The Pelican Mustang 120X EXO is one of the most talked-about beginner kayaks you can buy right now.
It is affordable, lightweight, and built for calm water paddling. But does it actually live up to all the praise? Real users have a lot to say about it, and not all of it is perfect.
This review covers the full picture, from the specs and stability to the seat comfort, storage, and real feedback from people who have used it. Read on to find out if it is the right kayak for you.
Overview of the Pelican Mustang 120X
The Pelican Mustang 120X EXO is a sit-in recreational kayak made by Pelican International. It is built for calm water paddling and designed to be stable, lightweight, and easy to use.
Building on the popularity of the Pelican Mustang 100X builds, Pelican introduced the 120X for paddlers who wanted more space, better tracking, higher weight capacity, and improved storage without moving into expensive touring kayaks.
The kayak is made from durable Ram-X polyethylene and includes a padded seat, molded footrests with adjustable knee pads, multiple storage areas, and the signature Exopod 17L removable storage bag.
At 12 feet long and 47 pounds, it balances easy handling with solid beginner-friendly performance.
Pelican Mustang 120X EXO Specs at a Glance
The Pelican Mustang 120X is built for recreational paddlers who want a stable, beginner-friendly kayak without spending a fortune.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 12 feet |
| Width | 29 inches |
| Weight | 47 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 375 lbs |
| Material | Ram-X polyethylene |
| Seat | Ergoform padded backrest with cushion |
| Storage | Front hatch, rear tank well, Exopod 17L |
| Hull Design | Double arch multi-chine |
| Best Use | Lakes, slow rivers, calm water |
The Pelican Mustang 120X checks a lot of boxes on paper, especially for beginners looking for a stable and affordable 12-foot kayak.
Who the Mustang 120X Actually Works For
The Mustang 120X works best for casual recreational paddling. If your typical trip involves calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, or relaxed weekend paddles, this kayak makes a lot of sense.
It’s a strong fit if you are:
- A beginner who wants stability and confidence on flat water
- A larger paddler who needs more than the 300-pound capacity of the 100X
- A casual weekend paddler who stays on lakes or slow rivers
- Someone is buying their first kayak and is not sure how often they’ll actually use it
- A budget-conscious buyer who wants a functional 12-foot kayak without spending $600+
It’s probably not the right kayak if you are:
- Planning serious fishing trips, the 120X includes two flush-mount rod holders for light angling, but lacks the uplifted seating, gear tracks, and standing stability of dedicated fishing kayaks like the Pelican Catch series
- Wanting to cover long distances, touring kayaks will be more efficient and comfortable
- Paddling in open water, ocean bays, or anywhere wind and chop are regular factors
- Already past the beginner stage and want a kayak that will challenge you
The honest version: if you know you want to fish, this kayak will eventually disappoint you. Buy a fishing-specific kayak from the start and skip the intermediate step.
What the Mustang 120X Feels Like on the Water
The first thing most beginners notice is how stable the Mustang 120X feels on the water.
The double-arch multi-chine hull creates a steady platform that handles small wakes and light chop without feeling overly tippy, which helps build confidence quickly.
Its 12-foot length also improves tracking compared to shorter recreational kayaks, such as the Mustang 100X.
The kayak tracks straighter with fewer corrections, making relaxed lake paddling feel easier and less tiring.
The tradeoff is maneuverability. It is not as quick to turn in tighter areas, and several owners mention that windy conditions can push it around more than expected.
Speed is decent for casual paddling, but the hull is clearly designed more for stability than performance.
Where the Weaknesses Start Showing
The Mustang 120X makes a strong first impression, but some weaknesses become more noticeable over time. The biggest complaint is still the seat.
For quick paddles under two hours, the Ergoform seat works fine. But during longer outings, many paddlers start feeling pressure points and lower-back fatigue because the seat padding is fairly thin.
Storage waterproofing is another weak point. The front hatch can handle light splashes, but in choppy conditions, water can get through it. Therefore, it should not be trusted for electronics or valuables without dry bags inside.
Solo transport can also be frustrating. Even though 47 pounds is relatively light for a 12-foot kayak, the lack of a center carry handle makes loading awkward for some people.
These are not dealbreakers for most beginners, but they are compromises that become more noticeable over time.
Storage Space and Real Usability
For a recreational kayak in this price range, the Mustang 120X offers a surprisingly practical storage setup.
- The rear tank well is large enough for coolers, backpacks, extra clothing, or fishing gear for a day trip.
- Bungee cords help keep gear secure while still making it easy to access items on the water.
- The removable Exopod 17L storage compartment is more practical than it first looks. Many owners like being able to pack gear beforehand and simply drop the pod into place before launching.
- The front hatch works best for smaller items and lightweight dry bags.
- One common complaint is that the front hatch is not fully waterproof, especially in rougher conditions.
- Important gear like phones, wallets, or electronics should still be stored inside separate dry bags.
Overall, the storage system works well for casual lake and river trips. It is not perfect, but it is more usable than many beginner kayaks.
Real User Reviews and Reddit Experiences
Specs and features only tell part of the story.
Real owner feedback gives a better picture than product pages ever will. Most beginners praise the stability, beginner-friendly feel, and overall value for the price.
“Very stable and easy to paddle for a first kayak. Tracks surprisingly well for a recreational kayak.” Reddit Discussion
“It’s what I’ve used for 5 years. It’s been through Class I and II rapids and hit multiple rocks, and is still going. No complaints. And at 10 feet, we can throw them into the back of my F-150 for transport.” Facebook Community Discussion
“Good value for the money, but the seat starts getting uncomfortable after a few hours.” BassResource Forum Discussion
Most complaints revolve around seat comfort during longer trips, minor cosmetic quality-control issues, and the lack of a center carry handle for easier solo transport.
Pelican Mustang 120X Pros and Cons
Like most budget-friendly recreational kayaks, the Pelican Mustang 120X does some things really well and cuts corners in a few areas.
Pros:
- Very stable on flat water
- Tracks well for a beginner kayak
- Only 47 pounds, easy to move around
- Great for first-time paddlers
- Affordable price for what you get
Cons:
- Seat padding gets uncomfortable on long trips
- Storage is not waterproof
- No center carry handle for solo loading
- Not suitable for rough or open water
- Limited features compared to pricier kayaks
Pelican Mustang 120X vs Mustang 100X
Choosing between the Mustang 100X and 120X mostly comes down to space, tracking, and portability. One is more comfortable and better for longer paddles, while the other is easier to transport and store.
| Feature | Mustang 120X | Mustang 100X |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 12 feet | 10 feet |
| Weight Capacity | 375 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Tracking | Better | Average |
| Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Portability | Harder to transport | Easier to transport |
| Storage | More storage | Less storage |
| Best For | Taller paddlers, more gear | Smaller paddlers, short trips |
The 120X is the better choice if you want more speed, more storage, and a higher weight limit. The 100X is easier to haul and store if you have limited space.
Pricing and Where to Find It
The Pelican Mustang 120X EXO is one of the more affordable 12-foot kayaks on the market. For what you get, the price is fair across most retailers. Availability can shift with the season, so it is worth checking a few stores before buying.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Price range: $284.99 (sale) / $499.99 (MSRP).
- One of the most widely available options, both in-store and online. Staff in-store may have limited knowledge, so do your research beforehand.
- Confluence Outdoor
- Price range: Around $479.99
- The official distribution channel for Pelican kayaks. A reliable source with direct product information and warranty support.
- Asian Kayak
- Price range: $280.99
- Similar pricing to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Good option if you have a store nearby and want to see it in person before buying.
Pro tip: Prices often drop during spring outdoor sales and end-of-summer clearance events. Those are the best windows to grab it at a lower price. Used models in good shape can also be found for $200 to $300 on local marketplaces.
When Another Kayak Makes More Sense
The Pelican Mustang 120X is a solid beginner recreational kayak, but it is not the best choice for every type of paddler. Depending on your budget and goals, some alternatives may better fit your needs.
- The Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 and the Lifetime Tamarack 120 are two similar options at a lower price. They lack some features but cover the basics.
- If your main goal is kayak fishing, a fishing-specific kayak like the Perception Pescador 10 or the Pelican Catch 110 will offer a higher seat height, more gear-mounting options, and improved stability for standing.
- If you plan to paddle longer distances regularly, consider touring-focused kayaks like the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 or the Old Town Loon 120. Both track better and stay more efficient over time.
And if storage space or transport is your biggest concern, shorter kayaks like the Mustang 100X are easier to move, store, and load solo.
The Mustang 120X sits in the middle ground: more capable than entry-level 10-foot kayaks, but still focused mainly on casual recreational paddling.
Maintenance and Setup Tips
Keeping your Pelican Mustang 120X in top shape requires proper transport, storage, and essential accessories to ensure a smooth paddling experience.
How to Transport the Pelican Mustang 120X
- Roof rack setup: Foam block roof racks work well for solo transport.
- Secure straps: Use kayak straps to secure the kayak on the roof for safety.
- Protect the hull: Place a pool noodle under the kayak when sliding it onto your car to prevent scratches.
Cleaning and Storage
- Rinse after use: Always rinse with fresh water, especially after saltwater or muddy river trips.
- Store off the ground: Use foam pads or a kayak rack.
- Protect from sunlight: Keep out of direct sunlight during long-term storage to avoid hull damage.
Recommended Beginner Accessories
- Personal flotation device (PFD): Essential for safety.
- Paddle: 230–240 cm paddles suit most beginners.
- Dry bag: Keeps valuables and electronics safe from water.
- Kayak cart: Makes moving the kayak from the car to the water easier.
Following these tips ensures a longer kayak life, easier handling, and safer, more enjoyable paddling every time you hit the water.
Is the Pelican Mustang 120X Worth Buying?
For beginners, the Pelican Mustang 120X is genuinely a good value. It gives newer paddlers something many cheap recreational kayaks fail to provide: stability without feeling painfully slow or cramped.
The longer hull improves tracking enough to make lake paddling more enjoyable, and the higher weight capacity makes it accessible for a wider range of paddlers and gear loads.
But this kayak also has a clear ceiling. The seat comfort, basic outfitting, and rough-water limitations become obvious once your paddling experience grows.
That is why the Mustang 120X works best for people who want relaxed weekend paddling, casual exploration, and easy flat-water trips without paying a premium.
If that matches your use case, it is one of the better beginner-friendly recreational kayaks in its price range. If not, you may outgrow it faster than expected.
Final Thoughts
The Pelican Mustang 120X EXO is a solid choice for anyone just getting into kayaking. It is stable, easy to handle, and priced fairly for what it offers.
The seat could be better, and the storage is not fully waterproof, but for casual lake and river paddling, it gets the job done.
If you want a beginner-friendly kayak that will not cost a fortune, this one is worth a serious look. Just pair it with a dry bag and a good paddle, and you are ready to get on the water without overthinking it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Pelican Mustang 120 X Come with a Paddle?
No, the kayak is usually sold without a paddle. Most buyers purchase a paddle separately based on their height and paddling style.
Can the Pelican Mustang 120 X Fit in a Truck Bed?
Yes, it can fit in most truck beds with the tailgate down. You will still need proper tie-down straps to keep it secure during transport.
How Durable is the Ram-X Material on The Pelican Mustang 120 X?
Ram-X polyethylene is known for its ability to handle bumps, scrapes, and minor impacts well. It is durable for recreational use, but dragging the kayak over rough surfaces repeatedly will still cause wear over time.
