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Old Town Goes PRO with Two New Kayak Models: PDL 120 PRO & ePDL+ 120 PRO

 

Date: 3/20/25
Tackle Type: Watercraft
Manufacturer: Old Town
Reviewer: Zander








Introduction: Old Town Kayaks, renowned for their exceptional quality, are still proudly rotomolded in Maine, USA. At this year's Bassmaster Classic, the company is unveiling five new models, including two designed specifically for anglers seeking pro-level features. Introducing the PDL 120 PRO and the ePDL+ 120 PRO - available in both manual and motorized configurations to elevate your on-the-water experience.

 


Old Town is launching five new kayaks this week including two PRO Series models designed with more angler specific features
 

Two New PRO Series Kayaks: Timed with the Bassmaster Classic this week Old Town launched five new watercrafts including three new sit-on-top additions for the Ocean Kayak Line and two new models that are geared towards anglers in their Sportsman Line, the PDL 120 PRO & ePDL+ 120 PRO.

 


Both PRO models are available in the new striking Storm color


“For over 125 years, Old Town has continuously focused on product innovations that reflect customers' preferred ways of spending time on the water,” says Ally Spaight, Senior Integrated Marketing Manager at Johnson Outdoors. “A steady rise in kayak fishing and outdoor recreation popularity continues to catapult the brand’s dedication to kayak innovation for on-water enthusiasts.”

 


The Sportsman PDL 120 PRO features the popular hands free PDL pedal drive


The two new 12-foot Sportsman Line offerings are built on the line’s most popular platform, shaped by extensive feedback from consumers, product engineers, and pro staff. The standout feature of the Sportsman PDL 120 PRO and ePDL+ 120 PRO is the redesigned interior, thoughtfully crafted by Old Town's engineers to maximize functionality, offer customization options, provide ample storage, and enhance interior space - all while maintaining the familiar PDL 120 footprint.

 

 

 

 


A look at the PDL 120 PRO layout with the PDL unit stowed and deployed (bottom)


Both PRO models come in two striking new colors: Sierra and Storm. The Sierra features a deep brownish moss and black combination that blends seamlessly into lake and wooded environments, offering improved stealth. Meanwhile, the Storm boasts a lighter blue hue accented with greys and blacks, evoking the feel of open water and tropical climates. Personally, I’m particularly drawn to the Storm color - its teal-like tone is a fresh, modern take compared to Old Town’s traditional Steel Camo, making it a stylish choice for waters across the country.

 


The cockpit has been redesigned to provide more room to move around and stand


The Sportsman PDL 120 features Old Town’s popular pedal-driven PDL propulsion unit that is designed to move like a bike on the water with instant forward and reverse and steering via the rudder control on the right side of the seat. The PDL drive unit is designed to be low maintenance and is saltwater rated.

 


Steering is courtesy via the easy to operate one handed rudder control


The PDL 120 is also designed with flexibility and additional future configuration in mind and the bow is “motor ready” with a universal bow mount consisting of four hole inserts. There is also a integrated transducer mount that will fit standard fish finders from Hummingbird, Garmin, and others.

 


The Storm color blends well into any background with a tactical stealthy look


The Sportsman Pro line is also equipped with an updated rod and tackle management, offering more space and storage options that allow each angler the freedom to customize their craft the way they want. There are three flush mounted rod holders and horizontal storage for up to four rods.

 


There is also plenty of storage in the new boat for everything from batteries to tackle including dry storage under a large bow hatch and and an oversize stern tankwell. The cockpit has also been optimized for a wider more stable platform while sitting or standing and casting.

 


These new boats are designed to be ultra stable for fishing standing up


The PDL 120 measures 12 feet in length, is 36 inches wide, and a hull weight of 106lbs. The fully assembled boat weight is 131 pounds and boasts a usable weight capacity of 420 pounds. The drive weight is 19lbs and matches previous units. The PDL 120 is available now in both colors for a retail price of $3,499.

 

Anglers looking for more speed and range get a new ePDL+ model with PRO features


For anglers seeking propulsion flexibility, the ePDL+ 120 PRO provides the flexibility to offer extra power and assistance when anglers want it with manual pedal, power-assisted pedal, or fully motorized cruise control.
This fully featured boat comes from the Old Town factory with internally wired with kill switches, and includes a 36V 20AH lithium-ion battery and charger. Like the PDL PRO this boat is also salt-water ready and can also be fitted with a front motor if anglers are looking for even more power options.

 


The ePDL drive provided 5 speed settings and is also saltwater rated


The ePDL+ PRO features the same flush and horizontal rod storage and even with the Li-ion battery and charger system there is still additional storage in the hull and plenty of gear storage in the bow hatch and oversized stern tankwell.

 


The ePDL+ PRO also measures 12 feet and length and has a 36” width. The hull weight is 107lbs with an assembled boat weight of 153lbs, and a usable weight capacity of 395 pounds. The hybrid drive weight is 31lbs. and the included battery is a 36V, 20Ah lithium-ion. The average battery life ranged from 46 to 3 hours depending how fast you set the cruise system and how much the boat is loaded.

 

 

 

 

A look at the ePDL+ 120 PRO layout with the ePDL unit stowed and deployed (bottom)

 

As you might expect the The ePDL+ 120 PRO with the integrated electronic drive motor retails for more than the standard PDL PRO and both colors are available now with a retail price of $5,999.99.

 


A kill switch helps provide safer operation


Our Quick Take: Kayak fishing remains one of the fastest-growing segments in both boating and angling, and new models like the PDL 120 PRO and ePDL+ 120 PRO are designed to meet the demands of anglers at the top end of the market - those seeking a complete, no-compromise fishing solution.

 


Featuring a revamped layout, enhanced flexibility with a bow-mount-ready design and thru-hull wiring port, expanded rod and tackle storage, and striking new color options, these two boats come fully equipped for your next adventure


Both new Old Town boats offer highly configurable platforms that excel in diverse conditions, whether you’re sneaking into tight spots or confidently covering larger expanses of open water. With an array of angler-focused features, including expanded customization options, enhanced electronics integration, and improved gear storage, the PRO series is built to match the passion and needs of serious anglers.

 


Old Town continues to advance the industry with some of the finest kayaks on the market, proudly molded in their Maine facility. Their latest models, the PDL PRO and ePDL PRO, serve as the brand's flagship fishing kayaks, offering a wealth of angler-friendly features designed to enhance the on-the-water experience


The ePDL+ 120 PRO stands out as Old Town’s flagship model, offering five levels of pedal-assist power - plus cruise control - for effortless navigation. Meanwhile, the PDL 120 PRO delivers a pure pedal experience, with the flexibility to upgrade using a bow-mounted motor, allowing the kayak to adapt as your fishing ambitions grow. Old Town has long been known for their design and build quality and are raising the bar once again when it comes to platforms that meet the needs of hardcore anglers.

 

Looking for Old Town PRO Series Kayaks?

Try Old Town


 

   

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