$399 VS $649 What's The Difference? Budget Kayak Comparison

"Is it really worth $250 more?" "Why would anyone spend that when Walmart has them for $300?"

I hear these sorts of questions all the time, and honestly, they're valid! Who would you spend $250 more is the $400 one is just is good. I mean look at the specs and features, they are so similar! Without the ability to really touch in feel, or speak with a professional these sorts of questions are often left unanswered. My goal in this video is to bring you guys along and show you the details I notice between two comparable entry-level fishing kayaks. I hope this helps your buying process.

Thanks for watching and Happy Paddlin!
Dan

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[twowheelslater]

I have had both but don't any longer have either. The moken 10.5 is head and shoulders above the lifetime. The lifetime is probably a better boat for a youth and really paddles better than the moken. The moken is really stable but a barge and spins when you quit paddling. It needs the rudder to live with it. I don't think of the lifetime as a fishing yak its more of a rec yak that you can fish from. It will go over quick when you reach back if you arent paying attention. No go with a bunch of expensive tackle and rods.
My lifetime went back because it showed up with two left foot rests and screws missing. Couldn't get parts from lifetime. They said they were shut down at the time because of covid. The moken was warrantied because it cracked behind the scuppers under the seat. Now I have a Moken 12.5 v2 and I am a happy camper. Skip both of these and get the moken 12.5. It is really worth the money. You can save on the rudder if you went with the 12.5.

[HypoLuxa]

I absolutely love how you talk about and show the hulls of the kayaks you review so much of the time. So many "reviews" out there just go through the features and don't talk about the actual build and design of the yaks. Thank you!

[rorschach]

I went kayaking for the first time in my life and I loved it. If I was amazed with those cheap rental ones, I can’t imagine all the fun with one of these. Def will buy one soon, following you now. great comparison between these two!!

[-SINSLAY]

Your videos got me into kayaking this year. Finding a kayak wasn’t the easiest though due to all going on in the world. Now that I know love the hobby I’m looking to upgrade into the Feelfree. Appreciate your videos and reviews!

[kadams]

You do a really great job of going over the full boat on your walkthroughs; I just purchased a Moken 10 v2 here in Ohio and your video ( and others) helped me make my decision....your work beyond being a seller but a reviewer and content creator as well is greatly appreciated...

[WeePee]

The biggest factor in choosing my tamarack pro was the weight and overall size. As a smaller guy I needed something I could easily get on and off the roof of my hatchback solo.

[steveprinty]

Excellent review. Similar boats, but one is built down to a price and the other is built up to a standard. Nothing wrong with that, both seem fairly priced. So you get what you pay for with either one. I have met a lot of kayakers who were happy with their first “budget” boat, but are saving for a better one. I’m glad wife and I were able to skip that step and start with Eddyline. Life is short.

[NickyKDChaleunphone]

I think the Lifetime Kayaks are great for entry level kayak fishing and for those who want to get started in Kayak Fishing

[skullduggerysmiles]

My advice is whatever kit you can afford, look after it, keep it clean and don't abuse it. It will last much longer. Always get the best paddle you can, cheaper ones tend to have less longevity.

[wordhog]

You are missed, the best Kayak reviews on YouTube

[vernonsimmons]

A new appreciation for the Moken 10’ ...Thanks Dan as always.

[randywester]

So thankful for your comparisons. You do an excellent job.

[Sally]

Dan...I’m still shopping, but have watched now probably every one of your videos. I get the stink eye from my wife when I hint around I’d like to get a kayak, because I’m almost 70, retired, and so not much extra money for yet another hobby (I do have quite a few). I think my best bet...for me...for now...will be the Tamarack (non-Pro). I just want to fish ponds, backwaters, and slow rivers. Thanks so much for your thoughtful and insightful reviews!

[greggvarnadore]

I'm 6ft 250lbs and I love my Moken 10v2, my first kayak. I think its a great boat for the money especially when paired with a Bending Branches Angler Pro Plus paddle.

[mikes]

The added features seems to be well worth the added $250. I think the rudder kit would make it a top notch rig for a budget kayak.

[moziasgezias]

I got a bigfish 105 for my first kayak 2 years ago and still love it, and its holding up very good.

[tommyrehbein]

My friend just bought the Moken 10 V2 this past spring and she loves it! I love it as well but bought a sportsman 120 cuz im a lil But bang for the dollar, when they are on sale for $699 - you're just not gonna beat it for quality of build and bang for buck. The purple camo really snaps!

[KayakingBubblehead]

I'm going to be buying 2 of the Lifetime Tamarack Pro's for my oldest grandsons, the boat is plenty big enough for both boys and for what we will be using them for. Thank you for continuing to do these videos and reviews, I enjoy watching them.

[TJ_Lovesfish]

I have a V1 Moken 12.5. paid 600$ for it brand new when the V2's came out. I must say, the wheel in the keel that Feelfree puts on their kayaks has made me a Feelfree fan for life.

[codyk]

Feelfree all day. For $250 more you're getting something much higher quality that will easily last twice as long as the Lifetime. Being pre-plumbed for a rudder is a big plus, and the wheel in the keel is a game changer. I thought it was stupid gimmick when I saw it online, but I love it on my Lure 11.5. Hopefully they move away from their proprietary gear rails in the future.

I wish Feelfree would change their Moken molds to use the transducer pod and accept their pedal drive. I feel like a Moken 12.5 with a pedal drive being offered at the $1500-$1600 price point would one of the best values in the industry. And a Moken 14 with the current 30 inch width and a pedal drive would be an offshore machine and a Hobie revo competitor.