In our Old Town Topwater 106 PDL review <\/strong>I\u2019ll break down some of my favorite features and any nitpicks I have with this shorter and more maneuverable<\/strong> pedal kayak design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n [Update 2022<\/strong>: The Topwater 106 PDL is out of stock<\/strong> everywhere. I\u2019d suggest getting the Sportsman 106 PDL<\/a> instead since it\u2019s the newer, upgraded version]<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a casual outdoorsman or are new to fishing, the Topwater PDL 106 has most of the features and custom options you\u2019re looking for. But it won\u2019t come cheaply. <\/strong>If you\u2019re on a tighter budget or aren\u2019t sure how much you\u2019ll enjoy fishing, I\u2019d recommend going with a less expensive model to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no shortage of cheaper fishing kayaks that still have great stability and custom options to play with. One of my favorites is the Sea Ghost 130<\/a> from Vibe that comes at a much lower price but still features plenty of gear tracks, great stability, and a really comfortable seat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Topwater PDL isn\u2019t that long for a pedal kayak measuring just ten and a half feet long, but it still will require a sizable storage area and a vehicle capable of safely transporting it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, your storage spot will be in a climate-controlled area like a garage, although a covered shed will be fine. For transportation, plan on investing in a roof rack for your car unless you have a truck with a large bed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, the Topwater 106 PDL is out of stock<\/strong> everywhere. I\u2019d recommend the Sportsman 106 PDL<\/a> instead since it\u2019s the newer, upgraded version]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Length<\/strong>: 10-feet, 6-inches<\/p>\n\n\n\n Width<\/strong>: 36-inches<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weight<\/strong>: 95 pounds<\/p>\n\n\n\n Load Capacity<\/strong>: 450 Pounds<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Topwater PDL 106 is made of a rigid and reliable plastic called polyethylene<\/strong>. One of the most durable <\/strong>kayak materials, it can handle most drops or on-water collisions. Even hitting a rock at high speed shouldn\u2019t be enough to punch a hole in the hull.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n While a little shorter than most pedal kayak models, the Topwater 106 PDL still manages to coax out a respectable top speed<\/strong>. The pedal drive system works well, and strong-legged paddlers should be able to reach five miles an hour in calm, neutral water conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your friends are pedaling bigger, longer models you may have to work harder to keep up, but plan on leaving most traditional paddle kayaks in your wake.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Topwater 106 PDL has a retractable rudder system<\/strong> that can be easily raised and lowered via a lever on the right side of the cockpit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the shorter keel may lead to a lower top speed, it works to your advantage here. The Old Town Topwater PDL is responsive and easy to steer<\/strong>. Even newcomers or young paddlers should be able to get the hang of it in just a few outings. Designed for rivers and lakes<\/strong>, the boat excels at squeezing into tight fishing holes or navigating sharp bends in the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a good idea to bring along a paddle to help you negotiate these tight corners too. It\u2019s also a good safety precaution in case the pedal system is damaged and inoperable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The seat is installed on a sliding track system<\/strong> that lets you adjust it back and forth easily both on dry land and on the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The seatback is secured with nylon straps and allows you to adjust your lumbar support, though the aluminum frame may poke some paddlers<\/strong> through the breathable mesh covering<\/strong>, I still found the seat to be comfortable. If it becomes too much of an issue for you, it\u2019s easy to add a little extra padding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A fishing kayak won\u2019t do you much good if you spend the entire time worried that you\u2019re about to tip over. You won\u2019t have that problem with the Topwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wide 36-inch hull gives you a stable paddling platform<\/strong> that can absorb any sudden shifts in weight as you cast, play, and land your catch. The kayak is rated as stable enough for standing and casting <\/strong>which can be a huge advantage as it allows you to get better distance and accuracy on your casts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I do wish they\u2019d installed a stand-assist strap that helps me feel more stable when standing, but the handle for the drive system is sturdy enough to help you get to your feet.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boat tracks decently enough, but much like the boat\u2019s speed, the tracking is hampered by the shorter keel<\/strong>. This shouldn\u2019t be a problem on rivers, moderately sized lakes, and even protected ocean environments, <\/strong>but it can make traveling over exposed bodies of water dicey and even dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I won\u2019t go as far as calling it indestructible, but you\u2019re going to have to work pretty hard to do serious damage to this boat. With a few precautions, you can expect this boat to last for years<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It comes with two skid plates<\/strong>. The first is on the stern and allows you to drag your kayak without doing too much damage to the hull. If you have to drag it, make sure the plate takes the brunt of the punishment. Over time, dragging your kayak can cause the plastic to peel and scratch which can reduce the boat\u2019s efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second covers the transducer mount and protects your fish finder from any damage. This isn\u2019t featured in a lot of models and I\u2019m glad that Old Town took the time to install one to protect this expensive piece of equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When not in use, store your Topwater 106\u202fPDL out of direct sunlight<\/strong>. Prolonged UV exposure could lead to the plastic warping and weakening over time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like most pedal kayaks, the Topwater PDL is on the heavy side weighing 95 pounds empty.<\/strong> While the skid plates make solo drags and portages much easier, I wish the boat had some better carry handles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A couple of plastic handles are built into the bow and stern<\/strong>, and while they do the job, I prefer the gel molded \u201cT-handles\u201d of some of the boat\u2019s competitors. It\u2019s a minor nitpick and shorter tandem carries won\u2019t be a problem. But it may make longer walks with the boat less desirable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are my preferred gel-style handles along each side of the cockpit so carries with more than two people feel light and easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can make your life easier by always carrying your kayak empty.<\/strong> Even if you feel capable of loading it up with gear, the extra weight can cause the keel to \u201cbow\u201d in the middle of the boat over time leading to warping and a loss of pedaling speed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A paddle clip can be easily installed <\/strong>with a screwdriver so you can bring one along just in case something happens to the pedal system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Outside of that, the boat doesn\u2019t come with much in the way of \u201csweeteners.\u201d <\/strong>But I wouldn\u2019t be too discouraged by this, most boats in this price range are marketed towards more experienced paddlers who probably have a lot of the necessary gear already. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Included paddles and similar features are generally only offered with cheaper recreational and entry-level kayaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Old Town Topwater 106 PDL comes with all the necessary custom features<\/strong> to get your fishing career off to a roaring start. The well-protected transducer mount<\/strong> allows for easy installation of a fish finder without fear of damaging it on a submerged rock or tree branch.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sliding gear tracks<\/strong> have been placed on either side of the cockpit so you can install all your other toys<\/strong> like a GPS, rod holders, a camera, spare tackle storage, or whatever else you feel like you need. Depending on the make and model of your gear, the tracks may need some slight modifying<\/strong>, but this should be simple enough for most anglers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of rod holders, there are two roto-molded holders<\/strong> that can be found directly behind the seat and are easy to reach whether you\u2019re standing or sitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For storage, there\u2019s a covered hatch in the bow <\/strong>that\u2019s watertight and should be large enough to hold all your moisture-sensitive gear like your tent or sleeping bag.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main storage compartment is in the stern<\/strong>. It\u2019s open-air so you\u2019ll need some dry bags, but it\u2019s great for storing oversized pieces of gear like a cooler or tackle box. There\u2019s no need to worry about anything floating away as deck bungees are stretched across it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With the stability to stand and cast, multiple places to install custom features, and a pedal system, it shouldn\u2019t be a surprise that the Top Water PDL is one of the more expensive fishing kayaks on the market. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But with that said you get what you pay for. <\/strong>If you\u2019re a passionate angler who has the time to get out on the water on a consistent basis, a high-end pedal kayak like this may be worth the investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019re a more casual paddler or need something capable of handling some bigger ocean swells, the Topwater 106 PDL probably isn\u2019t the way to go. Look for something either a little bigger (albeit more expensive) or start with a cheaper recreational model to see how much you really enjoy the sport.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The big brother of the Topwater,<\/strong> the Predator is more than 13-feet long and features a huge 500-pound load capacity. It\u2019s more capable of handling ocean swells <\/strong>than its little brother, and while it does come at a higher cost<\/strong>, it\u2019s better for those that will be spending time on saltwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mounting brackets, rod holders, and a comfortable seat highlight the boat\u2019s features and the pedal system is quiet, smooth, and efficient, allowing you to move across the water without scaring your prey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full review of the Old Town Predator PDL.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The same length as the Predator PDL<\/strong>, the Hobie Mirage Outback has a ton of features but weighs a svelte 85 pounds<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the load capacity is a bit smaller at 425 pounds, it should still be enough for most multi-day trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A narrow and efficiently designed bow makes it a fast kayak while not sacrificing any stability and the new pedal system runs smoothly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A pair of standing pads flush with the bow hatch makes for a great platform to stand and cast from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full review of the Mirage Outback.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sitting in the middle between the Topwater and Predator at 12-feet long, the Compass is a nice mid-range option<\/strong>. It\u2019s a little lighter than most pedal kayaks weighing 87 pounds fully rigged, but comes with a nice paddle holder <\/strong>and the gear tracks you\u2019d expect from a kayak of this caliber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s another fishing kayak you can feel confident standing and casting from <\/strong>and I love the extra dry storage hatch<\/strong> located directly in front of the seat. If you\u2019re looking for something a little bigger than the Topwater but don\u2019t want to go all the way up to the biggest pedal models, this is a good kayak for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThings to Consider Before Buying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/1103286_primary-705x509.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSpecifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/1103286_detail17-705x492.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nMaterial<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maneuverability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/1103286_detail06-705x631.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nStability & Tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Portability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Features & Accessories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Fishing Ease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/1103286_detail09-705x745.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nValue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Old Town Predator PDL<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Old-Town-Predator-PDL-top-view.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHobie Mirage Outback<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hobie](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Mirage_Outback-705x204.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHobie Mirage Compass<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Hobie-Mirage-Compass-705x199.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n