Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty: Review & Features

by Alex Braham 52 views

Hey guys! Are you looking for a top-notch pedal kayak that can handle saltwater adventures? Then, let's dive deep into the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty. This kayak is designed for anglers who demand performance, stability, and comfort in a compact package. In this article, we’ll explore everything that makes the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty a fantastic choice for your next fishing expedition. We'll cover its key features, performance, design, and more, so you can make an informed decision before you invest in this awesome piece of gear.

Overview of the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty

The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is specifically built for saltwater fishing, incorporating features that cater to the unique demands of marine environments. This pedal-driven kayak allows for hands-free navigation, which is a game-changer when you’re trying to manage your fishing rod, tackle, and catch all at once. The kayak’s design prioritizes stability, ensuring you can stand and cast comfortably, even in choppy waters. Durability is another key aspect, with high-quality materials that withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater. Storage is ample, with various compartments and mounting options to keep your gear organized and accessible. The comfortable seating system means you can spend long hours on the water without feeling fatigued. Overall, the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is a well-rounded package designed to enhance your saltwater fishing experience.

Old Town has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality kayaks, and the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is no exception. This model builds on the success of the broader Sportsman line, adding specific features tailored for saltwater use. The pedal drive system is smooth and efficient, allowing you to cover more ground with less effort. Anglers will appreciate the thoughtfully placed rod holders, tackle storage, and accessory tracks, which make it easy to customize the kayak to their specific needs. The kayak's hull design ensures excellent tracking and maneuverability, even in windy conditions. With its combination of performance, durability, and comfort, the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is a standout choice for serious saltwater anglers. Whether you're fishing inshore flats or nearshore waters, this kayak will help you make the most of your time on the water.

Key Features

Let's break down the standout features of the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty.

PDL Drive System

The PDL (Pedal Drive System) is the heart of this kayak, offering hands-free propulsion that’s both efficient and easy to use. This system allows you to pedal forward and reverse, giving you precise control over your movement in the water. The pedaling motion is smooth and intuitive, making it easy to maintain a steady speed for long periods. The PDL drive is also incredibly durable, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater environments. Its ease of use extends to maintenance as well; the system is designed for quick removal and cleaning, ensuring it remains in top condition for years to come. With the PDL drive, you can focus on fishing without constantly needing to paddle, making your time on the water more productive and enjoyable.

The PDL drive offers a significant advantage over traditional paddling, especially when fishing. Imagine you're trying to hold your position in a strong current or wind while casting—with a paddle, this can be challenging. The PDL drive, however, allows you to maintain your position effortlessly, giving you more time to focus on your fishing technique. The ability to move in reverse is also incredibly useful for navigating tight spots or quickly repositioning yourself. Additionally, the hands-free nature of the PDL drive means you can keep your hands free for other tasks, such as changing lures, handling fish, or using electronic devices. The efficiency of the PDL drive also means you can cover greater distances with less fatigue, opening up new fishing spots that might be too far to reach with a traditional paddle kayak. Overall, the PDL drive system is a game-changer for kayak fishing, offering unparalleled control, efficiency, and convenience.

Stability and Hull Design

The stability of the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is one of its most praised features. The hull is designed to provide a stable platform, allowing you to stand and fish comfortably. This is particularly important for saltwater anglers who often need to sight cast or manage larger fish. The wide beam of the kayak contributes to its stability, preventing it from feeling tippy, even in choppy conditions. The hull design also ensures excellent tracking, meaning the kayak stays on course with minimal effort. This is crucial for covering long distances or navigating windy conditions. The combination of stability and tracking makes the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty a reliable and confidence-inspiring choice for any angler.

Furthermore, the hull's design incorporates features that enhance its performance in various water conditions. The shape of the hull allows it to cut through the water efficiently, reducing drag and improving speed. This is particularly useful when you need to cover a lot of ground quickly to reach a promising fishing spot. The kayak also handles waves and currents well, providing a smooth and predictable ride. The stability of the hull also makes it easier to re-enter the kayak if you happen to fall overboard. This is a critical safety feature, especially when fishing in remote areas. The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty's hull is thoughtfully designed to provide the optimal balance of stability, tracking, and performance, making it a top choice for serious anglers.

Seating System

The seating system in the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is designed for all-day comfort. The seat is adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect position for your body type and fishing style. It's also made from breathable materials, which help to keep you cool and dry, even on hot days. The high back provides excellent support, reducing fatigue and allowing you to focus on fishing. The seat can also be adjusted up or down, giving you a higher vantage point for sight fishing or a lower position for added stability. Overall, the seating system is designed to maximize your comfort, so you can spend more time on the water without feeling sore or tired.

Additionally, the seat's adjustability is a key feature that caters to different anglers' needs. Whether you prefer to sit upright for better visibility or lean back for a more relaxed posture, the seat can be easily adjusted to accommodate your preferences. The seat is also removable, making it easier to transport the kayak or clean it after use. The durable construction of the seat ensures it will hold up to the rigors of saltwater fishing, providing reliable support for years to come. The thoughtful design of the seating system is just one more reason why the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is a top choice for anglers who demand comfort and performance.

Storage and Accessory Mounting

Storage is abundant in the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty, with multiple compartments and mounting options to keep your gear organized. There’s a large tank well in the stern, perfect for storing a milk crate or tackle bag. The front hatch provides additional storage for larger items, such as a spare paddle or rain gear. Accessory tracks along the sides of the kayak allow you to easily mount rod holders, fish finders, and other accessories. These tracks are strategically placed to provide easy access to your gear while you’re on the water. The combination of storage and mounting options makes it easy to customize the kayak to your specific needs.

Moreover, the storage solutions are designed with the angler in mind. The tank well is large enough to accommodate a variety of gear, and the front hatch is sealed to keep your belongings dry. The accessory tracks are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, allowing you to personalize your kayak to suit your fishing style. The kayak also features paddle holders, which keep your paddle secure when you’re not using it. The thoughtful layout of the storage and mounting options ensures that everything you need is within easy reach, allowing you to focus on fishing. The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is designed to keep your gear organized and accessible, making your time on the water more productive and enjoyable.

Performance in Saltwater

The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is specifically designed to excel in saltwater environments. The materials used in its construction are resistant to the corrosive effects of saltwater, ensuring long-term durability. The kayak's stability and tracking make it well-suited for handling choppy conditions and strong currents. The PDL drive system allows you to navigate effectively in windy conditions, keeping you on course and allowing you to cover more ground with less effort. The kayak is also easy to launch and land, even on rocky or sandy shorelines. Overall, the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is a reliable and capable performer in a variety of saltwater fishing scenarios.

Furthermore, the kayak's design takes into account the unique challenges of saltwater fishing. The elevated seating position provides a better vantage point for sight fishing, allowing you to spot fish and structure more easily. The ample storage space ensures you can bring all the gear you need for a full day of fishing, including tackle, bait, and safety equipment. The accessory tracks allow you to customize the kayak with fish finders and other electronics, helping you to locate fish and monitor water conditions. The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is designed to enhance your saltwater fishing experience, providing the performance and features you need to succeed.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's look at the pros and cons of the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty.

Pros

  • Stability: Excellent stability for standing and fishing.
  • PDL Drive: Efficient and hands-free propulsion.
  • Storage: Ample storage for gear and accessories.
  • Comfort: Comfortable and adjustable seating system.
  • Durability: Built to withstand saltwater environments.

Cons

  • Price: Higher price point compared to paddle kayaks.
  • Weight: Can be heavy to transport on your own.

Final Thoughts

The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is an outstanding choice for saltwater anglers who demand performance, stability, and comfort. Its hands-free PDL drive system, stable hull design, and ample storage make it a top contender in the pedal kayak market. While the price point may be higher than traditional paddle kayaks, the investment is well worth it for serious anglers who want to maximize their time and enjoyment on the water. If you’re looking for a reliable and capable kayak that can handle the rigors of saltwater fishing, the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is definitely worth considering. So get out there and start reeling in those trophy fish!