The hottest new thing in kayak fishing this year at ICAST? Not having to choose between paddle, pedal or motor power anymore. Wilderness Systems has introduced two new kayaks that offer all three modes of propulsion, the new Radar 115 and Radar 135, which now allow a kayak angler to pedal out to the fish, paddle around to dial in the pattern and then motor back to their launch. What are kayak anglers going to argue about on social media anymore if everyone gets the boat that has all sides of the fence? Pedal, paddle and motor guys unite! Time to fish. There is also a Limited Edition version of the Radar 115 which comes with all of the newest accessories, but hurry fast if you want one of those, there are only 25 being sold.
The new Radar 115 and Radar 135 eatures Wilderness Systems’ proprietary S.M.A.R.T. Hull Technology that is set to mix together the perfect balance of “stability, maneuverability, acceleration, responsiveness and tracking for optimal performance whether paddled, pedaled or motored,” said the Wilderness Systems press release. The kayaks come standard with both the plug-and-play Helix MD Motor Drive that had anglers begging for more last year at ICAST 2015, and the new Helix PD pedal drive. Wilderness Systems also said the brand new pedal drive system is designed to be, “the most efficient and intuitive pedal system ever engineered.” We’ll know more about how the system works and how it’ll help you catch fish once we land in Orlando.
Photo: Two new Wilderness Systems kayaks are hitting the water this season, powered by everything you could want.
The Limited Edition Radar 115 I mentioned at the top comes with an assortment of fishing-focused accessories that will make it easier to hit the water once you pick up your new boat. Just released, the new Kayak Krate tankwell storage system will let you carry gear efficiently and easily while you’re motoring along and will also double as a rigging console for all your essentials. In case that’s not enough gear storage for you, the Radar 115 and Radar 135 also feature smartly placed SlideTrax gear rails to offer you a wider range of rigging options.
That new S.M.A.R.T. Hull design featured in these two boats is designed to give anglers the best performance in the widest range of environments. A big upswept bow will keep you dry by deflecting waves and swell while the pronounced keel will keep paddlers tracking straight and smoothly. A rockered chine adds responsive sterring to the mix which means it’ll be a blast to paddle and the flat, stable platform designed for standup fishing means it’ll be deadly for sight fishing or reeling in fish all day.
When you are sitting down and either motoring, paddling or pedaling along, Wilderness Systems’ award-winning and patented AirPro MAX high-low seat will keep your underside comfortable. Not only does the seat already have enough fine tuning adjustments to make for a custom fit, but designers also added new quick-adjust levers that will let anglers slide fore and aft to set proper leg length to make sure you’re pedaling the Helix PD Pedal as efficiently as possible, or just to adjust for the boat’s trim. If the system does get in the way or you get back to the launch, the drive can be set in three different positions with just the press of a spring-loaded foot pedal at the base of the mount.
Wilderness Systems Limited Edition Radar 115 Fishy Features
• Wilderness Systems Accessories
o Helix PD Pedal Drive
Includes Versatile Steering System Kit
o Helix MD Motor Drive
Includes Helix MD™ Throttle Mount
o Mesh Storage Sleeve – 4 Pocket
o Mesh Storage Sleeve – Pliers
o AirPro MAX Lumbar Support
o SlideTrax Tool-Less Tie-Downs
o Retractable Tether (2)
o Kayak Krate
o Traction Pads
• Other Accessories
o Adventure Technology Odyssey Angler Paddle
o RAM® Tube Jr. Fishing Rod Holder with RAM-ROD™ Revolution
Ratchet/Socket System (Base NOT Included)
o RAM Level Cup™ Drink Holder with Koozie
The Radar features a premium, matte glass bead finish on the deck to reduce glare and is available in six colors: Desert Camo, Dusk, Mango, Midnight, Sonar, and Solar. The Radar 115 is priced at $1,349 USD, and the Radar 135 at $1,499 USD. Both will launch to retailers in January 2017. Stay tuned for more updates about the latest from Wilderness Systems when we hit the floors of ICAST 2016 later this week.
