Post by Renrag on Aug 12, 2013 12:19:28 GMT
As most of you know, I'm in the market to upgrade my OK Scrambler.
There are many to choose from but was initially tempted by the Tempo, which is basically a rebadged Scupper Pro, for all intents and purposes and is recommended by many characters of dubious sanity.
Then I looked into purpose built fishing kayaks and settled on the Abaco, as the 'alternative'.
Terry did the rest and we ended up at Denver Sluice for a test paddle. Top Bloke!
The Pro's-
The Tempo is cheaper, faster, lighter and tracks like a Polaris missile.
The Abaco is purpose built for the angler, well equipped and super stable (I stood up in it after 5mins...), footpegs and loads of nooks, crannies and storage without modding.
The Con's-
The Tempo comes fairly well equipped for a converted Touring SOT but I despise the rod holders behind the seat and it does lack deck space for further modification where it matters. ie within arms reach.
I also struggled to get comfy on the heel rests and is a sod to turn.
The Abaco is far more expensive, harder to manhandle and sluggish in comparison.
To be totally honest, the Tempo was always an outside bet after I initially saw the Abaco but I would highly recommend the Tempo to a 'paddler', as Terry says.
It's a very capable touring kayak you can fish from and can imagine doing just that.
Unfortunately, I'm an Angler who happens to like the idea of a kayak as a tool to get me to the fish and who wants to fish whilst paddling. Here the Abaco comes into its own.
Despite its initial resistance, it is a good, easy paddle, no harder than my Scrambler. The thought that has gone into its design is unbelievable. Yes the hatches and wells are massive, but its the details that get me. The paddle slot under the holder, the cubbies either side and the internal rod stowage are what sells it to me.
I would dearly like to have both, I still want to keep my Scrambler too as it's still better than either the Tempo or Abaco for the upper reaches of the rivers I frequent but I doubt SWMBO will allow such folly.
For me at least, the Abaco is the clear choice. It will be more useable, in more situations and lend itself to a wider range of fishing styles.
It's like trying to compare an MGF Convertible to a Diesel Family Hatchback.
Yes the MGF will be the most fun, but only in good weather on dry roads. In the winter you will cramped, miserable and cold, unless you're missing some important hardware upstairs.
Unsuprisingly, I have a Diesel Family Hatchback. It's a Laguna. I get 50mpg and I can fit a roofrack to it. That's where the Abaco will likely spend much of its time.
There are many to choose from but was initially tempted by the Tempo, which is basically a rebadged Scupper Pro, for all intents and purposes and is recommended by many characters of dubious sanity.
Then I looked into purpose built fishing kayaks and settled on the Abaco, as the 'alternative'.
Terry did the rest and we ended up at Denver Sluice for a test paddle. Top Bloke!
The Pro's-
The Tempo is cheaper, faster, lighter and tracks like a Polaris missile.
The Abaco is purpose built for the angler, well equipped and super stable (I stood up in it after 5mins...), footpegs and loads of nooks, crannies and storage without modding.
The Con's-
The Tempo comes fairly well equipped for a converted Touring SOT but I despise the rod holders behind the seat and it does lack deck space for further modification where it matters. ie within arms reach.
I also struggled to get comfy on the heel rests and is a sod to turn.
The Abaco is far more expensive, harder to manhandle and sluggish in comparison.
To be totally honest, the Tempo was always an outside bet after I initially saw the Abaco but I would highly recommend the Tempo to a 'paddler', as Terry says.
It's a very capable touring kayak you can fish from and can imagine doing just that.
Unfortunately, I'm an Angler who happens to like the idea of a kayak as a tool to get me to the fish and who wants to fish whilst paddling. Here the Abaco comes into its own.
Despite its initial resistance, it is a good, easy paddle, no harder than my Scrambler. The thought that has gone into its design is unbelievable. Yes the hatches and wells are massive, but its the details that get me. The paddle slot under the holder, the cubbies either side and the internal rod stowage are what sells it to me.
I would dearly like to have both, I still want to keep my Scrambler too as it's still better than either the Tempo or Abaco for the upper reaches of the rivers I frequent but I doubt SWMBO will allow such folly.
For me at least, the Abaco is the clear choice. It will be more useable, in more situations and lend itself to a wider range of fishing styles.
It's like trying to compare an MGF Convertible to a Diesel Family Hatchback.
Yes the MGF will be the most fun, but only in good weather on dry roads. In the winter you will cramped, miserable and cold, unless you're missing some important hardware upstairs.
Unsuprisingly, I have a Diesel Family Hatchback. It's a Laguna. I get 50mpg and I can fit a roofrack to it. That's where the Abaco will likely spend much of its time.