When looking for a reliable kayak, there are many things to consider. First and foremost is its reliability and durability when it emerges in water and how it cooperates with the paddler on any kind of rough watersgh, like still, rou or hardwood drifted waters. A few reminders to look for a good kayak are its height and weight, both affecting the speed and stability of the kayak, a comfortable seat for positioning, built-in rod holders that you can use for fishing, and a good foot brace for better traction and performance. These are just a few of the features you need when looking for a good angler kayak. Two of the best kayaks for anglers are Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 and Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT Angler.
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Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11
The Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 is one of the most highly stable kayaks on the market. This kayak can be easily maneuvered and is perfect for fishing. The Scrambler 11 has 11 feet and 6.5 inches, an ideal height for a better speed. It’s as wide as 29.5 inches, giving the paddler a better and wider deck to stand up, thus providing better stability. This kayak can support a maximum load of up to 350 lbs. The kayak is also equipped with Comfort plus Seating System with a large molded-in seat for the paddler’s comfort during the ride. A 6-inch cam lock hatch with a storage bucket keeps your equipment and gadgets safe and secure from getting wet. A molded-in cup holder keeps the paddler comfortable and refreshed during the voyage, and a built-in ergonomic bow and stern handle carry the kayak in and out of the water quickly. Paddle keepers keep the paddles in place and need not worry about the paddles rolling out of the kayak and into the water, a skid plate, a threaded hull drain plug, and so much more.
Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT Angler
The XT, in the Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT Angler, meant EXTRA. It’s a Scrambler. However, it made extra and so much more to offer. This means extra room to roam around, more fishing rod holders, higher capacity compared to the Scrambler 11, paddle holder, center hatch, and it is also made extra-long and extra wide.
The Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT Angler is made to have a length of 12 feet for an even faster speed and 29 inches wide to provide a more expansive deck and better stability. Also made with a Comfort Plus seating system and molded-in low seat, this gives the paddler a better and more comfortable seating position while tracking along the water. A molded-in cup holder as well for easily accessible refreshment, a center hatch to keep your equipment dry, a skid plate, a threaded hull drain plug to keep the water out when the kayak is about to be filled with water, and paddle holders to keep your paddle in place. These are just a few of the features that the Ocean kayak Scrambler XT Angler possesses.
The Similarities
There are a lot of features that both the Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 and Scrambler XT Angler have in common. Both kayaks have a Comfort Plus seat backrest that provides a comfortable sitting position for the paddler and assists with a foot bracing system. This gives the paddler better traction, thus providing faster speed and better performance. The large-sized tank with bungee and a storage bucket provides the angler with ample space to store his equipment and other necessities like food and water to keep him replenished during the journey.
The Ocean Scrambler 11 and Scrambler XT Angler kayaks are also made with a carved-in cup holder to keep the paddlers refreshed with the readily accessible cup holder, side-mounted carrying handles, and built-in ergonomic stern and bow easy carry handles that provide comfortable and easy grip to carry the kayaks around and wherever they wanted to go. Both the Ocean kayak Scrambler 11 and Scrambler XT Angler have renowned Tri-Form hull that gives the kayaks a good design and are necessary for a kayak that helps in slicing through the water without putting much effort in paddling, a threaded hull drain plug to quickly drain the kayak when it’s about to be filled with water and skid plates for better performance on the water.
These are just a few of the standard features that both the Ocean Scrambler 11 and Scrambler XT Angler kayaks possess. And these are the best features that all of the anglers are are looking for in a kayak; this gives the anglers a better performance and stalking ability while on the water and gives them enough space to bring equipment and other necessities for the fishing trip.
The Comparison
Though there are similarities between the Ocean Scrambler 11 and Scrambler XT Angler Kayaks, there is also a difference between the two. When the Scrambler XT has a molded low seat and multi-foot brace system that provides better traction for speed and gives the angler a better performance for stalking his prey, the Scrambler 11 is made with a large molded-in seat well and foot brace system, slightly higher than the seat of the Scrambler XT. This gives the angler a better view in casting his fishing rod and a better angle, though the speed and the performance have the same similarities as the Scrambler XT.
And since XT refers to EXTRA in the Scrambler XT, there are extra fishing rod holders for the anglers, which are best for multi- and hands-free fishing. The Scrambler 11 has a 6 Cam Lock Hatch, while the Scrambler XT only has a center hatch; though quite the same, it is very useful for the paddler’s gadgets and other equipment to keep them dry and safe. Although slightly smaller than the Scrambler 11, the Scrambler XT is made to have extra room for the paddler to stand up and get comfortable during the ride. And since the Scrambler XT is made almost as wide as the Scrambler 11, this makes the kayak a more stable kayak than the Scrambler 11.
Although longer than the Scrambler XT, the Scrambler 11 is made to be slightly faster than the Scrambler XT as the length does affect the kayak’s speed; however, when it comes to the hull design, both are the same.
Conclusion
It isn’t easy to choose between the two; although similar in a few features, they have a few differences that give each kayak a unique design and tools needed for the fishing trip for anglers. However, in choosing the best kayak, you have to make sure that the kayak can provide all the necessary equipment, features, and space to make the angler comfortable and bring any necessities he wants without worrying that his boat might sink. Well, ample storage space is not a question between the two kayaks.
When it comes to rod holders, first of all, you have to make sure that it is enough and is in the right place so that it won’t give you the hassle of turning or standing or bumping with it while you’re supposed to be on the verge of relaxation. For better hands-free fishing and a strong possibility of multiple catches, you will need extra rod holders, which the Scrambler XT kayak possesses. Not to mention, the speed and tracking ability for you to stalk your prey are also some of the essential features that you have to look for in a kayak. This means that the length of the kayak can also affect speed and performance. A kayak with the perfect size can provide you with speed, comfort, and ease while traveling and looking for a place to fish around.
Stability must be a natural feature that a kayak has; you have to look for a wide enough kayak to give you stability and ample space so as not to worry about standing up without tripping over and turning your kayak over the water. And, of course, the most important thing to look for in a kayak is the comfort of the seat it can provide. To keep you relaxed and comfortable during the fishing trip is one way to keep you at ease and enjoy the trip.
The Verdict
Unfortunately, the manufacture has discontinued making the Scrambler XT. You may be able to find a second-hand kayak online, but if you want to get the new kayak that we recommend, your available option is the Scrambler 11, which is one of the most and highly stable kayaks out in the market.
The Scrambler 11 has it all, and this kayak has the perfect length and width to give the anglers a faster speed and better performance while in the water. It is tall enough to provide the paddler with the ease of carrying the kayak and loading it on the back of the car and light enough to take around to find a good fishing spot. With the material it’s made of, you can assure your safety with the Scrambler 11.
With the comfortable seating system it’s equipped with, you can have all the comfort you can have during the trip and bring any necessary equipment you want since the Scrambler 11 is made with large storage space. You can even get electronic gadgets and keep them safe and dry by putting them inside the center hatch for easy and accessible storage. With all of the features that the Scrambler 11 is equipped with, you can have the best and most relaxing fishing trip you can have without worrying about your safety and the reliability of the kayak.
