Native Slayer 12 XC

Size and Weight

The Slayer 12 XC is 12’2” (371 cm) in length and 36.5” (93 cm) wide, making it extremely stable compared to other, more narrow kayaks. It is rare that a kayak can have optimal stability and still offer a hull design that allows it to be used in rivers, or in the open water. The Slayer 12 XC has a fitted hull weight of 87 lbs (39.5 kg) and a fully-rigged weight of 104 lbs (47 kg). The added weight makes it slightly less portable than other models, but Native has managed to pack this kayak with plenty of premium features that seasoned anglers will appreciate.

Capacity

As with any premium fishing kayak, users have come to expect a higher capacity to account for the amount of gear and equipment they typically carry with them on each trip. Native has taken this into account and designed the Slayer 12 XC with an overall capacity of 500 lbs (227 kg). There is ample storage in both the bow and stern area, as well as in the cockpit. Thanks to its elevated capacity, the Slayer 12 XC is an excellent choice for larger-sized anglers.

Features

The Slayer 12 XC is full of high-end features that make this kayak one of the more popular multi-use vessels on the market.

The bow is fitted with horizontal rod tip protectors that are perfect for anglers who plan to use this kayak on rivers or around lakeshores where trees tend to snag rod tips that are stored upright. The bow also offers a large dry storage hatch that’s perfect for stashing an array of gear and equipment items.

Both the bow and stern are fitted with handles to help with portability. The Slayer 12 XC’s cockpit area might be one of its most impressive features. It’s wider than most other fishing kayaks and allows anglers plenty of room to move around and stand up.

The cockpit features a removable electronics pod that allows anglers to quickly and easily install their favorite fish finder or sonar. The pod can also be removed and a flat plate installed to allow fly fishermen to fish without snagging line on any components.

There are gear tracks on either side of the cockpit area for anglers to install rod holders, camera gear, or electronic equipment in specific areas. The deck is fitted with non-slip padding that provides extra stability for standing.

The Slayer 12 XC’s seat is among the most comfortable that Native has produced. Fitted to a sturdy aluminum frame, this seat features extra padding and can be adjusted into a low or high seating position. There is also ample tackle storage underneath the seat that allows anglers to stash tackle trays in an area that’s easy to quickly reach. There are also small slots and other areas to store specific tools and other items when fishing.

To the right of the seat is a rod/cup holder with two additional rod holders located directly behind the seat. The stern area features a large open storage well for coolers, crates and anything else anglers need to bring along on their trip.

One of the most popular features of the Slayer 12 XC is the retractable, spring-loaded skeg which users can deploy with using a simple lever. The stern of the Slayer 12 XC features a micro anchor mounting point.

Performance

The Slayer 12 XC is all about stability—no matter what conditions anglers find themselves in. Thanks to the broad, flat full, anglers can easily pivot and have much better agility than other kayaks of similar stature. The hull design is crafted to give the kayak ability to cut through waves and also provide more stability than most other Native models.

Due to its wide design, the Slayer 12 XC’s speed is not quite as fast as some users might want, but it manages to cut through the water with relative ease. The retractable skeg also provides an exceptional amount of tracking that helps the kayak stay on course.