I have been fortunate enough to acquire a Wilderness Systems Ride 115X. I had been aware of the Ride series of kayaks for quite some time with a number of kayak anglers speaking highly of them. The recurring theme that kept coming up was stability and the new Ride 115X continues on with this theme. Wilderness Systems have created an almost uncapsizable angling craft with their ‘pontoon style hull’. Check out what Wilderness Systems have to say about the boat on their website here.
Feature Packed
What do I think of the Ride 115X? At first glance it looks like a feature packed angling kayak. Closer inspection confirms this. I was given a ‘factory fresh’ boat and the first thing that struck me was the plastic that has been used in the kayak’s construction. It seems to be a tougher, higher grade plastic than has been used in other boats that I have paddled and fished from. Built to last, that’s for sure.
Starting at the bow, let’s have a look at what this boat has to offer. The first feature on this boat is the rigid, aluminium handles. With no play in them they are easy to handle and as well as functioning as handles they also make handy tie points for transporting or utilising as a point for a security chain when storing the kayak or transporting it on roof bars.
Next up is the paddle keeper bungee for quick storage of your paddle when playing a fish or casting to a rising trout. The larger roller as compared to older models allows easier location of your paddle in this area. The paddle keeper sits just in front of a generous bow hatch which features a double locking mechanism that ensures a dry, sealed fit. There is ample room to get all the parts of my C-Tug trolley through this hatch and once they are stored inside there is still plenty of room for other items (lunch, first aid kit, etc).