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The Pelican Mustang 100X is a budget-friendly 10-foot sit-inside kayak that’s made for fishing. It claims to offer excellent stability and tracking, in an affordable package.
We have put together this Pelican Mustang 100X review to help you decide whether or not this could be the right kayak for you.
This affordable kayak is aimed at casual anglers and recreational paddlers on a budget. It’s designed to offer durability and good value, which could make it an ideal option for beginners or if you’re looking to try out kayak fishing for the first time in a sit-inside kayak.
- Length: 10 foot
- Width: 29 inches
- Weight: 39 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
The Mustang 100X is generally not designed for expert paddlers, as it may not offer the speed and performance, or high-end features that you might be looking for. With its sit-inside hull, it also may not be the most suitable option out there for everyone, as a sit-on-top kayak may sometimes work better for kayak fishing, depending on where you plan to fish.
This is essentially a basic kayak so don’t be expecting all the bells and whistles.
Type Of Kayaker The Pelican Mustang 100X Is Aimed At
The Pelican Mustang 100X is a sit-inside fishing kayak that’s built for kayak fishing on calm waters, such as flatwater lakes, slow-moving rivers and calm bays.
The sit-inside design can make it a good choice for kayaking in cooler conditions, as the cockpit can help to shelter your legs from cold weather and spray or splashes.
With the hull being just 10 feet in length, it’s a pretty compact boat that can be easy to maneuver on smaller bodies of water, as well as being easy to control for smaller paddlers and beginners. It can also be easily maneuvered on land, so car-topping and hauling to the lake shouldn’t be too difficult.
This could be an ideal kayak if you’re looking for a convenient and easy-to-use vessel, especially if you’re new to kayaking.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something speedy and packed with high-performance features, the Mustang 100X is probably not for you.
You may want a more expensive fishing kayak if you’re looking for top-of-the-range features. And if you plan to load up a kayak for a camping trip, you might want to think about a larger or higher capacity kayak with added features for comfort.
> Ultimate fishing kayaks guide
The BIG Features Of The Pelican Mustang 100X
Twin-Arched Multi-Chine Hull
One of the main features of the Pelican Mustang 100X is the twin-arched multi-chine hull. This is what gives you the excellent stability that the kayak is known for, which is pretty important for any fishing kayak. The twin arches create almost a shallow tunnel hull, which is what increases the stability.
The kayak is built to be stable in a range of mostly flatwater conditions, but the added arches under the hull can provide another level of stability in rougher conditions. This means that while the kayak performs well on calm lakes, with great initial or primary stability, it can also handle moderate chop and waves, with a decent level of secondary stability.
The Mustang 100X is rated for up to Class I to II rivers but is probably better suited to flatwater, especially if you’re a beginner. While it’s a very stable kayak, it’s not designed for you to stand up to fish, so if you plan to stand up while fishing from a kayak, the Mustang is probably not the best kayak to choose.
The hull is also designed to offer improved tracking, which can help you stay straight as you paddle across lakes and bays. This can make it easier to paddle and control, and a useful feature if you’re still trying to master your paddling technique.
Ergoform Seating
A nice feature of the Mustang 100X is the Ergoform seat. It has a soft cushioned seat pad and an adjustable padded backrest. The backrest is designed to offer comfort and support while paddling or fishing, with an ergonomic design to improve your paddling posture.
However, the seat is generally not designed for all-day paddling and is best suited to shorter trips.
At the front of the seat, you’ll find a molded-in water bottle holder, so you can keep your beverage within easy reach while you’re paddling.
Storage
This compact kayak actually has a decent amount of storage options for its price point. At the bow you’ll find a covered storage hatch with bungee cords to secure the lid.
However, this is not a watertight storage hatch, so it can be best for storing less valuable items or is ideal when used with a small dry bag (sold separately).
Video: Pelican Mustang 100x Kayak Review
At the stern, there is an EXO carrying compartment that has a zipper entry system for easy access from the cockpit. This compartment can be easily removed and carried on your back when you get to your landing spot, making it easy to transport your cargo from your boat to your camp, picnic site, or back to your car.
With the EXO storage compartment removed, the rear cargo deck can be used for carrying other items, such as a small cooler or fishing crate. There are bungees to keep your gear secured.
It’s worth noting that there are no scupper holes in the rear cargo deck, and it’s susceptible to taking on water, so it can be more difficult to drain the tank well while you’re on the water. You may also want to make sure that any valuables stored in the back are safely secure inside a suitable dry bag (not included).
Lightweight Hull
The Mustang 100X is a very lightweight kayak. And compared to most fishing kayaks, this is substantially lighter. Weighing just 39 pounds, it can be easy to carry down to the water and load on top of your car roof rack.
The light weight can also mean it can be car-topped or carried by just one person, unlike most fishing kayaks. This can make it convenient if you plan to head out on paddling trips alone.
The lighter weight of this kayak can also mean you could save money on accessories compared to some heavy kayaks. This is because some heavier fishing kayaks often require a kayak cart to haul them to the water or lift-assist device to load them on your car if you’re by yourself.
Large Cockpit
One of the best features of the Mustang 100X is the roomy cockpit. The large cockpit rim can make it easier to get in and out of compared to the smaller, narrower cockpits found on touring kayaks.
The cockpit is 47 inches long and 25 inches wide, so it can feel a little less confining than some other sit-inside kayaks. It can also be easier to fish in, as it can be more convenient to move around or grab gear. You might even find there’s enough room for your dog to join you, as long as it’s a small dog who’s happy to sit between your legs.
You’ll also find sufficient leg room for different sized paddlers and it can even be comfortable for kayakers up to 6-foot tall.
> Best kayaks for tall paddlers
However, with the large size of the cockpit, you might struggle to find a spray skirt that will fit. Although, this may not be a problem for everyone.
Fishing Rod Holders
If you plan to use this kayak as a fishing kayak, it has two flush mounted rod holders located behind the cockpit. This can give you a secure spot to store your rods and keep them out of the way of your paddling.
The Mustang 100X also benefits from having plenty of areas on the deck that could be used for mounting additional accessories, such as a fish finder or GPS. Bear in mind, though, that this will usually require drilling into the kayak to install mounting plates or gear tracks, as there are no purpose-built mounting points on this kayak.
You could also use suction cup accessories (not included) to attach your gadgets to the kayak for a customized feel.
Durability
The Pelican Mustang 100X is made from RAM-X polyethylene which is a type of flexible but durable plastic that maintains rigidity on the water. This is a multi-layer material that’s used exclusively by Pelican.
Video: Pelican RAM-X Polyethylene Explained
It’s a strong material that’s designed to be resistant to impacts, with an ability to regain its shape after being impacted or even crushed. It also benefits from having a UV-protective coating to minimize damage or weakening from the sun’s rays, which can help increase longevity.
The added durability of the RAM-X material on the Mustang 100X can make this suitable for beginners, as it should be able to handle the inevitable bumps and scrapes that happen while learning to paddle.
After checking the internet for other paddlers’ thoughts on the Pelican Mustang 100X, it seems like we’re not the only ones who think it’s a great starter kayak for lakes and ponds.
Pelican Mustang 100X Alternatives
Perception Sound 10.5
The Perception Sound 10.5 is a similar size to the Mustang 100X but is 6 inches longer and half an inch wider. It has a very spacious cockpit, at 56 inches long, giving you plenty of room to move around and fish comfortably. It’s also designed for easy entry and exiting, so it can be great for beginners of all ages.
It has a large rear storage deck with space for a fishing crate or cooler, with bungees to keep your gear secure. It has a stable tri-keel hull for stability and an adjustable backrest for comfort.
The Sound also benefits from having two flush-mounted rod holders and two mounting points on the deck that are compatible with the Solo Mount system (sold separately) so you can attach gadgets and accessories. It’s an affordable kayak but a little more expensive than the Mustang 100X.
> Full Perception Sound 10.5 review
Old Town Loon 106
The Old Town Loon 106 can be a great alternative if you’re looking for an extra comfy seat for long days on the water. This compact sit-inside kayak features the fully adjustable ACS2 seating system for improved comfort and support while paddling and fishing.
The Loon is 6 inches longer than the Mustang 100X and 3 inches wider, with a large cockpit and a removable workdeck. It has a lot of features for comfort and convenience, including premium thigh pads, adjustable foot braces, and even a USB port.
There’s plenty of space for gear, with a rear dry storage hatch and front and rear deck bungees for additional gear, making it ideal for both fishing and exploring. However, it’s a little pricier than the Mustang 100X.
Is The Mustang 100X Any Good?
Pros
- Lightweight hull
- Affordable kayak
- Large cockpit
- Great for beginners
Cons
- No scupper holes in the rear tank well
- Not the best kayak for long journeys
The Pelican Mustang 100X can be a great kayak for beginners looking to do a little kayak fishing or some recreational paddling.
It’s a budget kayak, with basic features, that benefits from being lightweight and easy to paddle. It can be an affordable way to get out on the water, in a compact size that makes it easy to car-top and store.
Maybe it’s time to check it out for yourself. Click here to see if it’s right for you. And let us know what you think.
I recently bought 4 Pelican Mustang 100x kayaks. I’ve canoed all my life but my children are old enough now where they can handle their own boats. This review is dead accurate in all aspects. I’m a first time kayaker and I use it recreationally a few hours at a time on a small slow river with a few riffles. I live close to the river and it’s easy to load and go out after work. At 50 years old i appreciate it’s light weight. I do hope to find a spray skirt to be able to use it earlier and later into the season. My family and I are the target customers for tbe Pelican Mustang and we are super satisfied with our purchase. It’s enough kayak for our short trips, easy to use and store and most importantly they don’t break the bank, so if you are starting out like me as a first timer, buy with confidence (and buy a dry bag, the rear cargo case is not water proof).