Made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS acrylic) by thermoforming, the Tarpon 120 Ultralite and Pungo 120 Ultralite are still light, stiff and responsive like composite kayaks, but have the advantage of improved impact resistance, say designers.
Compared to their rotomolded counterparts, the new Ultralite models are 10-20 percent lighter, they add, with the weight reduction making everything from car-topping and transport to paddling easier than ever.
“The Tarpon 120 and Pungo 120 are two of most versatile kayaks we offer, and offering them in Ultralite versions greatly expands the options for paddlers who want a high performance boat that’s easy to carry, effortless to paddle, and is great for everything from kayak angling to recreational paddling,” says Shane Steffen, director of product management for Wilderness Systems. “They’re the best of both worlds – lightweight kayaks that are durable and as responsive as the rotomolded versions. We are excited to introduce more lightweight performance options to our consumers.”
The Tarpon 120 Ultralite has all the same features and performance of the regular Tarpon series, including a Deluxe Sit-On-Top Seat, self-bailing scupper holes, two Orbix hatches, mid-ship storage and bungees and deck rigging for accessories. The 12-foot-long sit-on-top kayak weighs 43 lbs. with a capacity of 350 lbs., and is available in four different colors including Lime, Tangelo, Turquoise and Realtree AP® Camo. It will be available at retailers after March 3, 2015, with the Realtree AP® Camo color option available after March 30, 2015.
The Pungo 120 Ultralite comes with Phase 3® AirPro seat and thigh and knee padding, a large stern hatch and bungee deck rigging for storage. It, too, measures 12 feet long and weighs 40 lbs., with a capacity of 325 lbs. Color options are Lime, Tangelo, Turquoise and Realtree AP® Camo. It will be available at retailers after March 16, 2015.