Best Fishing Kayak Value? | RS117 Full Review 

Thanks Jeremy. How is the Bite for you for leg room?

@@ChadHooverFishing The Bite has an amazing amount a legroom due to the ability to trim the seat. I wish it had a high/low seat option, but as you mentioned in your overview, the seat height falls right in the middle - not too low or too high. I'd definitely recommend the Bite to the angler who is taller than 6'3 and having trouble finding a kayak with sufficient legroom.

Hello. Did you buy one? Could you tell what and why? I am exactly in the same dilemma as you were and can't decide.

@@Kolibrichiti I ended up going with the bonafide rs117. Honestly, because of name and where it’s made. For what it’s worth I love it. I weigh 230, and have a lot of gear I normally take with me, and I have no problems standing while fishing.

That’s awesome, so now I know that it’s at least good for 6’4”! Thanks brother

That’s awesome, so now I know that it’s at least good for 6’4”! Thanks brother

Thanks, glad it helped

Thanks brother

Absolutely, thanks for that suggestion.

Thanks buddy

Hope you enjoy it!

I’m picking up a Shoalie and an LT 2 on the 18th of December and will start working on reviews of them

@@ChadHooverFishing I looked at ck1, lt tackle 1, lt tackle 2 and shoalie in person. I ended up with the lt 2. I think ck1 was small considering I have lab with me on hunts. Tackle 1 cost more after I did all the things that came on the 2. Shoalie seems fine but not 400 Dollars more fine. I liked the hull better on the lt tackle than the shoalie so I went with the two. Again. Can’t wait for your analysis.

Thank you sir

Thanks madman, we plan to

Yeah, that’s works great. But they stretch with us extra gravity folks so you still need to tighten them up. I will point out the tape trick in one of my upcoming videos

Let me know how you like it when you get the Torqeedo on it.

@@ChadHooverFishing Will do brother!

Why do you like the rs117 over the ss127? Asking because I’m stuck between the two

@@LeviShambaugh I like them both. You can’t go wrong with either. I use the SS127 with a bow mount XI3 and fully loaded and I trailer it. Mainly on big lakes and when I fish in person tournaments. I need the motor in water I don’t know well or if I plan to drag baits all day and just cover water. The RS117 is my throw and go. I try to keep it a little less loaded down and only paddle it. You can bow mount but I don’t think it performs as good as the SS with a bow mount motor because it’s too front heavy. So if you plan to I would go with the SS. The SS seat wins out but the RS seat is still pretty dang comfy. It sits a little lower and makes landing big cats a little bit easier for me. It paddles better than the SS and is much more nimble when you need it to be. I think it’s just as stable as the SS. For me the throw and go style works when I’m going to the river and trying to be stealthy. The way I fish my little river is a little different than most because I’ll drift/suspend and use the paddle to quietly sneak in and over fish. The RS is a very good kayak that I’ve had in some pretty sketchy situations. I’ve always felt safe in it. I’ve had the SS in some bad scenarios too and it does fine. If I had to choose between the two it would be hard but I’d probably keep the RS. For me there are a lot of advantages in transportation of a smaller kayak. It makes trips a little more enjoyable. I hope this helps.

@@LeviShambaugh you should go demo them both. Kayaks are not really one size fits all and I think that seat time in one before you buy is important. Heck you might find a different model or brand that suits you better. Now days there are so many great choices for fishing kayak I’d problem be in everyone of them before I bought again.

Thanks Michael

I wouldn’t put the Outlaw 11.5 in the same conversation honestly, but the Old Town Sportsman 106 is REALLY close, it’s just a little too short for me to recommend as the “best” all around for the money. On top of that, the Old Town Topwater is probably the closest other kayak to “Best Value” or “Best Dollar for Dollar” but I just haven’t had as much experience or time with it and it’s been super hard to find one. Who knows, when I get to fully try it out for a week or so and put it through the paces, I may put it on top.

@@ChadHooverFishing Thank you!

Glad you like it. At $400 off with the paddle you got a steal.

@@ChadHooverFishing ya pretty much why i grabbed one at that point. Couldnt say no to that.

I’ve tried it both ways and the support for the back of your legs where the edge of the seat is and the nerves in the back of the leg contact the seat so it’s just WAY more comfortable for me rugged towards the front

Between November and January from what I’m hearing

Thanks Chad

Ha, thanks. It’s called Fatgility!! 😂😂😂

👊🏻

👊🏻

The Day Trippers are great for recreational floats and I’m really liking the looks of the new Jackson Staxx. I’m going to be reviewing one of those very soon.

I will have to do the Perception Outlaw 11.5 to give it a better consideration. Glad you mentioned getting through shallow water, I need to make it a point to point that out as a factor, especially for river fishing. I’m a big dude and I get through some really skinny stuff in the RS117.

I will say, the overall quality and features goes to the bonafide. But, I got a good deal on the perception.

I’m looking at the rs117. Perception outlaw and vibe sea ghost 110 so these comments help some. Still cannot decide though.

Not really. I can try to get one, but the Vanhunks are like a few other companies. They are Ali Baba knock offs and not really my thing.

That’s a 2021 model. The cushion is from Kayak Kushion.

www.kushionkompany.com/shop/fulton-cycle-yww57-y8pzm-lp5es

@@ChadHooverFishing thanks!

That’s the firm Kayak Kushion

I like the Flint too, but it doesn’t have as much to offer for the money and it’s nowhere near as easy to stand and the overall stability is t there in my opinion.

Thanks for the comment underdog

I’m going to try and do that one too

I either don’t use them, take them back to the truck or lock them to a tree or dock with a cable lock

Rogue Fishing Co.

Thanks brother, here is the link. www.roguefishing.co/collections/assist-straps/products/the-a-d-s

Man. You are on it! Great content! Keep it coming.

I just ordered the drag strap. They have a good military/veteran discount. Thank you Chad

Yeap. And I’ve reviewed most of them. I plan to review the others. Jackson discontinued the Liska, the Bite was pretty close to this one, I just like the overall performance and stability of the RS117 better and it’s quite a bit lighter. The Old Town Topwater would be a closer comparison than the 106 and I’m working on getting one for that reason. The NuCanoe Flint just isn’t as stable and doesn’t have as many premium features at this price point, and it’s a little harder to stand in comfortably. I haven’t been in the new Moken yet but I’m working on setting up a demo of one of those too. I’m also working on getting a Vibe for a demo as well.

It’s more comfortable and lighter and maneuvers a lot better or I would have the Bite a lot closer to it.

I struggled to make a decision between the Jackson Bite and Bonafide RS117. I ultimately chose the spacious, clean deck of the Bite since I mostly fly fish. Also, Jackson had a sale during the month of July, which prompted me to pull the trigger on a purchase. I don't think you can go wrong with either kayak. I mostly fish small lakes, and the Bite has been great for that application. I do agree with Chad that the RS117 is an excellent value at the current MSRP. I wish the Bite came with deck pads (can be purchased separately) and a skirt for the bow storage.

It can handle it for sure. But I think you would be much happier for rigging and setup with the SS127

If you can get an adjustable go with the 240 To 255. If not, I would go with the 240 For more flat water and paddling more vertical but if need leverage and maneuverability then I would opt for the 250.

Get the firmer one

Kayak Kushion.

www.kushionkompany.com/shop/fulton-cycle-yww57-y8pzm-lp5es

@@ChadHooverFishing Thanks Chad.

@@ChadHooverFishing Thanks Chad.

Kayak Kushion is the brand

@@ChadHooverFishing I ordered it last night after it being recommended by another Big Guy (firm) on RU-vid. Thank you!

Thanks Robbie

👊🏻

😜

That’s because it wasn’t a commercial homie! 😜

🤦🏼‍♂️

When you throw 300 pounds over the rail and hold on, everything will flip pretty easy 😂😂

That’s in work

😜

I hope Bonafide sees it too. They'll get a good laugh out of your unhinged nonsense. What are you even talking about?

I have no idea what you are talking about buddy. You may have had too much to drink. Kayak DIY and I are good friends. This isn’t my first video on this kayak either. Lastly, this kayak was designed over four years ago. Actually Shaking My Head

And just so you know, I’ve been at the forefront of design in this industry since before Walmart sold kayaks. There isn’t a single idea on that kayak that isn’t something I didn’t come up with before they knew kayak fishing was a thing. And they used the same name for their kayak as the Hobie Pro Angler and you want to use that kayak of all kayaks as an example of something ideas were stolen from. Come on man! 🤦🏻

Here you go from FOUR years ago. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PYtLbnlqJ4g.html

Another one from FOUR years ago. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--1E3fn4YBS8.html