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Recon 120 vs. Recon 120 HD

What’s the Real Difference?

Hey everyone Andy here from AQ Outdoors Edmonton. Today we’re diving into one of the most common questions we hear in the shop: What’s the actual difference between the Wilderness Systems Recon 120 and the Recon 120 HD? Let’s break it down in true AQ style: professional, helpful, and just a little cheeky.

The Recon 120: Stable, Standable, and Ready to Fish

With the standard Wilderness Systems Recon 120, you’re getting a standable, stable, 12-foot-long, 38-inch-wide fishing platform. It’s designed to keep you comfortable and confident on the water. Stability? Absolutely. Speed? Let’s just say this isn’t the kayak that’s going to win a drag race, but that’s not really the point here.

What Makes It an “HD” Anyway?

The “HD” in Recon 120 HD is all about pedal drive power. When you upgrade to the HD, you’re adding the pedal drive system that turns the Recon into a faster, more efficient fishing machine.

The beauty of the Recon lineup is that Wilderness Systems gives you options:

• Buy the pedal-drive-ready Recon 120 and upgrade later, or
• Go straight for the Recon 120 HD, which includes the pedal drive and rudder kit right out of the gate.

Why Choose Pedals?

Pedal drives bring some undeniable perks:

• You use your biggest muscle groups (your legs)
• You move faster and cover more water
• You stay out longer
• You keep your line in the strike zone more consistently

More coverage + more time on the water = more fish in the boat. Not a bad equation.

The Cons of Pedal Drives

Nothing in life is perfect, even pedal drives. Here are a few realities to chew on:

• Extra deck space: The drive itself takes up room.
• Extra cost: Pedal drives aren’t exactly pocket change.
• Extra weight: Your arms and back will know it’s there.
• Shallow-water limitations: Later in the season, when river levels drop, that drive sticking a foot to a foot and a half below the hull becomes… let’s say, less ideal.

Rivers like the Bow through Calgary? Not always pedal-friendly.
Big, deep waterbodies like Pigeon Lake or the Slave River? Absolutely no problem.

The DIY Dream: Build Your Perfect Recon

Andy’s Favourite Version

My personal favourite? The one you get to build yourself.

When you add the pedal drive to the paddle version, you get to:

• Choose which side your rudder lives on
• Install foot rails for easier paddling
• Customize it exactly to your liking

Plus, upgrading later lets you spread out the cost over months (or even years), instead of taking the full hit upfront. Smart, practical, and very budget-friendly.

Same Base Boat. Two Paths. Your Choice.

What’s Actually Different?

At their core, the Recon 120 and Recon 120 HD are the same base kayak. Same seat. Same hatch. Same tankwell. Same scupper holes. Same hull.

The differences come down to the accessories:

• HD Version: Pedal drive + rudder kit
• Paddle Version: Foot rails + pedal-drive-ready insert

No matter which route you take, you’re getting a capable fishing machine. The real question is: Which setup fits how you’ll use it 80% of the time? Choose for the majority of your paddling — you can always make it work for the fringe scenarios.

Thanks for Tuning In!

If you’ve got questions, comments, or want to argue passionately about pedal drives, drop them below. And of course, visit us in-store at our Calgary and Edmonton locations or online. Happy paddling, and may your lines stay tight!