Eagle Talon 120 Kayak Review
The Eagle Talon 120 by Field & Stream is a popular fishing kayak known for its stability, storage capacity, and angler-focused features, making it a good choice for beginners and intermediate anglers who want an affordable and functional kayak for fishing trips. With a well-thought-out design aimed at providing comfort and efficiency on the water, the Eagle Talon 120 is a versatile sit-on-top kayak that is particularly suited for lakes, rivers, and calmer coastal waters. In this review, we’ll explore the key aspects of the Eagle Talon 120 to help you decide if it’s the right fishing kayak for your needs.
Key Features of the Eagle Talon 120
The Eagle Talon 120 is equipped with features that provide a solid, stable fishing platform while keeping storage and functionality in mind:
- Length: 12 ft
- Width: 30 in
- Weight: 68 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Material: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Type: Sit-On-Top (SOT)
These specifications make the Eagle Talon 120 manageable on the water, while the wide hull enhances stability and keeps it user-friendly.
Stability and Performance
The Eagle Talon 120’s 30-inch width and flat hull provide excellent primary stability, making it easy for anglers to enter and exit the kayak and move around the deck. It’s stable enough for seated casting and reeling, making it a reliable option for fishing in calm to slightly choppy waters.
While the Talon 120 isn’t the fastest kayak, it tracks well in straight lines, allowing paddlers to maintain control when positioning themselves for a catch. The hull design supports a balanced combination of stability and moderate speed, making it ideal for anglers who prioritize stability over speed.
Comfort and Seating
The Eagle Talon 120 includes a padded, adjustable seat designed for comfort during long hours on the water. The seat’s backrest can be adjusted for personalized support, which is particularly helpful for paddlers on extended fishing trips. However, some users find that the padding could be improved for extended use, so consider adding a seat cushion for additional comfort.
The spacious, open cockpit provides plenty of legroom and allows easy access to gear without feeling cramped, making it suitable for anglers of various sizes.
Storage Capacity and Fishing Features
The Eagle Talon 120 shines in terms of storage and fishing accessories, with several angler-specific features designed to keep your gear organized and accessible:
- Bow and Stern Tankwells: The large rear tankwell is ideal for storing a cooler or tackle box, while the front storage area provides additional space for gear.
- Watertight Center Console: A center console between the legs offers dry storage for valuables like phones, keys, and wallets.
- Rod Holders: The kayak includes two flush-mounted rod holders at the stern and one adjustable rod holder near the cockpit, keeping rods within reach and maximizing deck space.
- Accessory Mounting Points: The Eagle Talon 120 has various mounting points for additional accessories, such as a fish finder or GPS.
These features make it easy to keep your fishing gear organized and within reach, allowing for a streamlined experience on the water.
Durability and Build Quality
Constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the Eagle Talon 120 is highly durable and able to withstand impacts, UV exposure, and the wear of regular use. This material is a standard choice for fishing kayaks due to its strength, longevity, and resistance to abrasion, making the Talon 120 a good choice for paddlers who frequently launch in rugged or rocky areas.
Portability and Ease of Transport
Weighing 68 lbs, the Eagle Talon 120 is heavier than some other fishing kayaks in its class, which can make solo transportation challenging. However, it includes carry handles on the bow and stern to facilitate carrying by two people. If transporting solo, using a kayak cart is recommended to make it easier to move over distances.
Its 12-foot length allows it to fit comfortably on most roof racks and trailers, and the flat, wide design ensures stability during transport.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stable, wide hull ideal for seated fishing
- Generous storage options with tankwells, a center console, and rod holders
- Durable HDPE construction for impact and UV resistance
- Affordable option for beginner and intermediate anglers
- Angler-friendly design with accessory mounting points
Cons:
- Heavier weight can make solo transport more difficult
- Moderate speed, more stability-focused than speed-focused
- Basic seat padding may require an upgrade for comfort on longer trips
Ideal for Beginner to Intermediate Anglers
The Eagle Talon 120 is best suited for beginner to intermediate anglers who value stability and ease of use over speed. It performs well in lakes, calm rivers, and light coastal conditions, providing a stable, accessible platform for a relaxing fishing experience. The kayak’s built-in fishing features make it particularly appealing for anglers who want an affordable, purpose-built kayak without needing to invest in a lot of extra accessories.
Final Thoughts on the Eagle Talon 120
The Eagle Talon 120 is a solid, stable kayak that offers great value for anglers looking for an affordable, feature-rich fishing kayak. With ample storage, durable construction, and user-friendly stability, it’s well-suited for recreational fishing on flat and calm waters.
While it may not have the speed or advanced features of higher-end models, the Eagle Talon 120’s angler-focused design, stability, and storage capacity make it a dependable option for those wanting a budget-friendly, fishing-ready kayak.