Ascend 10T

Size and Weight

As its name indicates, the Ascend 10T sit-on-top fishing kayak is 10 feet / 304 cm long with a width of 29.5 inches / 75 cm. It stands at 13.5 inches / 34.29 cm, making it relatively low profile, and weighs 67 lbs / 30 kg. 

It isn’t the lightest kayak on the market but is still able to be handled by one person for stowing, portage, or car topping. You wouldn’t want to be carrying it too far though! 

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Capacity

The Ascend 10T is listed as having a capacity of 325 lbs / 147 kg, but some anglers that are below 200 lbs / 90 kg have tried paddling the kayak without gear and reported that the scupper holes were taking in water very quickly.

Many reviewers have stated that there’s constantly water in the boat, so if you’re okay with that, you’re good to go. 

Features

The hull features Ascend’s trademark tunnel hull design for easy tracking and stability. Towards the bow, there is a rubber-lined handle that lets you lift and carry the kayak. 

The bow compartment is an open design and measures 23.6 inches x 18.5 inches / 60 cm x 47 cm, which gives you plenty of room to stash your gear. There are four D-rings where you can attach bungees to secure your stuff. 

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Just behind the bow compartment, the standing platform or deck is covered with comfort pads that are easy on your feet if you choose to stand up in the kayak, and there is a small watertight container that can be used to store anything that you don’t want to get wet. 

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Right behind the dry storage is a cup holder for your favorite beverage. The foot pegs are easily adjustable and comfortable to put your bare feet up against, and there are four scuppers on the deck. 

There are one 12-inch and two 16-inch accessory rails for your electronics like GoPros, fish finders, or more rod holders. The rails are located on both sides of the kayak and run lengthwise down the middle of the deck. 

The high-back, removable mesh seat is attached to D-rings with bungee cords and can be moved further fore or aft in the kayak to improve your kayak’s trim for better performance. Tying down the seat is a must, as the seat’s frame is metal and will sink if you flip over.

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One cool thing about this kayak is that near the seat on both sides, there are two handles right in the middle of the kayak. This allows you to carry the kayak from the middle by yourself, or pull yourself back onto the boat should you flip over. 

Right behind the seat are two rod holders with tether attachments for you to secure your rods, and two more scupper holes on the stern. 

The stern storage compartment measures 25.9 inches x 23.5 inches / 65 cm x 60 cm and is also open. The Ascend 10T doesn’t have any storage space in the hull.

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At the very tail end of the boat, there’s another rubber handle identical to the one on the stern. In addition, there is a drain plug that is still attached to the boat when unplugged, which is a nice feature since you wouldn’t lose the plug. 

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The Ascend 10T is made out of rotomolded polyethylene and is hard as nails, but there have been some reports of the plastic cracking as many users load the kayak with all the gear and drag it across rough terrain. 

Performance

The Ascend 10T is stable enough for some people to stand on, but others have found it impossible or insecure. However, when sitting, the innovative tunnel hull design gives this kayak excellent primary and secondary stability. 

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The kayak tracks well and is easy to paddle, but because of its size and weight, it is slow and not as easy to maneuver as some shorter, smaller kayaks. 

One of the biggest drawbacks to the Ascend 10T is that although the capacity is listed as 325 lbs / 147 kg, it is often found to be inaccurate. 

Some anglers weighing under 180 to 200 lbs / 80 kg to 90 kg report that the scuppers fill with water, while others say that only in rough water does the water come in through the scuppers. 

Like most sit-on-tops, the Ascend 10T is better used in calm bodies of water like lakes or gentle rivers.

ALSO SEE: Best Fishing Kayak. Reviews and Ultimate Buying Guide for Kayak Anglers