E L E C T R O N I C S


PETZL E+LITE EMERGENCY HEADLAMP $29 // www.petzl.com


Petzl markets this jewel of a headlamp as a backup light to be hidden away for years and only brought out in emergencies. Are they crazy? weighing less than one ounce, this wee beastie will not only light your way to a pre-dawn launch, but give you all the light you need for rigging and knot-tying in the dark and act as a strobe should you be sharing the water with other vessels. There’s even a red Led to preserve your night vision. includes a small elastic headband and the ability to clip onto a hat, PFd or tent flap.—Greg Bowdish


Pro: It’s even waterproof to 3’! Con: We should have all been issued one at birth.


STANDARD HORIZON HX750S FLOATING VHF RADIO $150 // www.standardhorizon.com


SPOT SATELLITE PERSONAL TRACKER $170 // www.findmespot.com


The SPoT messenger fits in the palm of your hand and has four buttons: on, oK, Help, and 911. oK sends your friends and family a cheerful reminder that you’re having a great time fishing while they’re checking email. “Help” tells them you need their assistance (plan ahead of time what you want them to do). 911 triggers a dispatch center in Houston to arrange a full-on rescue. For an additional annual fee, the tracking feature will send updates to the web every 10 minutes.


Pro: Global coverage at lower cost than a PLB. Con: $100 annual fee.


CASIO G’ZONE TYPE-S


$150 with 2-year Verizon contract // www. casiogzone.com


For everyday calling or on-water emergencies, the G’zone (pronounced “geez-one”) could be the one cell phone to take you from home, to office, to kayak without the hassle of a waterproof case that can get in the way of calling the Coast Guard.


Pro: Water-, salt- and shock-resistant, with molded loop to clip to a PFD.


Con: Doesn’t float.


HYDROSTAR SOS DELUXE and EXTENSION POLE Light $40 // www.seattlesportsco.com


This is the ultimate all-purpose utility, safety and emergency light for kayaking at night. on deck it can be set to work as a high-powered xenon strobe, an SoS emergency strobe, or a red/green marker. Pop it from its magnetic base and it becomes an Led flashlight. Plus, it’s waterproof to 50’.


Pro: Mounting-option mania with magnet, suction cup, strap loops, Velcro, belt clip, safety leash and $10 optional extension pole.


Con: You can’t run the red/green and the white lights simultaneously. We’d prefer a brighter white navigation light over the red/green option.


40 … KAYAK ANGLER summer/fall 2008


A vHF is a must-have item for large bodies of water. Now much improved, this one floats, which is a huge plus for those of us with fumble fingers! Standard Horizon also makes one with built-in GPS. in the harsh environment of the kayak, we need something tough and these radios hold up and perform.—Jim Sammons


Pro: Also includes a strobe light and thermometer. Con: At 5.6” high, a bit big for some PFD pockets.


MAGELLAN TRITON 2000 $500 // www.magellangps.com


GPS is going the way of the iPhone with a simple touch-screen exterior that allows for a larger, 2.7” display. Along with the usual compass and barometer, the Triton 2000 includes a 2 MP camera and an audio recorder so you can remind yourself what was so great about that secret spot you just waypointed. There’s even a built-in Led flashlight. The SirFstariii chipset offers the greatest sensitivity and the fastest satellite acquisition times possible in a handheld.


Pro: Unlike your iPhone, it’s shockproof and submersible. Con: Doesn’t make calls.


GARMIN FISHFINDER 300C $268 // www.garmin.com


This new sonar intended for freshwater fishing offers vivid color at a low price point and in a compact package that fits well on kayaks. Features include a sunlight-readable 3.5” QvGA display. The dual-beam transducer with a power output of 150 watts (rMS) and 1200 watts (peak to peak) provides excellent coverage in shallow waters but can find bottom up to 900’.


Pro: A very affordable color fishfinder. Con: No built-in GPS at this price, yet.


Yak-Gear Outriggers $140 // www.yak-gear.com


Just coming onto the market, outriggers from up-and-coming accessory maker yak-Gear are the essence of simplicity. each removable arm attaches via an included Scotty rod holder. in-hull access is required for proper installation, so those lacking a nearby hatch will need to add one. we didn’t get to play with this new sight-fishing weapon, but one obvious highlight is the system’s versatility and adjustability. They lift right out of the way of your paddle stroke.—Paul Lebowitz


Pro: The price is right. Con: New and untested.


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