Description
The Radar 115 is Wilderness Systems’ entry into tri-powered fishing kayaks: capable of being paddled, pedaled, or powered via motor. It blends a stable platform with advanced outfitting to serve anglers who want flexibility, comfort, and all-round performance. Wilderness Systems calls its hull design S.M.A.R.T. Hull Technology — combining Stability, Maneuverability, Acceleration, Responsiveness, and Tracking.
Key Features
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Tri-Power Capability
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Can be propelled by paddle, pedal (Helix PD Pedal Drive), or motor (Helix MD Motor Drive) depending on user preference.
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The pedal drive is “patent-pending”.
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S.M.A.R.T. Hull Technology
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Designed to provide stability when standing, while maintaining maneuverability and tracking.
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Includes features like an upswept bow (to help with a dry ride), a defined keel line (for tracking), and a rockered chine (for responsive steering)
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Flat, Standing Platform
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The Radar 115 offers a large, flat deck area so that
can stand comfortably for casting or spotting fish.
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Outfitting & Accessory Systems
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SlideTrax™ rails for mounting accessories (rod holders, fish finders, etc.)
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Flex Pod systems (Flex Pod PD / Flex Pod OS Console) to support pedal drive or motor drive installations and to mount electronics.
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AirPro MAX high-low seat: adjustable fore-aft trim, easily reconfigured, supports standing height and seated paddling or pedaling comfort.
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Multiple storage options: bow hatch (Orbix Bow Hatch), center hatch/storage bin, tank well in stern, paddle park, etc.
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Rudder & Steering
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Rudder ready; supportive of steering when using motor/pedal options.
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Finish & Colors
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Premium matte glass bead deck finish to reduce glare.
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Color options: Desert Camo, Dusk, Mango, Midnight, Sonar, Solar (variations depending on region and stock).
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Accessories & Optional Kits
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Silent Traction Kit (pads) to reduce noise from paddle/pole contact with hull — improves stealth when fishing.
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Other accessory surfaces and mounting zones (front SlideTrax, accessory mounting surfaces) for customizable rigging.
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Performance & Use Cases
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Stability: Excellent when standing; the wide beam combined with the hull shape gives good stability without making the kayak excessively wide. Good for sight fishing, casting from a stand.
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Versatility: The tri-powered capability means users can adapt depending on environment or fatigue: paddle when needed, use pedals for hands-free control or motor for long distances. Great for lakes, bays, slower rivers, and inshore use.
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Tracking & Handling: Thanks to the defined keel and rudder readiness, tracking in straight lines is solid. However, the weight (≈85 lbs) makes transportation, launching, and handling more demanding.
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Comfort: The AirPro MAX seat and adjustable foot braces offer good comfort for longer periods. The deck layout is spacious, with plenty of accessory space and storage.
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Weight & Load: Carrying capacity of ~450 lbs means you can load gear (fish finder, cooler, rods) and still have room for a person comfortably. But fully rigged weight adds up, especially with motor or pedal units, batteries, etc.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Unmatched versatility: pedal, motor, or paddle modes in one platform.
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Stand-up capable, stable deck for fishing versatility.
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Excellent outfitting and rigging options.
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High load capacity and generous design for anglers’ gear and electronics.
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Strong tracking and hull design that balances stability and performance.
Cons:
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Substantial weight: ~85 lbs hull + additional weight from drive systems/battery/accessories makes transportation and loading harder.
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Speed under paddle only might be slower compared to slimmer kayaks.
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Cost: higher base price plus cost of motor or pedal drives, electronics, accessories pushes total investment up.
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Large deck height and width may catch wind in very windy conditions.
Warranty
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Warranty: Comes with a limited lifetime hull warranty (typical for Wilderness Systems) though specific terms depend on region and dealer.
Final Summary
The Wilderness Systems Radar 115 is one of the most ambitious fishing kayaks on the market. It succeeds at delivering tri-mode propulsion (paddle, pedal, motor) in a well-designed, stable, and riggable platform. With smart hull design, rich outfitting, stand-up capabilities, and strong load capacity, it’s built for anglers who want one kayak capable of handling nearly every situation.
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