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photo via Chad Hoover |
ICAST is proving to be a surprise factory as normal but one of the hot chatter items this year hasn’t been much of a surprise at all. The Wilderness Systems Thresher (prototype) has had three videos released already showing off its ability to climb the surf and handle foamy chop. A few photos have surfaced as well.
This week at the largest fishing vendor show in the country Wilderness brought a Thresher for the crowds to see and drool over. The prototype that is at ICAST may not be the final version but it has a much more polished look than previous models.
From pictures, videos and visiting with folks in the know here are a few of my initial thoughts, good and not so great. And to the critical reader, these are just my opinions based on my preferences and they aren’t finalized.
Table of Contents
ToggleThe Good
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photo via Chad Hoover |
Having a front hatch with tons of storage is a big plus. Being able to store a cart, additional tackle, food supplies or other need to haves when offshore is important and this hatch delivers.
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photo via Chad Hoover |
The upgraded Flex Pod OS that holds the fish finder, battery, cabling and transducer is a great addition as well. Reportedly more secure than the removable little brother on the Ride 115X, the nickname dubber for the Flex Pod OS is the “silent menace”. Seems a bit much but hey, it’s marketing right?
I really like the upgraded foot pegs/rudder controls. With more surface area, your feet should see less fatigue and the pictures show significantly more padding. All wins.
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photo via Chad Hoover |
The center hatch allows enough clearance to fit 7′ long fishing poles below deck so you don’t open a yard sale upon reentry to the surf. Another huge bonus.