While it\u2019s more expensive than some similar kayaks<\/strong>, Old Town has spent decades crafting high-performance boats that are incredibly stable and usually worth the extra cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you\u2019re in the market for a fast kayak with solid tracking<\/strong> and don\u2019t mind a little less dry storage space, you may have just found the right fishing kayak for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Predator MX is a \u201csit-on-top\u201d kayak,<\/strong> the most common design for hard-sided recreational and fishing kayaks. These boats are known for their stability<\/strong> and open cockpit designs which makes it easy for paddlers of all ages to get in and out <\/strong>with little trouble. Some fishing kayaks are so stable you can even stand and cast without fear of capsizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the wider hull and open cockpit does have a few drawbacks. The biggest one is that there\u2019s little to no protection from the elements<\/strong>. If you live in a wet climate or will be on rough water, be sure that you\u2019re properly dressed and be prepared to get wet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If this doesn\u2019t sound appealing or unsafe, consider going with a sit-in kayak design like the Prodigy XS.<\/a> It doesn\u2019t have the same fishing features but will keep you drier, especially if you wear a spray skirt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Predator MX is one of the longer fishing kayaks measuring 12-feet in length<\/strong>. Make sure you have adequate storage space<\/strong> before purchasing, preferably somewhere that\u2019s climate controlled or at the very least protected from the elements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you have a big truck, plan on transporting your Predator MX via a roof rack<\/strong>. Make sure you have the proper straps and a strong enough rack to move it safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Length<\/strong>: 12-feet<\/p>\n\n\n\n Width<\/strong>: 34-inches<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weight<\/strong>: 82 pounds<\/p>\n\n\n\n Load Capacity<\/strong>: 400 pounds<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Predator MX is made of a tough plastic called Polyethylene<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rigid and inflexible, you don\u2019t have to worry about this material bending or twisting in the waves. Highly resistant to punctures, it can handle any bumps or on-water collisions and keep on going<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 12-foot keel length and efficient design gives the Predator MX an impressive top speed for a fishing kayak<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It won\u2019t keep pace with longer touring kayaks, but if it\u2019s a decent distance to your favorite fishing hole, this model will cut down on your paddle time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually longer keeled kayaks have a tough time with tight turns. Even without a rudder, the Predator MX can handle tight riverbanks and small corners better than most boats this size<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re heading out on the open ocean or on fast-moving rivers it may start to feel a little sluggish. But for protected waters, I was pleasantly surprised by its turn radius.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re going to be on the water all day, you\u2019ll want a comfortable seat. Designed to fit anglers of all shapes and sizes, the Predator MX has a wide backed seat with a tough metal frame that can be adjusted back and forth<\/strong>. I do wish the seatback was a little bit taller, but the super comfortable seat that includes padding on the bottom and back more than makes up for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For your feet, there\u2019s an adjustable track system that\u2019s easy to adjust even on the water.<\/strong> I prefer this track system to the \u201cfoot well\u201d design of some competitors. My feet always seem to find those dead spaces between the wells and it\u2019s nice to not worry about it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While not as wide as some angling kayaks, the Predator MX still manages to maintain excellent stability thanks to the tri-hull design<\/strong>. It\u2019s approved for standing and casting<\/strong> which is a huge advantage over fishing from a sitting position and the stand assist strap makes it even easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Standing gives you better distance and accuracy on your casts and can make it easier to spot passing schools of fish. If you haven\u2019t done much standing and casting from a kayak before, I\u2019d recommend starting out in calm water near shore until you get your sea legs under you and would avoid trying to stand in noticeable chop or tidally influenced areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hull design also helps when it comes to tracking. Combined with the longer keel length and narrower width, the Predator MX can maintain its course much better than most similar rudderless kayaks<\/strong>. I\u2019d still recommend the same level of caution about going out into choppy or windy areas, but you should be able to paddle a straight line to most of your fishing destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your Predator MX to last a long time<\/strong>. Outside of a catastrophic drop while transporting, it\u2019s almost impossible to puncture the hull. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But the better you treat your kayak, the longer it will last. It doesn\u2019t have a skid plate<\/strong> on the hull so I\u2019d recommend carrying your kayak to and from the water whenever possible. Dragging will produce scratches and over time, the plastic will begin to peel. This can create additional drag and decrease your paddling efficiency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If possible, store your kayak out of direct sunlight<\/strong> when not in use. UV rays can weaken the plastic over time causing it to warp and be susceptible to damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At 82-pounds, the Predator MX is a little heavier than most kayaks in this class<\/strong>. That coupled with the longer keel can make it a challenge to transport on your own or get on top of a vehicle. If you\u2019re going to be moving the kayak solo, I\u2019d suggest investing in a little kayak cart to get it safely to the water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tandem carries are made easier with built-in handholds on the bow and stern<\/strong>. These hard plastic molds aren\u2019t as comfortable on your fingers as the gel \u201cT-handles\u201d that other kayaks have, but for short portages, it\u2019s not too big of a deal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Predator MX comes with a paddle rest and side mount <\/strong>so that your paddle is out of the way and secure while fishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it doesn\u2019t come with a paddle or scupper plugs<\/strong>, though that\u2019s pretty common for kayaks in this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No fishing kayak would be complete if it didn\u2019t come filled with custom features and options. The Predator MX comes with multiple rod holders<\/strong> and bungees including protective silicone tips for extra protection for these valuable pieces of equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For customization, the boat comes with six mounting plates <\/strong>where you can install whatever you want. To install, simply remove the plate and drill the necessary fasteners into the mounting plates instead of having to worry about drilling into your brand new kayak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A large tank-well storage hatch<\/strong> in the stern is a great spot for a tackle box or large cooler and is easily accessible from the cockpit. A dry hatch is located in the bow, and while it\u2019s a decent size, I wish it was a little bigger for overnight trips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve already mentioned the excellent stability, but it\u2019s worth repeating that the ability to stand and cast alone makes the Predator MX worth the investment. Slip-resistant mats <\/strong>have been placed directly in front of the seat to give you more traction while standing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re new to kayaking, the easy paddling and reassuring stability may be just what you need to get comfortable on the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While the tracking and maneuvering is fine in calm conditions, I wish they\u2019d made it easier to install a rudder or skeg<\/strong>. Chances are you won\u2019t have any issue if you\u2019re spending the majority of your time on lakes and rivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019re looking to go out on the open ocean or traversing water that may be more dynamic and unpredictable, you may prefer to go with a boat that has a rudder so you have another method of steering besides your paddle stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With all the custom features and excellent stability, the Predator MX comes in at the higher end of the price range for a mid-range kayak<\/strong>. You can probably find a cheaper boat that can get the job done, but don\u2019t expect to find this combination of stability and customization for much cheaper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I spent some time online and found most people had positive reviews<\/strong> for the Predator MX. Most of the enthusiasm was saved for the boat’s excellent stability and wide deck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the main nitpicks centered around the boat\u2019s heavy weight and the need for solo paddlers to drag the kayak to and from the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One question posted on Old Town\u2019s website mentioned the keel of one Predator MX wearing out after six years of dragging it over riffles. But Old Town replaced it for a reasonable cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A foot longer than the Predator MX, the Predator 13 has a similar width giving it an efficient design that glides over the water. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll find many of the mainstay Old Town features<\/strong> here such as six mounting plates where you can install your own fishing gadgets without having to drill into your kayak. I love the dual tackle holders which are easily accessible from the cockpit, and the central console allows for further customization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The same excellent stability<\/strong> you expect from Old Town is here so standing and casting from this battleship of a kayak feels plenty safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our honest Predator 13 review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Sea Ghost 130 comes with all the custom gear tracks and central console that Vibe is known for. Not to worry, the comfy \u201chero\u201d seat has made the journey too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Longer and heavier, this thing is a tank, able to hold an impressive 550 pounds<\/strong>. The 2019 version comes with a more watertight bow hatch and the boat\u2019s whole performance level has been upgraded. The biggest improvement comes in calm water where the Sea Ghost 130 is faster and more maneuverable than its predecessor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full review of the Vibe Sea Ghost 130.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n With a similar design to the Predator MX, the Topwater 120 from Old Town is another high-end angling kayak. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no rudder included in this design, but it comes with plenty of customization options<\/strong> as well as a similar seat design that\u2019s comfortable and adjustable. A transducer mounting system allows you to install a fish finder in the cockpit without any drilling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Its biggest advantage to the Predator MX comes with its larger load capacity<\/strong>. Able to carry up to 500 pounds, this big boat can handle weeklong trips as long as you pack properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With its long keel and excellent stability, the Predator MX shines on lakes and rivers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019d still suggest a boat with a rudder for bigger bodies of water, but when deployed in the right conditions, it\u2019s one of the better boats in its class. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThings to Consider Before Buying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Old](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/1090755_primary-705x455.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSpecifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maneuverability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stability & Tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Fishing-ease-705x441.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDurability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Portability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Portability.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFeatures & Accessories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Fishing Ease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Value<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Customer Feedback<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Old Town Predator 13<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Old](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Predator-13-705x481.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nVibe Sea Ghost 130<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/vibe-sea-ghost-130\u202forange-e1591392027372.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nOld Town Topwater 120<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Old](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Topwater-120-705x476.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nConclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n