I'm a little confused...

Ok so I have made my decisions and down to these two kayaks! Either WS atak 140 or the FF lure 13.5! Both have great features, great width, both about same length, both pretty heavy and atak is about 400-500$ more. I also plan on getting a rudder for either one I decide... Oh decisions, decisions. 😩😩

Ok so I have made my decisions and down to these two kayaks! Either WS atak 140 or the FF lure 13.5! Both have great features, great width, both about same length, both pretty heavy and atak is about 400-500$ more. I also plan on getting a rudder for either one I decide... Oh decisions, decisions. 😩😩

I haven't paddled the FeelFree, so I can't speak to the comparison.  But here is my biased review of the ATAK.

 I love it so far. Definitely the most walk-able deck on a kayak I've paddled, it's been great for fly fishing, and for a boat of it's size and stability I've been pleasantly surprised by it's speed and performance when paddling. It's not the boat I take out in bigger water or when I'm trying to cover a lot of distance, but there are plenty of guys out there that do and have had great success with it. I just tend to prefer a narrower ride when I'm going in the salt or in more dynamic conditions, so I've only used my ATAK in calmer water and on the Columbia and Multnomah channel.  I have taken it on the columbia on windy days and it handled the chop and wind really well. it sits pretty low profile so i've noticed I don't get blown around as much as I do in my Thresher. I also like how easy it is to move the seat fore and aft to adjust your trim.

Definitely a heavy mofo when you're trying to get it on the rig, but it's manageable, I car top mine on a CRV by myself without issue. you can't get far without a cart however.  its comparable to most boats in its class when it comes to weight, but it's not a boat you can throw above your head or shoulder down to the water.

The storage access in the back is great because it's super easy to get full size rods in there, but I've found myself using that to keep rods during transport more than anything, I have been able to walk back there to open it up on the water, but I never have or would when I'm actually fishing. the small circular hatch under the seat works well for odds and ends, and I typically keep tackle boxes behind me in the tankwell. The front hood is great for bigger storage, it's a scuppered, covered tankwell, so anything that needs to stay completely dry should be protected before going in there. I use it mostly for fish, and gear in drybags. I've also filled it with river sodas and ice for an on water cooler.

The electronics pod is awesome, for me personally its great because I can use the same pod for both of my boats and swap my electronics easily. I also like being able to take the complete unit out for storage and transport. Keeping it all contained in one unit makes it a snap.

Overall I think it's a really well laid out design, and it's super comfortable for a long day on the water. Again, I'm biased(on the wildy team, and I sell kayaks for a living) but that's my personal feedback on the ATAK so far. Take with a grain of salt, and form your own opinions on the boats after trying them out. It all comes down to personal preference at the end of the day.

Before you start throwing money down, paddle all the boats you're looking at, that's the only way to get a feel for what you like, what you don't and how everything lays out for you on the water. If you're in the portland area, my shop does on the water demos for any of the Hobies, Wildy boats, and some others. Hit up your local shops to set up a demo, they should all have some sort of demo program or event to try them out.

Before you start throwing money down, paddle all the boats you're looking at, that's the only way to get a feel for what you like, what you don't and how everything lays out for you on the water. If you're in the portland area, my shop does on the water demos for any of the Hobies, Wildy boats, and some others. Hit up your local shops to set up a demo, they should all have some sort of demo program or event to try them out.

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Thanks so much for the detailed response! I've been trying to find places that have demos around the Seattle area and don't see any or atleast not until May. Also I haven't seen anywhere that even sells the feelfree in store around me. At least from a Google search haven't found any plus the feelfree website find a dealer only showed one location and they don't carry them and referred me to a store in Portland something creek kayak shop. I wish I could demo both of them really soon as I'm looking to purchase within the coming month.

Finally got my new baby! Super excited, happy and anxious! Ahhhhhh

 That is a great looking kayak.
 Get that bad boy wet and have some fun.

That thing is a beast!! I love all the open platform space, and I am sure it is super stable too... Pop that first fish cherry!!

Thanks guys! Taking it out tomorrow morning for its maiden! Hopefully gets some good footage and a lunk! 👍👍