Ascend did their research when it came to features and storage, but made a few errors in manufacturing/quality control. I purchased my FS128T in May 2014. I immediately loved it. Storage is unmatched. The stability is considerably better than my 30" Field and Stream and Perception Sport. I can stand and fish in moderate and calm conditions. The seat is very comfortable (6+ hour trips).

The $700 price tag comes with some issues. The two dry hatches leak and the seat needs attention or it will rust. I resealed the hatches with silicone but discovered that the issue is the hatch lids themselves. The don't shut flush. I added rubbed sponge gaskets and this slowed alot of the leaking. I don't think any Kayak is 100% dry inside.

Overall it's an excellent buy for $700. If you have $1500 or more to spend go for the Big Rig by Jackson. If you are like me and don't have that kind of cash and don't mind spending a few hours sealing up hatches.... get the Ascend.

Great kayak, this is my first kayak and I love it. I have fished in large bodies of water too chasing reds in inches of water over oysters reefs. It is heavy but I can deal with it for the stability.

This is a great boat. Please read the review and I will answer your questions as best I can.
Here is my review. I will add more and more as time goes and when I experience different things.
Look what fell off the truck.

I tightened up all the screws and two were stripped.
There is black goop around all the hatches.
I did use blue loctite on the seat bolt and the mounting bolts to the swivel.

BTW-the desert color is nice and a mix of a little dark color.
I would think the camo color would be to hot for Fla-just my opinion in seeing one in person.
I thought it would be an all sand color but it is a nice paint/mold mix of sand/olive color.

Well took her out on the maiden voyage and no problems.
I let Jr take her out first.
No water in the hull except maybe a thimble full after I hosed her off when I got home.
I went to three feet of water and wanted to see if I could stand on the bow to see how the yak handled. I stood on the bow after walking there and back.
Very stable and some boats came in to the ramp and slowed down and created about 4 big waves.
Turned her into them and no problems.
As for speed she is no speed demon but I was moving along w/my sons 230cm paddle (wanted to try it out/length).
The minimum paddle should be a 250cm.
The 230cm was way to short and the 240cm would not be that much different.
The factory rod holder is in the way but with a trolling motor it is just right.

BTW-The seat in this thing is sweet and we were using it on the highest setting and she still didn't want to tip.

Did you notice Jr using a 230cm paddle and it really is way to short. 250cm minimum, but a 260cm is nice as well. I'm 5'11 200lbs and I was using his paddle. I would have to shift my hands from side to side.

Very solid boat, a must get if you like to fish the flats/bay.

More to come stay tuned.

I purchased this kayak in the spring of 2013. I felt that I needed a large stable kayak because I'm a larger framed guy (6'1'' 240lbs). The Ascend seemed to fit that requirement without breaking the bank. I added a Yak Trac system and a Humminbird fish finder within the first few months. I found that the "stock" rod holder to the right of the seat was always in the way when I paddled, so I removed it. The FS128T is no speed demon, but how much speed do you really need?

My only complaint is the seat. It started out very comfortable, mainly because of the fact it can be adjusted in height and in seat back angle. I found that after using it several times, the straps continuously came loose. This caused the seat back to recline constantly. On my last trip the straps actually separated from the seat. This made for a long paddle back to my campsite. I have read about some modifications that other kayakers have made to replace this seat, I may explore those options.

All in all, I'm happy with this kayak. There are certainly nicer options, but the value here is pretty good. It's stable enough for me to stand which is great for sight fishing. This kayak has handled pretty rough waves and never once made me feel uneasy about being out in open water.

Before I even took it out the first time I resealed all the hatches with marine goop. It comes from the factory with plumbers putty, and will leak. Easy fix, just keep in mind its a must. I was debating between this and a Jackson, but at nearly half the cost, I had to give this a shot. Its very stable, and the adjustable seat height is nice. You do sit very high up though, so wind catches you very easy. A 240 paddle is the BARE minimum, I plan on trying a 260 to see if that helps. The seat is very comfortable, and even after being out on the water for 6+ hours, my back was fine.

This is definitely a slow, heavy kayak. I was out on a trip with a bunch of other yakkers, and I had to paddle noticeably harder to keep up with them.

Lots of people complain about the weight and maneuverability, but that's pretty normal for this style of yak. If those are important to you, you are looking at the wrong style of yak.

It is also missing handles in the midsection. No idea why they didn't include them from the factory. I added a set to help solo carrying/loading.

The ascend rod holder is not scotty compatible, but its also in a horrible location. If you are not moving, its fine. Otherwise you will be hitting your rod with the paddle.

Overall you get a lot of features for the price. If you are on a budget, its a great value and worthy of consideration. I would buy it again.