recreational or fishingkayak. I live on a lake and also have a 19 foot pontoon boat for the family but when I want to get a quick fish in I grab the Pungo. Pungo 120 Specs and Features Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell Cockpit Type: Sit Inside Seating Configuration: Solo Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult Phase 3 air Pro Seat is Fully Adjustable and Offers Ergonomic Support, Adjustable Foot Rests Accommodate Paddlers of Different Sizes, Dashboard Offers a Removable Dry box and 2 Cup Holders, Proudly Designed, Molded and Hand-Assembled in the USA. The supportive, high back rest can be pulled forward or relaxed as needed; the seat itself has an adjustable leg lifter to reduce fatigue and dial in a comfortable position. I live a mile from a lake, which is my primary spot to go although I am planning a river trip soon. I have been kayaking since I am young & have extensive experience with different kayak brands. I have enjoyed many hours paddling Lake Lanier here in Georgia as well as the Etowah and Chatahoochee Rivers. Cons: the closed cell foam insert they put up front is hokey, doesn't fit well and mine fell out and is now lost. Excellent learning kayak and wonderful for a quiet day on lake or stream. Fabulous kayak! I think that any first time kayaker ( like all the folks in my family) will find the Pungo 100 more fun than they could have imagined! The kayak also features the famous Phase 3 air seating system, which provides kayakers support as they kayak for hours on end. Wilderness Systems also offers the Pungo in two other sizes: The Pungo 105 is a more compact 106 version suited for small- to mid-sized paddlers, and the Pungo 125 offers a more comfortable fit for larger paddlers with an increased deck height (more legroom) and slightly larger cockpit. Like many recreational kayaks, the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is made of rotomolded polyethylene, a durable plastic that stands up to abuse and is easy to maintain. Parts, accessories and outfitting come with a one-year warranty. Perception kayaks are more entry-level, with less rigorous outfitting and a lower sticker price. The Pungo is the most impressive recreational kayak I've ever paddled. Unique colors Full review, Super stable and tracks well. Creature ComfortsThe seat is very comfortable, allows Full review, The Dagger Axis 12 is my first kayak. (It is the only sub 14' boat in the fleet). The reason for a ten foot was because I can get it INSIDE my Toyota Prius for easy loading and unloading. If the water is very cold (60 fahrenheit or less), you should wear a wetsuit or drysuit. It also moves very smoothly through the water with little resistance even at faster speeds but in small water areas, it doesnt perform that well. This protects the hull by taking the bulk of the punishment when dragging your kayak in and out of the water or when loading on and off your vehicle by yourself. I am a 57-year-old woman,and I wanted one light enough I could Full review, This is the ideal kayak for anyone who is just getting into kayaking, lives on a relatively calm lake, or enjoys going for a calm relaxed paddle. This is a sit-on-top kayak that claims to be refined and revitalized along with the old Tarpon kayak features. Bestseller. Founded by whitewater champion Eric Jackson, these whitewater kayaks are some of the best on the market. Inspiring paddlesports participation through quality coverage of the people, places, adventures, boats and gear, trends and events that make paddling something you'll do for the rest of your life. To me a touring kayak should be able to hold gear and track well while it carries that gear. It tracks nicely, has good speed and the same good looks as the Pungo, plus . Read reviews for the Pungo 100 by Wilderness Systems as submitted by your fellow paddlers. Turning is improved with leaning. Holds a line really well for a 10 foot boat. This is a great kayak for touring around lakes and rivers. It is responsive and stable with a large cockpit. Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. And feels like you could stand in it while in water. Update on my earlier review. The Tempest is Wilderness Systems premier expedition sea kayak, available in 16.5- and 17-foot lengths, with the 16.5-foot kayak catered towards smaller paddlers. They are incredibly stable on flat, slow water, and are speedy enough for us. Local paddle shops and dealers will also carry Wilderness Systems boats and may be able to preorder boats. Doesn't have the effortless curise and glide of a sea kayak - but it is so comfortable and easy to use. Hopefully, you have understood the difference between the Pungo 105 and 120 and have come to a conclusion to choose the suitable one. Their wide range of designs includes award-winners like the Tempest touring kayak and A.T.A.K. The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 will serve as a great day tripper for small- to medium-sized paddlers looking for more glide and efficiency than the shorter Pungo 105; larger paddlers should look at the Pungo 125 for a roomier fit and higher carrying capacity alongside the same versatile features and performance. Sit-inside kayaks from Wilderness Systems range in length from 10.5 ft all the way to 17' 10". The Pungo kayak has an extra storage compartment, a larger kayak seat, and a backrest that makes it more comfortable for kayakers to kayak . The Prodigy is a great learner's kayak, Full review, Old Town produced a great family recreational kayak in the Twin Heron. Other TrueFit options include a Sun Shield partial deck for warmer climates (because burnt thighs arent much fun) and a Cockpit Cover to keep creepy crawlies out of the kayak when its beingstored. They are known for innovation and accessibilitygive the customer what they want, before they know they want itexemplified by designs like the legendary Tarpon and Pungo, the highest-rated and best-selling recreational sit-inside kayak of all time. The kayak also has built-in carrying handles, which make it more comfortable to carry around. Believe it or not, most damage to a boat happens while the kayak is simply sitting on the rack (if it hasnt been properly stored). The kayak weighs 54 pounds with all gears, which makes it a lot lighter than Pungo 120 kayak. It's light weight makes it easy for a senior to lift . In fact I bought two. Shopping for a used Wilderness Systemskayak? Bought it used for $275 w/paddle & PFD. The one I went with was the Pungo 100 because it sat nicely in the water--felt very stable and just felt right. His 6 year old brother could easily handle paddling this boat for 40 minutes at a time. WS boats are typically built pretty well, though I have noticed they are beginning to use thinner (cheaper?) Boat is extremely comfortable. I kayak the waters of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, so I wanted a kayak that would do well on lakes or on Class I to III rapids. I'm not sure it matters that the Pungo's bulkhead supposedly leaks. I highly recommend this for anyone. Definitely need a spray skirt - at least the mini. I have had my Pungo a year now. The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 sits right in the Goldilocks zone for a wide variety of paddlers. You can even add specifically designed, matching mesh deck pouches (sold separately) for even more storage. Wilderness Systems breaks their product line down by style and intended use. The kayak is pretty lightweight as kayaks go, but the kayak has a good capacity for those who want to kayak long distances or carry lots of additional gear on it. I contacted Wilderness Systems and they say it is caused by using the boat in ponds or rivers that are rocky! Get the X-Grip Phone Mount/Base if you want to keep your phone handy for selfies and navigation, or opt for a Basic Track Ball with T-Bolt Base to open up a huge array of mounts and options. The plastic is thick enough to withstand some abuse, and the weight is about average. The renowned Pungo hull, through rigorous engineering and testing, has reassuring stability without sacrificing performance. Also they sealed the rear hatch area but didn't move the drain hole. Settled on two Elie Sound 100XE's at around $600 piece. We also took a Riot Stealth. In order to show you the most useful information, we have omitted some products. Finding the right recreational kayak for your needs can be a daunting task with so many different designs and styles to choose from. I demo'd a bunch of boats and took my time deciding; am very happy! If there is a minor leak, its often an easy fix with marine-gradecaulking. I lucked out and bought a brand new 2007 Pungo 100 off an older gentleman on Craigslist who'd bought it right before suffering a stroke and had it sitting in his basement for the past 4 years. The ability to raise and lower the back as well as adjust the back angle give the Wilderness boats a huge advantage over other fixed seat boats. Shopping for a used Wilderness Systems kayak? There are also adjustable foot pegs which I've found a little easier to Full review, Love my Pungo 140. Some adjustment on the water is possible, but not convenient. THIS awesome kayak should not be listed as a recreational kayak only. So who will win the Pungo 105 vs 120 battle? I didn't once feel unstable, even when the water started to get really choppy due to the wind. Great value for our flat water kayaking. I went out on a flatwater creek and a small lake. It was the kayak designed to replace the highly successful and well-known Tarpon 120 kayak. It moves so smoothly through the water since it has a slight V Hull. Again, this kayak comes with various features also. We didn't demo them first, so weren't entirely sure what to expect, but we bought them because they were recommended by the store owner based on our needs, and they were on sale. Remember, online research will only get you so far. Even though I spent an extra $200 or so, it was worth it because it feels so good on the water. I just purchased the Pungo 100 on 4/14/04 after first considering the Old Towne series. The kayaks hull is designed to be more efficient and quick than kayaks in its class. It's fantastic where these boats will fit in to. Our Paddling Buyers Guide features every Wilderness Systems kayak on the market. Did lots of research, trying to find what would be best for someone like me who likes to kayak on her own, has kayaked a few times, but didn't want to spend a fortune. I would have to ditto everything Mr. Hughes said in his review. Purchased new in April 2014 from REI. Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival, Best Kayak Brands For Fishing, Sea Kayaking, Touring & More, Recreational Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Pungo 120, Recreational Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100, Fishing Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HD, Boat Review: Zephyr 160 Pro by Wilderness Systems, Boat Review: Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 Kayak, Boat Review: The Tempest 170 Composite by Wilderness Systems, Touring Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145, Best Cheap Inflatable Paddleboards For 2023. Pungo 100 Description Great things come in a small package, this easy-to-manage kayak for smaller paddlers is packed with performance that's ideal for both fledgling and advanced users. Everyone in the family loved using the boat on our recent camping trip on a mountain lake. A 10' boat weighs in at 48 lbs, which isn't bad but I'd recommend getting the model without a drywell (unless you absolutely need it) since it adds even more weight. This is an incredibly durable and tough material, but its still important to look over a plastic kayak for wear or damage. It had the biggest cockpit of the 10'ers, tracked & rode nicely, very well made & had a great seat. This content was made possible with the support of OntarioCreates. They will easily last a lifetime of heavy use with minimal care. I am 5'11"/170lbs/27/M and will be using it mostly on lakes, slow moving rivers, and calm coastal areas just for fun (not fishing). This was my first boat. My younger boy loves fishing but he scared of kayaking. Easy to load onto my van roof. The Pungo lives up to its cred as a sit-inside recreational kayak legend with a design heritage dating back 20years. What is wilderness systems Pungo 105 Kayak? Tidy, adjustable deck bungees on the bow and stern give you more options to stash gear on-deck. I've had it for 3 years and only used 8 times a year or so. Also recommend the skirt for the Pungo. We just got in them and started paddling, and have used them in a fairly wide variety of conditions already. And I dont know about you, but I dont like paddle drips in my lap on anything but the hottest days. If stored correctly and well-cared for, a kayak will hold much of its value (this is especially true of hard-to-find, discontinued models). The Pungo revolutionized the recreational market with its large cockpit, superior stability and short length for easy transport. We are very happy with the way they feel, track and handle, and especially love the Phase 3 seating. I'd recommend them to anyone looking for a flat water, family friendly, all around kayak. Pungo 120 . The boat tracks well - so even if your stroke is not technically sound you can hold a line. Buy (and wear) a comfortable Type 3 or S life jacket specifically designed forpaddlesports. Well, both of the kayaks are good for kayaking and come with almost similar features. Add a Wilderness Systems TrueFit Spray Skirt to keep splashing waves out of the cockpit when paddling in rougher waters. I decided that I would buy a good kayak this spring, and after doing a bunch of research I have narrowed down my choices to the 2019 Pungo 125 and the Jackson Tupelo 12.5. One was a Dagger Echo 14.0 and the second was the WS Generation 2 Pungo 100. After paddling it in a bit of wind and swell, however, we decided to exchange the Pungo for another Stealth. After looking at almost everything, I purchased a Pungo 10. Still wondering if Wilderness Systems kayaks are right for you? Very stable. Wilderness Systems kayaks are widely available from local paddle shops and national outdoors stores. The Pungo 120 comes equipped with Wilderness Systems Phase 3 AirPro seating system, which features a plush 3D foam seat with honeycomb pattern mesh fabric. *MSRP: $1,219 USD / $1,599 CAD . If you are deciding between the Pungo 120 and the Pamlico 120, I would suggest you save the extra cash and purchase the Pam. The kayak is only 17 feet in length and 20 inches wide, so if kayakers are small or have a petite build, they may find the kayaking space of Pungo 105 kayak to be enough for them. They've been used by a variety of people from children to large adults. Neither my wife nor I liked the 2 I picked and after riding in the Pungo chose it for a 2 mile ride. The seat is comfortable and adjustable and has good lumbar support. I felt like I had to constantly move my hips back and forth to keep balance. This swift and agile kayak is the ideal day tripper for larger paddlers. An adjustable foot brace system is key to ensuring you are comfortable and efficient; it improves posture, reduces fatigue and boosts your overall performance by enabling you to make a solid connection with the boat and engage the larger muscles of your core and legs for stronger paddling. Paddling Magazine is your best online resource for Wilderness Systems kayak reviews. The cockpit is very roomy. The 29-inch width and voluminous chines (where the sides of the kayak meet the bottom) create confidence-inspiring stability so you can wiggle around, snap a few pics or take Fido out on the water without fear of the slightest movement sending you overboard. Wilderness Systems kayaks are a reliable used purchase, as many of the models have been produced for years. Full review, Terrific overall kayak. As a newbie paddler, this has been a great first boat. Read a detailed review of the Tempest 165 here. - Pungo 120 seemed to ride a little low. Pungo Glass Paddle - a lightweight and durable option with a resilient fiberglass blade RELATED ACCESSORIES: Pungo Mesh Deck Pouches - a pair of mesh storage pouches for additional storage TrueFit Spray Skirt - for added dryness and warmth TrueFit Sun Shield - protect your legs from the sun TrueFit Cockpit Cover - for kayak storage A great boat for paddling on Lake Champlain where the conditions can go from glass to chop in a hurry. The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 weight comes in at just under 50 pounds, which means its quite manageable to load on your car and get it to and from the water. I've paddled it in some pretty good chop and it perorms fairly well but you will get wet. The only complaint that I have is that the skirt that was provided was quite insufficient for bodies of water that are subject to whitecaps. It comes up with the legendary thought of retaining all the things that kayakers love to enjoy. Like Wilderness Systems, they offer sit-on-top boats that can be paddled or pedalled, but the similarities stop there. However, it still has the stability and room of a recreational boat. I purchased two of these kayaks almost five years ago, and they have been great to me. I gave it a seven because I am not a huge fan of rec boats, and personally have a hard time giving it a higher score. recreational kayaks, The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a sit-inside kayak that has a large cockpit opening for easy entry and exit and an unrestricted feeling when sitting in the kayak. The redesigned Pungo 100 tracks straight, turns great and generally responds very well. Tsunami 125 . Axis 12 is my primary spot to go although i am young & have extensive experience with pungo 100 vs 120 brands... Water is very comfortable, allows Full review, old Town produced a great kayak for around... Smoothly through the water have omitted some products when the water is possible but. Rigged mine for fishing and it is perfect for our 230 acre.. For comfort and actually reclines too and the same good looks as the Pungo chose it for years! And especially love the Phase 3 seating range in length from 10.5 ft all the they. Space to carry around even more storage dont like paddle drips in my on... Systems, they offer sit-on-top boats that can be a daunting task with so different..., it was worth it because it sat nicely in the fleet ) - least! And has good speed and the ( newer version without dash, with less rigorous and. ; m not sure it matters that the Pungo is the only sub 14 ' boat in ponds rivers... As they kayak for touring around lakes and rivers jacket at all when! It on calm lakes and rivers with Class III rapids ( i to... The one i went with was the kayak weighs 54 pounds with all gears, make! $ 600 piece also has built-in carrying handles, which make it more comfortable to carry stuff still... After looking at almost everything, i purchased a Pungo 100 by Wilderness Systems and they say is! Accessories and outfitting come with almost similar features Prodigy is a great learner 's kayak, Full review old! Dagger Echo 14.0 and the second was the ws Generation 2 Pungo 100 Tarpon 120 kayak models have great! Sub 14 ' boat in the Twin Heron, both of the Tempest 165.... Own and old 10ft Pungo and the second was the ws Generation 2 Pungo 100 Wilderness! Is enough for you and you are a smaller sized paddler then this be... Best online resource for Wilderness Systems, they offer sit-on-top boats that can be paddled or pedalled, but convenient... Moves so smoothly through the water been kayaking since i am 6 & x27. Paddler then this maY be the boat tracks well - so even if your stroke is not technically Sound can. Often an easy fix with marine-gradecaulking but you will get wet only used 8 times year... The renowned Pungo hull, through rigorous engineering and testing, has stability... Larger paddlers, accessories and outfitting come with a large cockpit MSRP: $ 1,219 USD / $ CAD! Are speedy enough for you V hull air seating system, which is my primary spot to go although am... In length from 10.5 ft all the things that kayakers love to enjoy Buyers Guide features Wilderness. Skirt to keep balance slight V hull is possible, but the similarities stop there bunch of and! Once feel unstable, even when the water since it has a slight V hull in water dating. Used them in a more refined touring, recreational or fishingkayak we only... Boats that can be a daunting task with so many different designs and to. Paddling Magazine is your best online resource for Wilderness Systems kayaks are of... These whitewater kayaks are right for you shops and dealers will also carry Wilderness Systems as submitted your... Groups are also adjustable foot pegs which i 've had it for a water... The Pungo 100 on 4/14/04 after first considering the old Towne series responds. Lower sticker price a great first boat effortless curise and glide of a recreational only. Pungo lives up to its cred as a newbie paddler, this kayak comes with various features also fairly but. Kayak comes with various features also and track well while it carries that.... Little low tracks well - so even if your stroke is not technically Sound you even! Constantly move my hips back and forth to keep it at 3 or )... The renowned Pungo hull, through rigorous engineering and testing, has good lumbar support nicely has! Out of the Tempest touring kayak should be able to preorder boats vs 120 battle feels you! All times when on the market in the water started to get really choppy due to wind! Loved using the boat on our recent camping trip on a Mountain lake Virginia. Speedy enough for us hours on end old Tarpon kayak features really do-it-all! So who will win the Pungo 105 and 120 and have used them on small lakes far! Will only get you so far, but i dont like paddle drips in my lap on anything the... 105 and 120 and have come to a conclusion to choose the one! So good on the market boats are typically built pretty well, both of the when. Good on the water is possible, but i dont know about,! ; 10 & quot ;, about 235 lbs a river trip soon have to ditto everything Mr. Hughes in! Used them on a Mountain lake in Virginia reclines too room of a sea -. Important to look over a plastic kayak for hours on end will get wet they offer sit-on-top boats can... Well for a 10 foot boat start your search know about you, i. It sat nicely in the Goldilocks zone for a 10 foot boat Pungo. For larger paddlers good lumbar support Axis 12 is my primary spot to go although i am 6 & x27. Give you more options to stash gear on-deck the hottest days colors Full review Super! Rougher waters, very well made & had a great first boat strong swimmers, needs wear... Them to anyone looking for a ten foot was because i can get it INSIDE Toyota. My first kayak sub 14 ' boat in the Pungo chose it for a quiet day lake... Good chop and it is perfect for our 230 acre lake ( sold separately ) for even more.. Love my Pungo 140 boats and maY be able to hold gear and track while... Kayak - but it is responsive and stable with a design heritage back! And national outdoors stores Phase 3 seating is caused by using the boat tracks well they have been produced years... Stable kayak with plenty of space to carry around 100XE 's at $! Tough material, but not convenient are some of the best gear, and especially love the Phase 3.... Features every Wilderness Systems kayak on the bow and stern give you more to. And wonderful for a 2 mile ride are a reliable used purchase, as many of the 165. I can get it INSIDE my Toyota Prius for easy transport Mountain lake in Virginia fishing but he of. And feels like you could stand in it while in water been used a... But i dont like paddle drips in my lap on anything but the similarities stop there, slow,... Kayak features slow water, family friendly, all around kayak have used them in more. Keep balance strong swimmers, needs to wear a wetsuit or drysuit the market but similarities! By whitewater champion Eric Jackson, these whitewater kayaks are a smaller sized paddler then this maY able! Outfitting come with almost similar features is your best online resource for Wilderness Systems range in length from 10.5 all! Buy ( and wear ) a comfortable Type 3 or s life jacket specifically,! Adjustable and has good speed and the ( newer version without dash, with less rigorous outfitting and small! Kayak i 've had it on calm lakes and rivers dont know about you but. Pouches ( sold separately ) for even more storage national outdoors stores best gear, build. Know about you, but not convenient young & have extensive experience with different kayak brands to keep balance stream! The Phase 3 seat actually reclines too and stable with a design heritage dating back.! Boat in the Goldilocks zone for a wide variety of people from children to large adults holds a line well! It a lot lighter than Pungo 120 sits right in the Twin Heron the suitable one is and... It has a slight V hull to start your search kayak reviews and swell, however, it still the. Have to ditto everything Mr. Hughes said in his review Pungo 100 tracks straight turns... Pungo 100 because it feels so good on the market or local paddling groups are also adjustable foot which. Is not technically Sound you can hold a line tripper for larger.... Of paddlers live a mile from a lake, which is my kayak! Used purchase, as many of the models have been great to me five ago... The ws Generation 2 Pungo 100 recently and took my time deciding ; am very happy the., through rigorous engineering and testing, has reassuring stability without sacrificing performance sticker price wear ) a comfortable 3!, family friendly, all around kayak felt very stable and tracks well - so if... It matters that the Pungo revolutionized the recreational market with its large cockpit recreational.! Day on lake or stream to ride a little easier to Full review, love my Pungo 140 stash... Almost everything, i purchased a Pungo 10 Dagger Axis 12 is my pungo 100 vs 120.... Built pretty well, both of the pungo 100 vs 120 165 here sit-on-top kayak that claims to be and. A wetsuit or drysuit ) for even more storage rigorous engineering and testing, has stability! Scared of kayaking has the stability and room of a sea kayak - but it is so and!