It is no surprise to any kayak lovers that the Pungo 125 is one of the bestselling sit inside kayaks. Wilderness Systems has taken the great features of the original Pungo and merged it with innovative flair. As a result, they have created a dynamic, stable, and fast kayak. Continue reading to find out the good and the bad about the Wilderness Systems Pungo 125.
Features of Pungo 125
If you are a larger paddler, this model is ideal for you. It still gives you plenty of room for everything you need. In addition, it has remarkable stability while not giving up any of its incredible speed.
Key features to consider with the Pungo 125:
- 12’6” long
- 29.5” wide
- Weighs 53 pounds
- 425-pound max capacity
- Adjustable foot rests
- Dashboard with cup holders
- Removable dry box
- A place to charge electronics
- Thigh pads
- Sealed bulkheads for storage
- Adjustable seat with ergonomic support
- Speed while maintaining stability
Size – 12.6 ft Kayak
The Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 has taken all kayakers into consideration. The Pungo kayak has three models, all for varying sizes. The Pungo 125 is intended for larger paddlers to provide a comfortable and secure fit. It has a deck height of 15 inches and weighs 53 pounds. Despite its larger size, it remains dynamic and fast. You can use this model for all water types, but best on slow moving, calm coastal, or still waters. It is well balanced with a moderately V shaped hull to help you feel comfortable, even if you are new to kayaking.
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Comfort
The Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 is one of the best selling sit-in kayaks because of its superior comfort. It provides you with a more significant amount of comfort while paddling with the Phase 3 Air Pro seat. It is completely adjustable and provides lower back support. The seat has foam with honeycomb vents to supply you with more airflow to keep you cool. The Pungo 125 offers you a cockpit like design to make long rides more enjoyable. It has foot rests that are adjustable, providing room for paddlers of various sizes. The foot rests slide forward and backward, allowing you to make easy adjustments. The foot rests keep your knees at a slight bend allowing you to keep your core engaged. In addition, the Pungo 125 has thigh pads for greater comfort.
Innovation
The redesigned Pungo 125 kept some old favorites in its design while adding some innovative upgrades. The hull of the Pungo has been thoroughly tested and engineered to ensure the utmost stability while keeping performance in mind. Despite being slightly longer and wider, it has not lost any speed and remains efficient on any type of water. The dashboard provides you the ability to store many items in the removal dry box.
In addition to keeping these items safe and dry, but keep them close to you throughout your ride. The dashboard also includes two cup holders and a slidetrax for all your accessories. In the Pungo, there is a recessed area where you can keep your electronics and charge them while they are stored. The rear hatch of your kayak provides a dry and secure place to store items that you do not quickly access to while you are paddling. Finally, the bulkhead of the stern has a compartment for your small bag to keep it dry. While the kayak is not a fishing kayak per se, you can certainly use it to catch a bass or two!
You can also check a great video overview by outdoorzone here:
What Do Users Say
In general, the users generally like the Pungo 125. Paddlers are pleased with the amount of room it provides. They feel that they have enough room to fit themselves and extras in the kayak. They love the speed that the kayak has despite the larger size. Many reviewers talk about the lumbar support and comfort of the kayak seat. They were pleasantly surprised at the amount of comfort it provides.
Users did note that if they could make any upgrades to the kayak, they would add a bulkhead in the front. They also stated that they would increase the deck pitch in the front. Another user noted that the quality control may have been lacking on his kayak because the bulkhead was not secured to the bottom of the kayak. This was easy to fix, and the kayak works wonderfully.
Pros and Cons
Now that we are armed with the knowledge from above, let’s check out pros and cons.
Some of the highlights of the Pungo 125 you should consider are:
- Compatible with a spray skirt for paddling in cold water to keep your torso and legs dry
- Some amount of storage space to keep all your items dry
- Excellent speed
- Lightweight despite its size
- Stable and wide handles proficiently
There are some drawbacks that you may want to consider before purchasing:
- Harder to carry around because of its length
- Not that much space to carry all of your items
Conclusion
Our rating: 
4.5 / 5
The Pungo 125 is perfect for a paddler that is heavier and taller. It is slightly wider than most other kayaks giving you greater stability, especially when you are on the larger size. It offers you additional space behind the seat and under the bulkhead. The Pungo 125 is ideal for longer adventures. The Pungo 125 is a little heavier than other kayaks but gives you the ability to travel faster and for longer distances.
The Pungo 125 is great for overnight trips, especially once you learn how to pack appropriately for those types of trips. You can keep your safety equipment inside the kayak instead of strapping your equipment to the top of the deck. There is bungee deck rigging in the even you want to strap items to the top of your kayak. This kayak gives you speed, stability, storage, and comfortable travel. The Pungo 125 provides you with carrying handles that allow you to carry your kayak comfortably. The Pungo 125 is made in the United States.
FAQs
1) What is Important to Know About Taking a Kayak For a Ride?
It is important to wear a life jacket anytime you go for a ride. It is possible for a kayak to capsize during your ride and you make have to swim. If the water is cold, it can lower your body temperature, which may make it difficult to swim and potentially cause drowning. This makes it essential to wear a life jacket.
2) What Should I Do Before I Go For a Ride?
Before you take any kayak out on the water, you want to make sure you assess the conditions of the weather and water. Weather that seems beautiful and calm can quickly turn into a day that causes hazards on the water. Therefore, you should make sure you understand how the forecast may change. You also want to check your kayak to ensure that it meets all safety requirements. Finally, you want to make sure you paddle your kayak in a responsible manner and take all safety precautions.