Category: Fishing

Riot Escape 12 Angler Review – Faster Option Than Any Other Angler?

The Riot Escape 12 Angler sit on top kayak is best designed for determined fishermen and experienced anglers. This kayak is known for its craftsmanship and excellent features. Since it’s made especially for fishers, it’s a perfect blend of stability and performance, with lots of storage space to store your fishing equipment, bait and fish.

The design implementation of this kayak lets you relax and takes care of everything for you, so you can easily enjoy your time on the water, stress free. Let’s take a look at all the features in this Riot Escape 12 Angler review.

 

Riot Escape 12 Angler Kayak

Check out the Riot Escape 12 Fishing Kayak on Amazon!

Frame of the Riot Escape 12 Angler

The sleek polyethylene interior and exterior allows the Riot Escape 12 Angler to maneuver effortlessly in any kind of water. Weighing a little over 68 pounds, the kayak’s weight is equally balanced throughout the body, which means it can withstand sudden movements and not topple over.

Check out our Top 14 Fishing Kayaks article!

The length measures up to approximately 12 feet and the width measures is 30.7 inches or 2.55 feet. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, which is very sturdy for a kayak.

Although it’s sturdy and can accept a nice amount of weight, the Riot Escape 12 Angler is not made for standing. There’s a good chance that you might be going for a swim if you were to try it. If you want to stand while you fish, a good choice would be the Fissot kayak or the Hobie Pro Angler 17.

Also, the seat is comfortable for a little while, but if you are going on a day trip, we advise that you get a better seat or more padding. The Riot Escape 12 Angler does not come with a paddle, so that needs to be purchased separately as well.

The Riot Escape 12 Anger is, in our opinions, a decent fishing kayak with the basics, but not the best one in its category. There are some things to be added to it, so it is far from perfect. But for a short, flatwater fishing trip, it will certainly do the job and you will be more than happy. Let’s take a look at some of the features below.

 

Riot Escape 12 Angler Features

The Riot Escape 12 Angler kayak features a vast set of functions and equipment. To start off, it has a safe sit on top feature with 4 attached points and adjustable straps that allow the rider to adjust them according to his or her needs, providing the utmost comfort.

The seat stays in the exact same position in which it’s adjusted in and does not budge in the slightest of ways, not even in rough waters, promising you excellent security. The seat has a higher back for support, but those who have back issues will want to add more padding, both on the bottom and in the back.

 

Riot Escape 12 Fishing Kayak

Check out the Riot Escape 12 Angler on Amazon!

One of the most important features of the Riot Escape 12 Angler is the pilot rudder system. Because you want a safe and smooth ride, it’s essential that the maneuvering is done right, otherwise it would not bode well. The pilot rudder is constructed out of plastic, reinforced with glass, which makes it strong, yet lightweight, allowing you to easily operate it.

The Riot Escape 12 Angler also includes a low windage open work design, which reduces a considerable amount of friction caused by the wind. Also, the rubberized V block absorbs vibrations, which enables the kayak to sail more smoothly and is greatly appreciated by customers.

There are 5 rod holders, with 4 rod holders being stationary and one is a swivel, movable according to the rider’s preference. The mounted adjustable rod holder is another feature of the Riot Escape 12 Angler, which was retained and allows the user to rotate a full 360 degree turn.

You can adjust it vertically or horizontally, with easy and accurate placement. The rod holder also has an attached rear saddle, which can accept any kind of rod combinations. A large swivel locking ring prevents rod loss and the vertical swivel movement allows for easy rod placement.

 

Riot Escape 12 Angler Storage

 

Riot Escape 12

 

As mentioned above, the Riot Escape 12 Angler can carry up to 300 pounds, which is pretty decent for any kayak. Most of the storage is present in the rear deck, with strong straps overlapping it so that any equipment or storage material doesn’t move or fall off. You could hold down a cooler in the back for either drinks or fish.

The front hatch mostly takes care of smaller equipment, and there is a cup holder right in the middle of the cockpit, as well as a covered storage area. The Riot Escape 12 Angler’s design and shape allows the weight to be equally distributed throughout, which makes it exceptionally stable, even when all the equipment is loaded.

 

Pros

  • Equipped with great features and easily accessible storage
  • Exceptionally stable due to the length and width ratio
  • 5 rod holders, one of which is adjustable
  • Anglers love the sit on top design
  • Nice storage capacity, at both the front and rear
  • Comes with a pilot rudder, installed anchoring system, drain plug and scupper plugs

 

 

Cons

  • Does not track very well, according to some buyers, so the rudder should be down at all times
  • Although the kayak is stable, the bottom part of it is quite uneven, which might make paddling more challenging
  • The seat is not designed for long trips, can cause soreness and/or back pain
  • Storage compartments are not completely waterproof

 

Riot Escape 12 Angler Review Conclusion

Even with its flaws, the Riot Escape 12 Angler is a popular kayak and is highly rated and recommended, as the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. It consists of more features than an average kayak with the same amount of money, making it budget friendly.

Overall, the kayak is easy to use, with lots of storage space and the most important thing is that it does not compromise on safety and quality. Because of its installed features, it promises a fun and smooth ride.

 

 

This kayak is mostly designed for flatwater use, like on a lake. That is most likely due to its lack of tracking and speed, and that it doesn’t have a motor to make up for it. However, there are some people who have modified this kayak to add a trolling motor, lights, cameras, and more.

Check out the Riot Escape 12 Angler Kayak on Amazon!

If you do decide to modify it, it has to be carefully done and you need to know exactly how to do it. But without any modifications, if you’re looking for a stress free day out on the lake all by yourself, then the Riot Escape 12 Angler is definitely for you.

You won’t be facing any kind of trouble throughout the whole trip. Happy fishing!

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 – A Reliable Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak?

From a company that has specialized in the manufacture of small lightweight water vessels, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a masterpiece worth reviewing. It is not majorly superior to others, and to an untrained eye, it is as casual as almost any other common fishing kayak.

To the trained eye, however, there is a little bit more to it than what is seen at first glance. For that reason, whether you are a fully skilled or trainee kayaker, you need to read through this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review.

 

Sun Dolphin Journey 12

Check out our list of top 5 Sun Dolphin Bali Kayaks!

Framing Construction of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a 12-foot long, rigid, high-density polyethylene kayak specially formulated for this brand. The Fortiflex material gives the boat high UV resistant qualities. It also gifts the deck of the boat with anti-scratch and anti-crack qualities, which are crucial, especially when kayaking in rough waters.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12’s length, combined with its 29.5-inch width, augments its spear-like shape, enhancing the ability of the boat to cut through the water with very little challenge. This sit-on-top kayak’s height comes to about 14 inches, which will serve the user quite well in rough waters while avoiding unnecessary water splashes into the boat’s cockpit.

 

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS angler kayak

This fishing-tailored kayak is also considerably light due to its material and minimalistic rigging. At just 48 pounds, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is quite an easy fit for all levels of kayakers to contemplate using. For color diversity, you will get the kayak in two colors, olive and sand. This makes it especially easy for the user to blend in if they’re fishing in murky water.

For its overall build outlook, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 maintains a simple deck streamline. It has an almost horizontal lining all through it from the aft to the stern. The aft and stern overhangs are also not overly done, which creates stability, even for an inexperienced pair of hands.

Check out our information analysis on the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak here.

The deck curves into a well-planned cockpit area. Regrettably, the cockpit area does not embrace an extra lining of cushion, which can become a little uncomfortable, especially after a long period under the sun.

 

Features of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS has a nice pair of tough thread nylon handles, fitted with a cushy rubber grip to prevent injury during tows and carrying. The pair of handles, contained on top of the fore and stern deck areas, are retractable.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

This solo vessel is capable of accommodating up to 395 pounds, which is a very good standard for almost all sizes of kayakers. This also makes it suitable for long fishing expeditions. To top up the wide range usability feature, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has simple, but comfy form seats.

The standard seat fits well within the wide cockpit to allow for easy maneuvering. However, there are a few people that may find the standard seats to be a little uncomfortable. Unfortunately, you’d have to buy seat pads at an extra cost, if you’re going on day trips.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Kayak here.

Sun Dolphin Angling Kayak

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

Apart from the comfort offered by the open cockpit, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 also comes with thigh pads. These pads are a plus, especially for people who tend to suffer from muscle pulls due to having their legs in such a prone position for long periods.

Adjustable foot braces will keep your legs in place for whichever water conditions you want to experience. The braces have a significantly long tweak, making them capable of accommodating various ranges of leg lengths.

 

Storage

True lovers of fishing kayaks start with the storage space, then aim for the aesthetics. The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is not at the top when it comes to storage space, but it has enough for an ordinary catch. There are two storage areas, the first being a dry storage compartment. Located on the fore deck of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12, it offers space to carry a few essential items for a good ride. A molded-in front bungee compartment works as an alternative spot for the storage of ‘easy-access’ items such as nets and bags.

 

deck spaceThe stern of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS, on the other hand, contains a portable accessory carrier, which can be used as an extra storage container. In order to ensure that you do not lose your items, both the aft and stern deck regions are retrofitted with tough elastic shock cords. These cords are stretchy enough to allow for the pulling of bags in the bungee sections and the removal of the PAC too.

As a fishing kayak, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has two flush-mounted fishing rod holders. These rod holders are strategically placed just behind the kayaker’s seat. This makes it convenient for the kayaker to adjust the fishing reels.

The center cockpit area features a nifty swivel fishing rod holder, which goes a long way in making the fishing experience more pleasurable. The positioning of the swivel rod holder is the single most innovative thing the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 carries.

Pros

  • The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is light enough for one person to carry
  • Cheaper than most kayaks offering the same functionality
  • Easily stabilizes in rough weather
  • Ideal for beginners, as we’ve alread learned in this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review
  • Addition of a P.A.C creates extra storage space

 

Cons

  • Blatant lack of hatches takes away from its ‘fishing capable’ feature
  • Material can be brittle, so no dragging it on the ground during storage and transportation
  • Seating is not suitable for all users, so extra pads might need to be purchased

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Review Conclusion

There is on thing about Sun Dolphin models that never sits well with most buyers, and that is the material. Lightweight as they come, they always seem to suffer the problem of brittleness. However, that is a problem that is also reflected in a good number of polyethylene kayaks.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is still a good vessel to fish in, and one that a newbie can learn to kayak in. If you are graduating from total inexperience in kayaking to a beginner’s level, this boat is one that you should consider looking at.