wide , the Max 10 proved stable enough for me to feel comfortable standing and casting while getting jostled around by waves .
Subsequent trips to small waterbodies proved much easier , and I ’ d have no qualms with spending hours on my feet sight-fishing or flipping cover in normal conditions .
In skinny water , the Max 10 performed as well as any other kayak I ’ ve used – perhaps even better than most when it comes to extracting the pedal drive from the water to avoid subsurface rocks and other obstacles . Lifting the pedal drive is as simple as removing the covering hatch , depressing the prop indexer to align the prop with the opening in the hull and titling the whole unit forward in a few seconds . The only cumbersome part of the process is unclipping the bungees that hold the hatch in place to get to the indexer .
Those extra seconds could be invaluable if you ’ re drifting toward rocks or shallow hard bottom and you need to remove the propel drive in a hurry , though I was impressed with the heavy-duty anodized aluminum construction of the drive and wasn ’ t too worried about beating up or breaking the unit should I run afoul of a rock or two .
Two other nice features of the Propel Pedal Drive are the hands-free reverse function ( simply pedal backwards ) and the integrated weed guard on the prop , which doesn ’ t necessarily make the prop totally weedless but instead protects the bearing from aquatic vegetation getting wrapped up as the prop turns .
While there wasn ’ t anything revolutionary about the way the Max 10 functioned on my trio of testing trips , there also wasn ’ t anything I particularly disliked . In fact , the functionality of all the design features ( from the rod and tackle storage to integrated transducer mounting ) was downright pleasant .
After the Fact
Even just a few years ago , there were very few kayaks on the market that didn ’ t require drilling some holes to customize with lights , electronics , anchoring systems and extra dry storage . Most serious kayak anglers end up pouring hundreds ( and sometimes
thousands ) of dollars into aftermarket upgrades and modifications to attach transducers and large electronics units , Power-Pole Micros and the like .
Native did a wonderful job with the Max 10 in that respect .
As previously mentioned , the segmented bow storage at the hatch has a compartment specifically designed to house a battery to run your electronics or even an electric motor . The scupper hole within the hatch is rigged to run wires from the storage compartment through the hull to a recessed area for mounting a transducer , protected by a skeg molded to the hull .
In front of the seating area below the accessories tracks is a pair of electronics panels that are meant to be used for switches , plugs and anything else you choose to wire in – including Power-Pole up / down buttons , which might be especially handy if used in conjunction with another terrific feature Native included on the Max 10 .
At the stern , there ’ s a pair of predrilled holes designed explicitly for mounting Power-Pole Micros . You can also use that mounting area for a trolling motor or electric boat drive like a Torqeedo Ultralight 403 , without the need for adding a bunch of new holes yourself .
Everything about the Max 10 screams “ customizability ,” which should absolutely appeal to the kayak DIYer and to those who don ’ t want to spend thousands on aftermarket upgrades at the local kayak shop .
Final Thoughts
The original Slayer Propel 10 retails for $ 2,099 , and Native put way more than $ 400 worth of new features and upgrades into the Max 10 . All five carrying handles ( two stern , one bow and one each starboard and port ) have been redesigned with rubberized BMX grips instead of the prior-generation foam handles that haven ’ t always held up to years of use .
The under-seat storage is a revelation when it comes to retying swiftly or gaining access to a quick snack . The molded-in rod holders and integrated horizontal rod storage make wielding a full arsenal of sticks easier than ever . And the aforementioned electronics panels , battery compartment , Power- Pole mounting area and transducer recess almost completely eliminate the need to spend hours and dollars on modifications .
Even the molded-in cupholder ( a required feature for me and my coffee mug ) and compartments for pliers and Plano boxes illustrate Native ’ s forethought in the Max 10 ’ s design and desire to give anglers everything they need every day on the water without having to spend more money for aftermarket upgrades .
Try as I might , I had a hard time finding much I disliked about the Max 10 throughout the review process . It might be nice to have a little more inhull dry storage and some extra room behind the seat for both a kayak crate and a small cooler ( I had to leave my cooler at the dock in favor of a crate loaded with other fishing essentials ), but it ’ s hard to complain when all that potential storage space was instead utilized for all the accoutrements a kayak angler could need .
The verdict : The Max 10 is a sweet little kayak that hits the sweet spot for price , features and functionality . And it ’ s not too hard on the eyes , either .
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 77