We’ll start here: a more stable kayak simply doesn’t exist in this category. Having paddled many sit-in kayaks, canoes and guide boats a smooth, trustworthy ride is something that should be appreciated, especially in a sit-on Kayak like the Ascend D10 Sit On Top model. For under $400 this kayak is a steal if you are looking for the basic features on a slick looking boat that’s as sturdy as a 3rd Kardashian.

Recently I took the Ascend D10 Sit On Top to the Adirondacks to shoot some photos and see how she performed. The Ascend series has a variety of kayaks, many cut out for specific needs. The D10 is a catch-all that features the necessities and more with features like waterproof storage, 6 drain holes, adjustable plus and drink holders. This kayak is built for utility. I could see this being perfect for a recreational kayaker to an occasional fisherman to a photographer. You really can’t go wrong with it’s performance.

d10-Front

Key Features:

  • High performance kayak without the high price
  • Custom-crafted tunnel hull design – ultra stable
  • Advanced hydrodynamics – balances stability, maneuverability, and speed
  • Deluxe, padded and adjustable seat
  • Personal dry storage deck plate system
  • D-ring bow anchors for customizable storage
  • Large stern well for multipurpose storage
  • Adjustable foot braces
  • Recessed molded paddle holders
  • Multiple drain holes and drain plug
  • Two scupper plugs

Specs:

  • Length: 10 ft
  • Width: 34 inches
  • Kayak Weight: 65 lbs
  • Maximum weight capacity: 325 lbs

pdp-kayak

Ascend D10 Sit On Top Kayak Review Breakdown:

Function

D10-ShotOne thing that I was fearful of when taking out the Ascend D10 Sit-On was the 6 drainage holes. Seeing that I wasn’t going to encounter that rough of water, I thought that the holes were a bit excessive. I was wrong. The drainage holes (under the calf, the rear end & the back storage) did an amazing job keeping the water out of the boat and away from your body. Unlike sit-in kayaks, the extra height allows that dirty boat water from ever accruing in the kayak. The drainage is a godsend as it simply glides out of the boat before becoming body backwash. If that’s your thing however, the boat does come with two scupper plugs so you can keep it in.

While I already mentioned the stability, it needs to be stated again. Tipping this kayak would take a near catastrophic event. I took my camera out around the lake and took shots, not worrying about the lake itself, rather the occasional drippings form the paddles. When I had my 76 lb lab on board (see below) he jumped off as in a dock jumping competition and I didn’t even spill my beer.

Comfort

Two features really made the Ascend an enjoyable ride. The built in, adjustable foot braces and the fully adjustable seat with back support. The foot braces allow you to really get a good body grip when paddling and adjustment is simple, even from inside the boat. The seat smartly has supports at the top of the material puling forward to give the kayaker some well needed support. I ended up tightening this a bit to feel some extra tension when paddling. Between the foot and back braces I successfully recreated the in-kayak experience in becoming one with the ‘yak.

Not being totally used to the sit-upon kayak, I used 7’ custom made paddles that seemed a tad too short which made my back feel far more tired than it should as I had to bend lower than normal. If buying this kayak (or any sit upon) I’d recommend the largest possible paddle. Seeing that I had incorrect equipment, I won’t factor comfort into the review grade (even though I liked the seat & braces).

D10-Dog

Size & Storage

If you are a legit die-hart fisherman, you won’t find what you are looking for in this boat. If you are a recreational fisherman that typically holds a pole in one hand and a cold brew in another, this would work just fine. The boat is equipped with a very convenient water-proof center storage container as well as two very sturdy handles on the front and back of the kayak. Each side of the boat feature deep storage options (that would actually work thanks to the stability) as well as frontal storage with D-rings and back D-rings with tie-downs.

The front is wide open and very spacious. I was able to load up a 74 pound Labrador with no issues other than his magnetism to the sea life. This sit-on kayak would be unbelievably ideal for those with semi-smaller, more land-lubber canines that are up for a good trip. A beagle could literally fall asleep soundly at the bow thanks to the size and soundness of this kayak.

Front-Storage

Speed & Maneuverability

I was pleasantly surprised with how this boat maneuvers. While you won’t be Usain Boat out on the water in the D10, it does move pretty fast and you can turn quite quick. For how stable this boat is, I don’t think you could get much faster. This kayak also tracks well as you’d expect with something so sound.

Ascend-d10-Rogan

Value

For the price, you’re getting a sturdy well built boat that’s great for the lake, slow rivers and even a little fishing. Add in all that cargo space I mentioned and the fact that it’s pretty damn handsome…. well, you’ve got yourself and excellent value in our opinion!

UPDATE: Bass Pro Shops stop making the D10 Kayak at the end of 2014. They are now offering a newer model – the “D10T” which is currently $449.99. The buy now link below has been adjusted to direct you to this newer model, which is very similar to the kayak reviewed in this article.

Buy Now: $400.00

 

Ascend D10 Sit On Top Kayak: Gear Review
This kayak is everything you'd want for under $400. Tipping it would take a Titanic-ian effort. It moves, yet it doesn't shake. It's comfortable as Chairy from The Playhouse. You really can't go wrong with this - it's an all-around solid boat that you can trust.
Stability10
Tracking10
Design9
Speed7.5
Function8.5
Storage9
The Good:
  • Very Stable
  • Nice Cargo Space
  • Surprisingly Comfortable Ride
The Not so Good:
  • No Comment...
9Overall Score
Reader Rating: (50 Votes)
3.8

About The Author

Contributor

A gadget and DIY enthusiast, Greg enjoys a wide spectrum of activities from home renovation to photography. Maybe the only Detroit Lions fan in the Western New York area, Greg is a huge sport enthusiast that actively follows all major sports except hockey. He also routinely hikes, skiis and runs in his downtime when he’s not out playing with his Yellow Labrador Rogan. Greg is a marketer by day and contributes to MarketingLand and SearchEngineLand.

6 Responses

  1. Kevin

    Might want to update your site as the link to basspro.com takes the reader to a $449.99 kayak.

    Reply
    • Josh Herder

      Thanks for noticing, this often happens when new models are launched and the old one gets shelved. An update to the article has been posted near the “buy now” link.

      Reply
  2. Backwash Kayaks | ABC Tips

    […] Ascend D10 Sit On Top Kayak: Gear Review | Busted Wallet – W e’ll start here: a more stable kayak simply doesn’t exist in this category. Having paddled many sit-in kayaks, canoes and guide boats a smooth, trustworthy ride … […]

    Reply
  3. Jennifer Lasley

    I love my Ascend D10 kayak!! We have it, plus a cheaper one purchased at the local WalMart. The Ascend is definitely the Cadillac version to us! We’re getting ready to buy another!

    Reply

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