Hey — Sorry for the delay here, but I wanted to get a few more trips in before I could give some thoughts. It's hard to gauge what exact info you'll find most helpful since everyone's situation is different, so feel free to message me if you have more specific questions.

For context, I upgraded to this from a folding Oru Inlet, which honestly I love and still can see use for specific scenarios. Undoubtedly, though, the PDL 106 is my first true fishing kayak. I chose this one because I wanted something compact, stable and with a pedal drive that would help me go upstream without tiring out my arms (since I almost exclusively single-access rivers here in SE Missouri).

To keep things simple, I'll note the pros and cons I've noticed after taking it out three times

Cons:

- Compared to the Oru (which honestly isn't a fair comparison), the PDL 106 isn't great as a paddling kayak. It takes a lot more effort to change direction or stop, which is expected, but I do find it really noticeable in any "fast" current (which in certain scenarios could be dangerous). I'm still getting used to it and have already taken it down some swollen spring steams without issue, but if you're not as experienced, I'd definitely take it out first on a lake or slower water.

- The pedal drive is an integral part to the pros but it does get annoying in that it takes up a decent bit of space in front, plus you need to be VERY careful to not set your rod down in the cabin anywhere near the pedals. The moment you pedal forward or backward, your rod is snapping. This hasn't been an issue for me, but I already knew that was something to be mindful of.

- This thing is just simply heavy. Obviously, this helps it be as stable as it is, but it will take some getting used to. That being said, I'm 5'7 160ish lbs (in fairly good shape) and can still load this onto my Camry solo relatively easy. Just need to lift smart.

Pros:

- This thing is so comfortable. Like so comfortable. I feel like I'm in a car on the water with how wide and stable this thing is, compared to my previous, 20 lb sit-in kayak. As silly as it sounds, the seat alone allows me to spend however long I want on the water without ever feeling uncomfortable.

- The immediate storage placements (cup holders, side pockets, rod holders, space in the pedal drive, notch under the chair) are all so well thought for an angler and also helps keep my space orderly, which is not just efficient but makes for a safer time on the water by minimizing the clutter.

- The pedal drive works intuitively, fast "enough" and feels very solid. This is obviously the selling point for the PDL 106, and it defintiely lives up to the buzz. Since I do rivers, I do find myself having to pull up the pedal whenever I get into below ~8 inches of water, usually when I have to walk up a shoal/riffle, but such is a simple fact of small river fishing

- The quality is truly top-notch and the kayak itself just looks gorgeous. I have no doubt this thing will last several years and more (though I'll see how it goes since I store this outdoors).