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I live beside a small lake and my family owns several kayaks. This is the most polarizing kayak I own, pick any category and it's either very good or very bad

Pros:

• Comfort - the most comfortable kayak I've ever used. I'm 6'4 with a bad back and I can sit on this all day
• Usable Space - It's big and flat, lots of room for a big guy with my big dog. The dry bag is between your knees and easy to access with a flat lid that doesn't get in the way.
• Stability - Very very stable. I can stand on it no problem, get in and out from the dock.

Cons:

• Maneuverability - It's big, slow, and doesn't track straight. The slightest wind will spin it sideways. I'm constantly fighting with direction while trying to paddle forward. I'm 6'4 and strong, so I can handle the size, but my wife and kids are at the mercy of the wind and current if they tried use this one.
• Portability - Impossible to solo carry. It's big and heavy like any 12 footer, but there are no center handles and the hull shape doesn't allow a shoulder hoist. Why did ascend put center handles on the 10T but not the 12T?
• Rough Water - Waves of any size will wash over the bow. The hull is flat and low.
• Weight Rating - My 180 pound friends say water is coming through the scupper holes. It's rated for 350lbs which might be correct for safety but not quality. The stock scupper plugs are useless. I bought some plugs from Amazon that mitigate the problem, but I still get wet.

Will I keep this kayak? Yes. Would I recommend? No. Would I buy again? No. This kayak is good at one thing - floating around the lake all day with my dog. Everything else it's awful. If Ascend made a few small changes, this would have been an okay option, but it's just not easy or practical.