Wilderness Systems New "Phase 3 AirPro MAX" Seat

Thursday, 12 June 2014 00:00

Wilderness Systems New "Phase 3 AirPro MAX" Seat

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Wilderness Systems New "Phase 3 AirPro MAX" Seat

Much of the information floating around about the new Wilderness Systems lawn chair-style seat has either been completely off base or embellished. (What do you mean? Everything you read on the internet is TRUE!) So we decided to go straight to the source, and get what we could from our contacts at Confluence Outdoor.

The first leaked photo of the new seat many of you have already seen.

The first leaked photo of the new seat many of you have already seen.

Scuttlebutt one: The new seat will work on all newer models of Wilderness Systems kayaks.

Answer: False. According to Confluence Outdoor, the new seat will fit 2012-2014 model year “Ride” series kayaks.

Scuttlebutt two: The updated seats are going to cost $200-$300.

Answer: Partly true. Confluence estimates the “Phase 3® AirPro MAX” seat will add an additional $300 to the MSRP of new Ride series kayaks. However, purchased separately the Phase 3® AirPro MAX will be closer to $350. Confluence has yet to finalize 2014/2015 pricing.

The new seat back looks extremely comfortable.

Scuttlebutt three: Wilderness Systems will give you a discount to buy a Phase 3® AirPro MAX.

Answer: Partly true. Any 2012-2014 model year Wilderness Systems Ride purchased between May 1, - June 30, 2014 from participating dealers will be eligible to receive a voucher for $150 toward the purchase of a Wilderness Systems Phase 3® AirPro MAX seat when they are ready to ship. A complete list of participating dealers can be found here.

Scuttlebutt four: The new seats will be out next year

Answer: The seats are already in the hands of select Wildly Pros, but should be available October 2014.

We hope this sheds some light on Wilderness Systems’ new seat for their Ride series kayaks. We won’t get our hands on one until iCast next month, so keep checking back for updates!

All photos were taken from various social media posts on the internet.

Last modified on Friday, 13 June 2014 06:59

Published in Kayaks and Gear

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Mark Watanabe

Mark "YakSushi" Watanabe is the Co. Founder of YakAngler.com, "He built this site!". He considers himself a mediocre fisherman and an unexceptional writer. He's the devoted father of a ton of little sushis (Air Quotes) and everyday tech ninja.

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Comments

# Minorcan 2014-06-12 09:14

Mark, Thanks for the Scuttlebutt. Seems like $350 for a seat is a bit greedy, especially since the total price of my Ride 115 was only $750 and that included the Higher seat option. I can't imagine that a lawn chair could cost more than $50 to manufacture. I have always respected Wilderness and their customer service and value. That is why I've been a loyal Wilderness supporter but I'm disappointed in the pricing on these seats. Even with a $150 rebate that still makes the new seat 25% ore than the other excellently made High seat which sells for $150.

Lets see I could sell my Ride 115 and add $350 and buy a Jackson Cuda or Slayer and almost break even Hmmmm. Just something to think about. Did I say that out loud???

# MarshMedic 2014-06-18 15:49

I would have to agree with Minorcan on this one. The $350 price point will put this seat out of reach for all but the most die hard Wilderness yakers. If they are able to offer a $150 rebate on the seat that should tell you that there is plenty of wiggle room in their pricing. I guess I'll be sticking to my Jackson lawn chair seat in my 2013 Ride 135.

# DCintx 2014-06-20 13:18

Yikes! $300 to $350... that's more than a third what I paid for my 115x?!

# BassFan 2014-07-22 02:18

this is absolutely ridiculous... 350? hahah the price of a low end kayak? come on now!!!

# Chuck Rickolt 2014-08-24 12:39

Purchased my Ride 115 at full retail from an authorized dealer (not on the list)on 5/6/2014 along with a Tarpon 100 for my wife. Apparently, I do not qualify for a voucher. This is poor marketing, and does not endear customer loyalty. .

# Sauerkraut 2014-09-18 10:25

Seems reasonable. It is made 100% in the USA with US made materials. Wildy makes top quality products I am sure it is worth every penny. It is also nice to know it will fit older models. I always thought the seat on the Ride was pretty comfortable. I spent 7 hours in one on a Ride 115 yesterday with no discomfort

# LincolnYak 2014-12-06 13:36

RE: Scuttlebutt 3
The truth about participating dealers:
Only certain dealers were chosen to be "Participating Dealers".
Not all dealers that wanted to participate were allowed to.
I bought a ride 115 for my wife and a Ride 115x for me in June 2014. The dealer I bought from was not even aware of the discount voucher until I told him about it. He tried to get in on the program and was told that only certain dealers were able to participate.
I like many other Wildy customers were short changed because we didn't use certain dealers. Not all dealers and certainly not all customers were treated fairly in this program.
By the way my wife and I are very satisfied with our dealer and love our Ride 115 boats. Not too happy with the way we were treated by Wildy.

# Goob McCoy 2016-08-20 14:26

I've got a Ride with this seat and am impressed and disappointed at the same time. The disappointment is the fact the seat frame isn't wide enough to stay in the molded tracks on the boat. When it works, it's great, but when it don't, you could be shifted to one side and ejected from the boat. Can you say "pending lawsuit"? Not me, but I predict it could happen.

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