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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.
The 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.