I've owned a Pacific Extreme Inflatable Kayak for several years now. I've tried two cut-rate brand inflatable kayaks (lower end Sevylor & a No-Name brand). In both of those cases, the spiny dorsal fins of large striped bass just made Swiss cheese out of the bladders for the cheaper kayaks. It's never been a problem with my Pacific Extreme

Novi Boat I fish a couple of places that are damn near impossible to motor into these productive waters. My inflatable kayak is absolutely fantastic for such places.

I think Pacific Extreme has gone out of business. Some of the models look like they been carried on by another manufacturer called Conquest Adventurer Gear.

If I had to make the selection today, I'd be looking at the Advanced Elements inflatable.

After writing my initial response, I decided to break out the Pacific Extreme, inflate her and give her a really good once-over. The Striped Bass & Halibut season is upon me and I thought I should take her through her steps just to ensure safe passage on my next adventure. The previous sturgeon season put her through some strain as several 50 to 150# lb sturgeon came over her gunnels, just to be released...

The funny thing about sturgeon. The species that I target have these scale-like exoskeletons thingies that resemble rows of shark denticles (shark skin - smooth one direction & "rough" in the reverse direction). For White Sturgeon, there are 7 rows of this denticle-type of scales along the length of the fish. Officially, they're called scutes. Like denticles, they're smooth in one direction, but because they are SO much larger than denticles (each one up to three inches in length and a full inch in height), they're extremely sharp in the opposite direction.

Well I was looking at the ripstop on the gunnels of the Pacific Extreme. Even though the stitching is welded, I think the scutes of the sturgeon was really wearing on the external fabric.

Well, since I'm very conscientious concerning safety, I thought it best to take my own advice and find a replacement.... And give myself an early Father's Day gift....