RTM Limited Edition Black Tempo - Initial Overview

Early in 2014 RTM announced they would be producing a limited edition Black series of the Abaco, K-Largo and Tempo. It wasn't long before i couldn't resist getting a Black Tempo. Here is an initial overview with plenty of photos.....

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Tempo Angler specification:

• LENGTH: 14'8" - 450 CM
• WIDTH: 26.4'' - 67 CM
• DEPTH: 13.4'' - 34 CM
• WEIGHT: 53 LBS - 24 KG
• MAX. CAPACITY: 375 LBS - 170 KG

So here it is straight out of the packaging..... 

Wow! That black is awesome! It looks stunning. Time to have a closer look......

Starting at the bow: A large D-ring and sturdy toggle handle. Slightly back from this is a drainage plug

Backwards to the front hatch: A hard plastic style lid held down by straps. The lid itself has moulded in depressions to hold more gear under the straps if need be. One strap is bolted to the lid to prevent the lid being lost when opening on the water. The lid has a thick rubber seal to make a waterproof fit when strapped down.

A C-Tug fits inside when the wheels and pads are taken off, with plenty more room for more gear. There is a large block of polystyrene wedged up into the bow for buoyancy should the kayak ever fill with water.

The footwell/seat: moulded in foot rests, 2 scupper holes, a bottle holder (that will soon be converted to something more useful!!) and a deep seat.

Soft rubber style side handles are found either side with a paddle holder on one side

2 rear facing flush mount rod holders are located behind the seating area. Great quality rod holders with an incorporated loop of cord for clipping a leash too. 

Back to the rear storage area: rounded in shape, with 2 scupper holes for drainage and covered with an elastic cargo net

Further back is the very sharp stern of the Tempo with toggle handle

The Tempo from the stern

Side profile...

.....and from the bow

Time for a look underneath.... the underside is smooth compared to the textured surface of the top. First photo is showing the view from the bow end, and the second from the stern end. A moulded lip runs along the bow end. 

Back to the top..... yellow deck lines run the length of the kayak, 10 D-rings are located at various places over the kayaks for clipping accessories too.

Tempo and RTM Fishing graphics can be found on both sides

With paddle and RTM Luxe seat (both extras not included with the kayak)

A closer look at the RTM Luxe seat - a nice padded base with a wrap around style back support. Quality straps and clips too.

So thats the RTM Tempo Angler in limited edition black.

My thoughts so far: black looks awesome and super stealthy, the tempo looks very fast - the kayak is light for its length and narrow. The build quality is fantastic as it is on my Abaco.  Its a paddlers fishing kayak so compromises have been made to on-deck storage. Other accessories found on the more fishing orientated kayaks, such as slide rails and the centre hatch on my Abaco, are not included. This is not a bad thing because this is what keeps the kayak light and fast. This kayak will be for when I'm going to be doing more paddling than fishing and for the marks i fish that require long and difficult walks to get to, and from, the launch spot. 

The RTM Luxe seat also seems a light, comfortable lower back rest and will be a great addition to my Tempo and  Abaco.

So now i have 2 very nice kayaks: one designed predominantly for fishing, an angler fishing kayak, and one designed predominantly for paddling, a paddlers fishing kayak. That should cover all the fishing i will be doing in the UK from difficult long distance offshore fishing to easy inshore marks. 

Here is a full list of the Tempo Angler features:

• 1 Buoyancy foam block kit
• 1 Can holder elastic
• 1 Deck net
• 1 Drain plug
• 1 Paddle keeper
• 10 D-rings
• 2 Flush mount rod holders
• 2 Recessed areas on hatch lid
• 4 Scupper holes
• 4 Carry handles
• Deck line
• Front case with large hatch cover
• Molded footbraces
• Towing & lock ring

As with any item that is in limited edition there is limited supply, although with the current demand RTM are making a few more in Black. The Tempo also comes in Grey Storm and Sun colour schemes too. 

RTM Fishing kayaks, including the RTM Tempo Angler, are available from Cornwall Canoes - give them a call or check out their website for more info.