How to Choose a Kayak
Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 Kayak with Skeg - 2012/2013
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Love to paddle lakes, but looking to enjoy the experience of some faster-moving rivers? The Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 helps expand your paddling repertoire beyond stillwater.
Shop similar products- High density polyethylene hull withstands years of use and offers high durability
- Sized for medium and large paddlers, the Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 features a hybrid design that's between a purely recreational kayak and 1 designed for moving water
- As with all Wilderness Systems kayaks, you'll love the confidence-inspiring stability of the Aspire 105
- Shallow arch hull is easy to turn, reminiscent of Tarpon and tandem Pamlico series, and it enhances manueverability in class II rivers and even gentle surf
- Upswept, full bow easily rides up and over waves
- Front console fits in multiple sizes of bottles, cans, liter-sized wide-mouth bottles and smaller bottles
- Gear trays on either side of the water-bottle holder offers storage for a small camera, cell phones, sunscreen or sunglasses; drain holes help keep things dry
- Adjustable, spring-loaded skeg deploys with a cord on right side of cockpit and enhances tracking in flatwater
- Phase 3 Air Pro seat offers excellent comfort and intuitive adjustments
- Mesh stretched over contoured foam forms a perforated pad; large holes enhance airflow, and small holes enhance support for sit bones and lower back
- Scalloped, contoured seat pan cradles and cushions legs, and backrest conforms to size of paddler and flexes a bit with every paddle stroke
- Icons show what each adjustment strap does, and all control points are forward of the paddler and centrally located to reduce strain
- Leg lifter uses handle to shore up space below your legs; back strap lowers seat back, and the angle of back rest is adjustable as well
- Small gear bag under seat features a gear clip and enough capacity for a water bottle or extra food
- Rear bungee cords lock seat back forward during transport
- Knee pads enhance comfort inside cockpit and allow greater maneuverability
- Slidelock footrail system is easily adjustable, comfortable and rugged; footbraces adjust via extension rod that places positioning at your fingertips
- Generous rear Orbix stern hatch holds your lunch, paddling gear and extra clothes, and rear bulkheaded compartment keeps things organized and dry
- Orbix hatch cover features a hinged design and locking lever; to open hatch, simply slide lever to unlock cover and flip open to access gear
- Comfort carry handles at bow and stern make transporting the 48 lb. Aspire 105 kayak easy
- Skid plate protects bottom of kayak from scuffs
Made in USA.
View all Wilderness Systems Recreational Kayaks| Best Use | Flatwater Kayaking |
|---|---|
| Material(s) | Polyethylene |
| Length | 10 ft. 6 in. |
| Width | 29 inches |
| Depth | 15.5 inches |
| Weight | 48 pounds |
| Cockpit Size | 51.5 x 23.5 inches |
| Seat Type | Padded / Foam |
| Number of Paddlers | 1-person |
| Paddle Included | No |
| Hatch Capacity | Unavailable |
| Weight Capacity (lbs) | 400 pounds |
| Tracking System | Retractable Skeg |
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Location:Santa Rosa, CA, United States
11 years ago
Great boat for a bigger guy
Yes , I recommend this product
This boat is great!. I'm 5'11'' 260 and I feel very comfortable and not tipsy. It's easy to maneuver. The skig is a nice little tool. Transports easily and the storage compartment fits a ton of stuff for camping (as long as you pack backpacking style). When I ordered the boat and called in to make sure it was there the REI employee said it was the "sexiest boat she'd ever seen" and she was right. The color scheme is amazing (SF GIANTS fan here). Seat is also very adjustable. Definitely recommend a sponge/bailer. Ultimately I would definitely recommend this boat.
Location:Providence, RI
12 years ago
Great kayak for larger paddlers
Yes , I recommend this product
I am a 6'6" 280 lb man and I find this kayak to be very comfortable. The cockpit is nice and wide with easy entry/exit. The seat is very versatile to add to the comfort.The kayak is also very stable. The drop down skeg helps with tracking and the boat overall is very maneuverable. I had a Perception Carolina 14.5 previously and I find the Aspire 105 to be superior in every way. Highly recommended for a larger paddler such as myself. My wife bought the 10 ft version and the differences are many. Not just the shorter length, but the cockpit is narrower and more shallow. The body is also not as wide.
Location:Browns Summit, NC
11 years ago
Great Crossover kayak
Yes , I recommend this product
I have a Tarpon 140 sit on top that is a great flat water kayak but I was looking for one that I could also use on class II and II rapids. I researched online and then attended a PaddleFest at a local lake, trying out 3 different crossover kayaks. Fell in love with the Aspire 105. It is excellent on the river, very maneuverable and very stable. Wilderness Systems also rates this kayak as faster than some of their much longer touring kayaks. I often kayak with a group and have found that I can more than keep up with everyone else. With the drop down skeg deployed this kayak tracks extremely well. Overall, I love everything about this kayak and highly recommend it.
Location:Hartland, WI, United States
10 years ago
The ideal kayak
Yes , I recommend this product
It was a tough decision, deciding between the aspire 105 and the pongo 120. I tried both boats out at a local demo. The reasons that I chose the aspire are: the aspire has a drop down skeg that makes the kayak track almost as good as the pungo yet can be retracted for more maneuverability where as the pongo will always be tougher to turn. the aspire is 1.5 feet shorter which helps with loading, storage and entering and exiting the boat. The aspire is rated at 400 lbs. of capacity the pongo is rated at 325. The seating frame is supported with 4 bolts, the pungo is supported with 2 the aspire also is a slightly wider boat and and has a deeper cockpit. Both boats are stable and comfortable the I think the aspire will go through very shallow water a little better. also the aspire is less expensive by about $100.00 I with the savings I bought a nice Wernre carbon skaget fg.
Location:Michigan
12 years ago
Great boat
Yes , I recommend this product
I love the kayak!