>>1450073>pic relatedThis old town kayak could be had for $500 when I was shopping for mine. It came with rod holders. Old Town has good solid hauls. This one has a pronounced skeg in the back and V shaped bow, it tracks well and is fast despite being short and wide, or I should say it's easy to keep straight and is fast for being a short fat kid. the wide opening also lends itself to casual use.
If you are at retail shops, press on the kayak, it should not give much. If it's all flexy when you push on it, then it's going to feel like shit when you're in it.