Ascend kayaks are a well known brand carried by big box sporting good stores like Bass pro shops and Cabelas. While ascend kayaks are made for fishing and recreational use, they can be great duck hunting platforms too. We’re going to take a look at a sit on top option, the H12, and a sit in option, the 133x, for the best Ascend kayak for duck hunting.
H12 Hybrid Sit-In Kayak Review
The H12 is a sit in hybrid kayak. A good hybrid kayak mixes two different styles to perform more tasks and offer more options. In the case of the H12 hybrid you get the freeboard of a canoe or sit in kayak and a squared-off bow and stern. But, you also have the seating flexibility and freedom of movement that comes with a sit on top kayak.
For duck hunting the H12 comes in a camo hull color. The H12 is wide for a sit-in kayak, making it roomy and stable. Since the H12 is a fishing kayak it has rod holders that can double as stake holders for your duck blind too. A stepped keel and tunnel hull make for good stability, tracking, and easy paddling.
The open cockpit allows for freedom of movement and the adjustable seating is nice for a comfortable hunt. Plus saddlebags are inside the gunnel for storing smaller items with a waterproof phone case.
The H12 also has multiple accessory rails for cameras, gun holders, paddle holders, etc.
Plus, the H12 works perfectly with the Northern Flight Waterfowl Kayak Blind which makes it even better and easier for duck hunters to camo up and hide.
Check out Freelance Duck Hunting’s review of the H12 as a duck hunting kayak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI2K0wTLfPU
Ascend 133X Yak-Power Sit-On Kayak
The ascend 133x is a sit on top kayak with a catamaran style hull and a 550 pound weight capacity. This is going to be a kayak for duck hunters who like to carry a lot of gear to the blind, need extra room and a stable shooting platform.
The catamaran hull is very good for stability, but the titanium hull color is not a good color for duck hunting. This kayak would have to be brushed in, covered or painted to really blend as a duck hunting rig. The 128x has a better hull color and is a good duck hunting option but it does carry 100 pounds less than the 133x.
What sets the 133x apart is the yak-power system. This is a pre-wired electronic system set up for trolling motors on the bow or stern, fish finders, and power pole anchors. This makes adding electronics and hooking up a trolling motor easy. The trolling motor is a nice addition for duck hunting, especially when retrieving ducks or moving in strong winds or currents.
The 133x also has accessory rails and lots of storage fore and aft. Since this is a fishing kayak it comes with rod holders too, but they are multipurpose.
Another nice feature is the adjustable seating system w/high-back seat & underseat storage tray. This is comfort and convenience for those long days in the blind.
For more on duck hunting kayaks, click on the link to go to our other page.
Conclusion
We’ve covered what makes these the best ascend kayaks for duck hunting. The overall theme was lots of storage space, stability, accessories, and comfortable functional adjustable seating.
So what do you need in a duck hunting kayak?