As a whitewater kayaker, I’m used to spending most of my time in hard-shell kayaks. But my family also spends quite a bit of time angling from hard platform boats. As the NRS Kuda is an inflatable platform that is made for angling and getting out with your family, I was really curious to test it out and see how it compares. 

Today, I am going to review the NRS Kuda kayak / SUP and give you my honest opinion about its features, design, and whether it would be suitable for your next family outing. 

Stability

The first thing I wanted to test out was stability. My kids are used to jumping on the NRS inflatable SUP board, and the Kuda is a similar platform. The stability definitely passed the test. And I was able to stand up and fish while having my kid on board. 

For me, fishing with kids in tow is a good test of stability as you’re moving around, and your kids aren’t keeping still. In fact, I actually had my daughter paddling me around while I cast. So it definitely has a high level of stability.

Mounting Points

Fishing kayaks often come with a lot of mounting points, and I was curious about the Kuda’s. And what I didn’t realize is the Kuda actually has five different yak attack mounting points. 

For me, mounting points are really important because if I decide to make the Kuda my angling platform while traveling on the road, I need to know that I can attach rod holders and other attachments that will make my fishing experience better. 

Another cool feature of the kayak alongside the mounts is that NRS has actually printed a 24-inch measuring board directly onto the deck. I do often like to measure my fish. But I’ve never really invested in a catch board as it's another piece of equipment I have to take with me. So I was pretty excited to see that the Kuda has its own one built in. 

Removable Seat

Paddling around while standing up is really fun. But one of my favorite things about the Kuda is the seat that you can actually strap onto the deck. The seat makes the kayak feel a little bit more like a traditional fishing kayak, as it has an aluminum frame. 

In my opinion, the seat is incredibly easy to take on and off. Plus, when you’re out with the family on the water, you can simply pull over to the side, take the chair off, and use it on the land. 

Tracking

I found the Kuda tracked really well, especially thanks to the skeg plate that allows you to change out different fins depending on what you’re using it for. 

I personally used the kayak on the Ottawa River, where I knew there were going to be some currents. As a whitewater paddler, the currents didn’t intimidate me. But I was actually quite impressed with the amount of stability and traction that the Kuda had while crossing those eddy lines.

While kayaking, you need to be able to maneuver your kayak and have it respond to proper technique. And I found the Kuda to be very responsive and professional.

Transportation

For me, the biggest separation between a traditional fishing kayak and the Kuda was the fact that I was able to take the Kuda with me during my travels. The Kuda comes in an NRS bag with carry straps, which overall acts very much like a backpack. 

The kayak wasn’t too heavy, and I could easily strap the bag onto my back, walk down to the river, and pump it up in little to no time at all.

Weight Limit

And the final cool feature about the NRS Kuda is the fact that it can hold up to 300 pounds, meaning that myself, both kids, and some equipment can go out and enjoy the water together. 

The whole setup of the Kuda weighs just 31 pounds. And although NRS says it's a one-person platform, your kids can easily tag along and turn it into a multi-person platform. 

Kayak: NRS Kuda

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I've already reviewed these boats on my Road Trip Angler YouTube channel. However, this article isn't really about comparing these models specifically. Instead, I want to talk about the general pros and cons of the standard hard plastic versus inflatable fishing kayaks, and where I see each type of kayak making the most sense.

Kayak Weight Can Vary Significantly

Weight will be a determining factor if you’re considering one of these two types of fishing kayaks. There are some relatively lightweight composite kayaks out there, but inflatables are generally much lighter. However, hard-shell rotomolded fishing kayaks are usually wider, more stable, and can carry a lot more gear.

Inflatables usually weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. Hard plastic kayaks generally weigh from 70 pounds to 150 pounds or more for pedal drive kayaks.

Since weight can vary so much, it's worth thinking about when you're comparing the two types of kayaks.

Transportation and Storage

You’ll also want to factor in storage and transportation when you’re comparing inflatable and hard-shell fishing kayaks.

Regardless of design, most fishing kayaks are between 11 and 14 or 15 feet long. You can transport a hard kayak on a roof rack, but I'd say that inflatables have the edge when it comes to transportation. It's just nice being able to pack them down, put them in a case, and throw them in the back seat or trunk of a car.

Plus, you can store them in a closet. This just isn't an option with hard-shell rotomolded kayaks. In fact, you need a space bigger than the kayak itself. This usually means a pick-up truck or trailer for storage, and a garage, a shed, or a basement with an outdoor entrance for storage.

Materials and Construction

Materials and construction are two more things to think about when it comes to hard-shell versus inflatable fishing kayaks. The NRS Kuda and Pike Pro inflatable fishing kayaks are made from PVC-type vinyl material, whereas the Coosa X is rotomolded plastic.

NRS makes high-quality boats that can take a lot of punishment, but hard plastic kayaks have the edge when it comes to durability. They just hold up better over time, and you can drag them over the ground or a rocky river bottom for a long time before they’ll wear out.

However, people have been running white water and fishing from inflatable boats for ages. Inflatables have gotten a lot stronger and more durable over the years. Just keep in mind that you do need to think about overinflation, air expansion, and punctures with inflatables.

These just aren't issues with standard rotomolded fishing kayaks because they don't expand or pop. In addition, it's nice not having to worry about hooks and other sharp objects puncturing the boat and sidelining your day on the water.

Now, I don't want to give you the impression that inflatables aren’t durable. Actually, they are. It’s just that they’re less durable than hard-shell boats like the Coosa X from Jackson Kayak.

Rigging and Accessories

I really like that most fishing kayaks come with lots of gear track, but hard plastic and composite boats have the advantage in regard to rigging and accessory options.

The Coosa X comes with plenty of Jackson’s tri-track that makes it easy to put as much rigging as you want on the boat wherever you want it. You can add a lot of accessories to inflatables too, but you may have to glue on different bases.

The Kuda and Pike Pro inflatable fishing kayaks from NRS do come with some bases. The only drawback is that you’re limited by the shorter track sections. Whereas some fishing kayaks have strips that are 12 inches or longer.

Both Kayak Types Offer Tons of Versatility

It's kind of a toss-up when it comes to which type of fishing kayak is more versatile.

But it's nice packing an inflatable kayak into a relatively small bag and blowing it up onsite. I also like that inflatables are light, that they're easy to store, and that they can be used on virtually any waterway.

The flip side is that rotomolded kayaks tend to give you more confidence in bigger water. This is largely because you don’t have to worry about punctures and other deflation issues. Just remember that hard kayaks aren’t impervious to problems or damage. They can still crack and wear out over time, especially when they're used a lot or abused. In fact, even leaving them out in the sun can degrade the plastic and lead to cracks and other issues.

That said, I'd say that rotomolded kayaks get the nod when it comes to overall versatility. However, it depends on your fishing style, how much you'll be traveling, how you'll transport your kayak, and how much storage space you have.

So an inflatable may be more suitable if live in an apartment, don't have a truck or trailer, or just want a lighter kayak that's easier to get to and from hard-to-reach access points.

Then again, a hard plastic boat may be a better choice if you'll be fishing tournaments in open water and want to carry lots of gear and rig-up accessories like electronics and anchor systems.

Hi-Low Versus Fixed Seating

Another advantage most rotomolded kayaks have is that they come with trimmable high-low seating.

This varies between models and manufacturers, but you rarely get high-low seating with inflatables. You may be able to move the seat forward and backward a little on some inflatable kayaks, but the seats are often locked into place.

I do want to say that NRS’s Pike Pro and Kuda 126 are some of the best inflatable fishing kayaks out there when it comes to versatile, high-quality, purpose-built fishing kayaks. And again, it really just depends on what you’re doing with the boat, where you’re using it, and how you plan on storing and transporting it.

It's also worth noting that you'll generally have access to interior storage with rotomolded sit-on-top kayaks.

More Models to Choose From With Hard Kayaks

There are a lot more options with standard rotomolded fishing kayaks than with inflatables. There really aren’t a ton of inflatable kayaks designed specifically for fishing. This limits your choices and can make it tricky to find the right kayak and get it dialed into your needs.

But to recap, I think the NRS Kuda and Pike Pro are two of the best options out there. In fact, they’ll give some rotomolded plastic kayaks a run for their money in a lot of ways.

You really just need to think about what you're doing and where you're fishing to figure out which kind of boat will work best for you.

Tracking, Speed, and Maneuverability

Another thing to consider is that inflatables tend to sit more on top of the water, while hard shell kayaks sit down deeper.

This makes inflatables more nimble and easier to get up to speed more quickly. On the flip side, the wind can push them around more than hard-shell kayaks.

With that in mind, a rotomolded boat like the Jackson Kayak Coosa X may be the way to go if you primarily fish in open water exposed to the wind. If you’ll be fishing smaller creeks and rivers and need a maneuverable lightweight boat that you can get to and from the water more easily, you may want to take a serious look at an inflatable like a Pike Pro or Kuda from NRS.

The Verdict – Rotomolded vs. Inflatable Fishing Kayaks

So what type of kayak is right for you?

That’s a hard question to answer. I have certain situations where inflatables work best and others where I prefer a rigid kayak.

It could be completely different for you. I suggest trying out both types of fishing kayaks and finding a dealer with lots of models to choose from.

Inflatables are great if you have minimal storage or just need something you can pack up and transport easily. You should definitely think about access too. Dragging a 31-pound kayak through the woods to a launch location is way easier than it is with a 100-pound kayak.

Inflatables are also an advantage when you’re attaining up a river. For river fishing, I want something that's easy to drag across shoals and sits on top of the water instead of down in the current.

Again, rotomolded kayaks usually have more gear track. So they're clear winners when it comes to rigging and adding accessories like electronics.

In summary, making the right decision boils down to the following:

• Where you'll be fishing
• How you'll move and store your kayak
• How much gear you have
• How many accessories you'll add
• Features like ho-low seating and internal storage
• The tradeoff between lightweight and long-term durability

Remember, you don’t have to settle for a kayak that isn’t right for you. These days there are plenty of options with NRS, Jackson Kayak, and other manufacturers.

As always, thanks for stopping by.

Kayaks: NRS Pike Pro, NRS Kuda 126, Jackson Coosa X
Life vest: NRS Chinook PFD
Accessories: Anchor Wizard, YakAttack Omega Rod Holder, YakAttack Cup Holder, YakAttack Rotogrip, and the YakAttack BlackPak Pro
Shirt: NRS Varial Hoodie
Rods: Judge Crankbait Series, Eternity Series, Revelation Series
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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The post Coosa X vs NRS Pike Pro and Kuda 126: Best Kayak for Fishing? appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Both of these kayaks are 38 inches wide and have three inflatable chambers. They have one chamber in each of the outside tubes and another in the deck. The deck chambers have drop-stitch technology that gives these boats a lot of rigidity. The Pike Pro and Kuda 126 are very stable kayaks that you can stand up easily in, and they’re pretty close in price too.

Now let's look at how they match up in some key areas.

Pike Pro vs Kuda 126 – Prices and Package Options

First off, Kudas come in two packages. There's a 10-foot 8-inch version called the Kuda 106 that costs $1,395. The other is a 12-foot 6-inch model called the Kuda 126 that costs $1,495.

The Pike only comes in a 12-foot 8-inch length called the Pike 126. However, Pike kayaks are available in Standard and Pro packages. The Standard Pike package costs $1,395, while the Pike Pro costs $1,795. But for that extra $400 you get some great YakAttack accessories and a paddle, so it's a good value.

At 12-foot 8-inches long and $1,395 compared to a similar length Kuda, the Kuda is about a hundred dollars more. But again, they both have three chambers. On each boat, the deck has drop stitch technology which can be inflated to 8 PSI for outstanding rigidity.

Standard Equipment and Foot Peg Placement

The Pike Pro and Kuda 126 come with the same fin and other standard gear like a backpack, a pump, a patch kit, and foot pegs.

I personally like the placement of the foot pegs a little better on the Pike Pro because it’s more of a sit-inside kayak. The Pike Pro’s footpegs are on the sides where they traditionally are on most other kayaks.

The Kuda's foot pegs are directly on the deck instead of the sides because it’s a sit-on-top kayak. However, I almost consider it a stand-up paddleboard style of kayak. I initially thought the placement of the foot pegs on the Kuda might be an issue, but it really wasn’t. I put my forefeet on the pegs with the Pike Pro, while I tend to use my heels on kayaks like the Kuda 126.

That said, the foot pegs on both boats worked really well.

Weight and Maximum Capacity

The Pike Pro is a few inches longer than the Kuda 126, but both kayaks are 38 inches wide.

I’m not sure why, but the Pike Pro weighs 48 pounds while the Kuda 126 only weighs 31 pounds. However, Pike and Pike Pro kayaks have maximum capacity ratings of 375 pounds compared to 300 pounds for the Kuda 126. But honestly, these are probably conservative ratings.

I think the Kuda’s rating may be even more conservative because I weigh 220 pounds. With my BlackPak and fishing gear I’m usually pushing that 300-pound mark. So even near the maximum limit, there was really no difference in how either of these boats performed.

Hull Slap

When I had these boats out on the water I noticed that there was a little more hull slap with the Kuda 126 than with the Pike Pro.

I think this is because the Kuda is a sit-on-top kayak that has a very flat bottom and hull. This design provides a lot of stability, but the boat rides higher in the water instead of cutting through it.

We experienced some wind and chop during testing. The waves regularly rolled into the flat surface underneath the bow, and it made a little noise. I’m not sure if it's a big deal or not, but you could definitely hear the waves hitting the boat and feel them vibrating up into the seat. So if that's a big deal to you, it’s something you might want to consider.

I also want to mention that the Pike series kayaks have some hull slap too, but it’s far less than it is with the Kuda boats.

The Pike Pro is Tops for Tracking

Another difference between the Pike and Kuda kayaks is that the Pike tracks a little bit straighter.

I think this is because it has a nice sharp bow entry. You also have the same thing where the water exits. This allows the Pike to cut through the water more easily and efficiently. In addition, I noticed that the Pike Pro seemed to lock into place more easily. I think the Pike Pro is going to be the better and more efficient boat if you’ll be spending a lot of time in open water.

And again, the Pike has less hull slap than the Kuda because it sits lower in the water whereas the Kuda is more like a stand-up paddleboard.

Sit-Inside vs. Sit-on-Top Kayaks

To recap, NRS's Pike Pro is a sit-inside kayak while the Kuda 126 is a sit-on-top boat. There are a number of differences between the two designs whether we're talking about inflatables or hard shell kayaks.

You'll notice one big difference when water gets in the two boats. With the Pike Pro, water generally stays inside the boat until you pump it out or get out of the kayak and dump it out. This is because sit-inside kayaks are kind of like bathtubs. On the flip side, sit-on-top kayaks like the Kuda 126 have flat tops. This allows water to drain away quickly and easily because there's nowhere for it to collect.

Most sit-inside kayaks aren't self-bailing, whereas sit-on-top kayaks typically are. So when you take some water in the Kuda, it's nice knowing that it won't stick around for very long.

Standing and Seating Areas

Even though these boats are both 38 inches wide, the standing area on the Kuda 126 just feels a lot wider.

I think this is because the tubes on the outside are a smaller diameter and the center deck is wider. With this design, the seat has a little bit of space on each side between it and the tubes. I also feel like you can spread your feet out and get a wider stance with the Kuda. This made it feel a little more stable than the Pike.

By contrast, the Pike has bigger tubes and a smaller area inside. Since the standing area is almost the exact width of the seat, you have to keep your feet closer together. And again, this narrower stance makes the Pike feel slightly less stable even though the boats are the same width.

Both boats have the same seat, but it feels like you’re sitting higher up in the Kuda. With the Pike, it definitely feels like you’re down inside something. Of course, this isn't surprising since the Kuda is a sit-on-top kayak and the Pike Pro is a sit-inside kayak.

Secure Deck Storage on the Pike Pro

One advantage of sit-inside kayaks like the Pike series is that I feel like my rods and gear are more secure when they’re laid out on the deck in front of me.

So that’s one big plus for the Pike series because it’s nice knowing your gear isn't going to fall or get washed over the side. Whereas if I lay something on top of the Kuda it could get washed over or I could inadvertently knock it over into the water.

It's also easier to lose a flopping fish that you're trying to measure on the Kuda because it has a flat deck that doesn't have elevated sides to hold everything in.

Profile and Wind Resistance

I initially thought the Kuda would have a lower profile on the water. The tubes are a little higher, but it's actually pretty insignificant.

When we're talking about how high above the water these boats sit I feel like they're actually pretty close. How a boat sits in the water can make a big difference when it comes to tracking, maneuvering, and stability. So the wind is a bigger deal with inflatable kayaks than with traditional hard kayaks.

Inflatable kayaks don't generally have much resistance because they don't sit very low in the water. So in some cases, wind can blow them across the water pretty easily.

When it comes to wind resistance, I'd give the Pike a slight edge. It just locks in better due to that sharp entry point on the bow, and because it sits a little lower in the water than the Kuda.

The Verdict – Pike Pro vs. Kuda 126

Still not sure which boat makes the most sense for you? Well even for me, it would be tough to decide between the Pike Pro and Kuda 126.

What I Like About the Kuda 126

Getting on and off the Kuda is easier since it’s a sit-on-top. I also found it to be more stable while standing in the deck area because I could spread my feet out. In my opinion, the Kuda is probably a better option than the Pike if you're primarily a river angler who occasionally ventures into whitewater.

And last, I really liked the color of the Kuda 126 I tested. The Pike is available in the same color scheme too, just not in the Pro version. So if anything, I just wish that the Kuda was available in a Pro version like the Pike.

What I Like About the Pike Pro

I love that the Pike is available in a Pro package and that it comes with a number of accessories you'll probably end up adding anyway. You can pretty much hit the water right out of the gate with the Pro Package since it comes with a paddle.

However, it's a pretty close tie for me if you're just comparing the Standard Pike to the Kuda.

I'd also say that the Pike Pro will be a little more efficient if you'll be fishing flat, open water like in small lakes and ponds. It just tracks straighter and is a hair quicker than the Kuda.

You Can't Go Wrong with Either Boat

In the end, you'll just have to decide for yourself which boat will work best. But again, I'm not sure which would be the best all-around fishing kayak for me. So I can’t really recommend one over the other.

Either way, they’re both great kayaks and I really enjoyed fishing out of both of them.

Check out NRS' website for more information on the Pike Pro and Kuda series inflatable fishing kayaks.

And as always, thanks for stopping by.

Follow my Adventures and Subscribe

Don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel, Road Trip Angler, and keep an eye out for more reviews and head-to-head comparisons we’ll be publishing shortly.

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more adventure fishing tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Road Trip Angler YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

Inflatable fishing kayak: NRS Pike Pro, NRS Kuda 126
Life vest: NRS Chinook PFD
Accessories: YakAttack Omega Rod Holder, YakAttack Cup Holder, YakAttack Rotogrip, and the YakAttack BlackPak Pro
Shirt: NRS Varial Hoodie
Rods: Judge Crankbait Series, Eternity Series, Revelation Series
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Inflatable Fishing Kayaks – NRS Pike Pro vs NRS Kuda 126 appeared first on Hazeadventure.