Jackson Coosa HD Review

2015 Jackson Coosa HD

Like many others, I purchased the Jackson Coosa HD and was immediately and thoroughly impressed with the design and functionality. I had special-ordered the Coosa in the Yakattack color scheme, which I had fallen in love with from the first time I ever saw it. The upgrades that Jackson implemented on the Coosa HD make the kayak quite user friendly. For starters, the front hatch and rear hatch are hinged, keeping them from sliding around while being accessed. Secondly, the front hatch is secured with elastic straps that hook towards the paddler essentially allowing easier access while on the water if needed. Then there is the center console. This is a nice feature that allows the paddler to modify the kayak to their needs since the console is removable and has an area that the paddler can mount stuff to without having to drill into the kayak. Many people I know have removed it to give themselves more room, and I like doing that as well. However, I have modified mine for other uses. I mounted a 4-inch gear track on the console to mount my fish finder and the dogbone with the X-Grip to take my photos. But for the most part I only do this while tournament fishing when I am using my fish finder. Generally I fish a river that I don’t really utilize the fish finder.

Previously I owned and paddled the Jackson Big Rig, which I miss dearly because of the sheer size and stability. But I decided to downsize to the Coosa HD since I mostly fish rivers and the Big Rig was taxing to paddle upstream at times. The Coosa, on the other hand, is amazing. Since it is more slender it cuts upstream very well and allows me to paddle through heavy current without bogging down like the Big Rig did because of its size. Furthermore, the Coosa tracks amazingly and has a great glide through the water at the end of the paddle.

The new and improved seat is amazing as well. It is more breathable than the previous version which also helps to keep you cool. The Therm-a-Rest lumbar support is a nice improvement as well, as it seems to stay in place better than the previous lumbar support that I had experienced with the Big Rig. There are also two separate high and three low position configurations that you can use. Jackson claims that the most forward positions are more for flat water like lakes to help get the bow of the kayak down to help the kayak track better. There are also three separate pouches on the seat. There is one directly in the front and one on each side. The side pouches are designed perfectly for the two waterproof tackle boxes that come standard with the kayak. Lastly, there is the mesh pouch that is nice for many of your overflow gear like extra pliers, soft plastics and even snacks for your trip.

The overall stability in the Coosa HD is excellent. Even as a large-framed guy, I feel very comfortable with the stability, especially the more and more I am in it. For me, one of the biggest aspects to get used to was getting stuff from behind me. In the Big Rig, I didn’t have to think about body movements and turning around as much or how my movements would affect the boat tipping because it was almost impossible to tip. However, with the Coosa, I had to become more cognizant of my movements as it is narrower and slightly squirrelly when adjusting to turn to retrieve tackle and supplies from the rear. Many times people judge how stable a kayak is from how well one can stand in it. Unfortunately, I haven’t had an opportunity to practice with that much. Since I do fish rivers mostly, I do not have many opportunities to stand and current whipping around the kayak isn’t exactly your friend when trying to keep it stable.

Finally, all the little goodies that come with the Coosa HD and most Jackson kayaks when you purchase them now make the experience even better. The two rod holders add to your ability to modify the kayak to your needs and the two waterproof tackle boxes give you the excuse to buy more tackle (Lol). The mesh pouch for further storage and the Nalgene water bottle to help keep you hydrated. And lastly, the Buck Splizzers, which have everything that you could possibly ask for. Pliers on the tip followed by scissors to the rear, and a crimping tool just above the handle with a bottle opener on the rear of the handle as well. Check them out today and I promise you will not be disappointed.