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Shock and Awe:  Wilderness Systems’ new Patrol 120 and Recon 120

The Wilderness Systems family of kayaks have some new wide body siblings that are loaded with new features for kayak fisherman

The latest in the iCast announcements is from Wilderness Systems (Wildy), and they didn’t disappoint. Wildy have seemed to be a bit quiet as of late, releasing some new accessories here and there. That has ended with the announcement and showcasing of the new Patrol 120 and Recon 120 fishing kayaks, or should we call these fishing platforms now?

[UPDATE: Wilderness has since modified the plans to eliminate the Patrol, and just produce the Recon with a drive or no drive option]

Wider is better

The new hulls boast a 38 inch wide beam, an impressive width for a fishing kayak. The previous models of the ATAK and Radar series where up to 3 inches slimmer, making these the widest fishing kayaks to date from Wildy. That extra width will give the already extremely stable kayak line an even more impressive casting platform.

With more width, also comes more storage area and options for how to utilize all the additional storage room. The back well area is wide enough for you to decide which direction you prefer your Wildy Kayak Krate for instance, a frustrating limitation to the Radar line with its narrow and deep rear well.

Torqeedo and Power Pole ready

The kayaks come out of the mold ready for the new Torqeedo mount as well as for up to 2 Power Poles, making this a bass boat convert’s dream. These and other features show that new technology was obviously a focus for the Wildy engineers, from bow to stern.

Electronic controls mounting areas
There are areas on the right and left of the seat for mounting various electronic controls. Torqeedo and Power Pole switches, power switches, ow whatever DIY insanity you want to use them for.

Molded-in transducer and sonar unit mounts

As much as I enjoy the ease of being able to pull the “Pod” out of the previous Wildy models, I think the new molded in transducer mounts will prove to be a winner with these models as well. The Patrol also comes with a molded in deck perfect for a center hull install of your wider than probably necessary sonar screen, while the Recon has that area occupied with the simplified Helix drive mount.

Helix Drive mount

The Helix drive, included with the Recon 120, has a newly designed mounting and stow system that is far less complex than the previous model. Simpler, with an easier lift and stow setup. The other components of the drive haven’t changed, and the ratio for a smooth pedal glide across the lake stays the same. Adjusting your position is also easier, with the one handed seat adjust feature.

Quick adjust high-back seat

A first look at the new seat, while still in prototype, looks to be far more user friendly than previous models. No more loosening up multiple small, and losable, parts just to adjust your position. That is all replaced with a manual car seat style lever system that can be done single handed. This allows you to adjust yourself to make room for getting your photo done of the slaunch donkey you just ripped out of that lily pad field.

Molded-in rear handles

The rear handles are molded in under the mounting decks, which appear as they would work really well when needing to lift the vessel up and onto the Wildy Kayak Kart, or up into the back of a pickup.

Rod holders for staging

Another feature in the prototype phase is rod stagers that will be molded in the kayak. Giving an angler a spot to secure a fishing rod while retying or while handling the Catch Photo Release (CPR) tasks while tournament fishing.

Oversized front storage Hatch

To the bow you now have a large storage well with easy front-hinged access to all the goodies you can stuff in there. Gone is the small standard hatch access that you find on most recreational kayaks. The removable bin gives ample in hull access, allowing easy access to install wiring and transducers.

Low profile rudder control with left or right mounting options

The low profile rudder controls are also new to Wildy, replacing the side mounted throttle style rudder controls found in the Radar series. The ability to choose which side you would like to mount he control stays however, giving the angler options on how to set their rig up.

Gunwale tackle box storage

You will find on each side of the seat, a molded in tackle box storage area. Now you can have you “go to” secret baits available in an easy to grab location, saving time and effort reaching back into you Krate.

Coming Spring of 2020

The new kayaks won’t be available until Spring of 2020, giving you plenty of time to save up for what ARE SOME of the most budget friendly high-end kayaks at MSRP of only $1,099 for the Patrol and $2,149 for the Recon. Compare that to the new Hobie MirageDrive 360 series, and you can by 2 Wildy Recons for less than the cost of 1 new Hobie MirageDrive 360.