These are my favorite yaks at a few price points, I wish I had more time in Jackson kayaks. They all look really nice but I can't recommend either way due to no hands on experience. As you can see I'm pretty partial to Wilderness Systems but at the end of the day I think they make some damn good kayaks.
I wanted to like FeelFree, but in my opinion the Moken is outdone by the Tarpon and I think the Lure is beat out by the Radar or Ride.
You aren't losing quality of construction usually by going with a cheaper yak as long as it isn't something like a pelican or sun dolphin but you'll have way less extra features than the more expensive yaks.
If you want a pedal yak, I think the
Old Town PDL is my favorite out right now but is a pretty penny at 2799.99. While Hobie is/was the industry standard I just don't like them. Their drive system takes more effort imo and the Pro Angler is massive. I don't mind the Outback by Hobie, its pretty nice but I think the Old Town PDL is better.
Budget option
Pescador 12-should be 399.99 until Weds if I have academy's sale rotation right
Pescador Pro-704 until weds as well I believe
Mid level
Tarpon 120 $939.99-Good balanced yak, pretty quick but stable enough you shouldn't end up in the water
Ride 135 $1049-This is with the low seat instead of the frame seat, so prefer the frame seat but I really like the low seat instead. Its also a pretty standable yak
Diablo Amigo-999.99 plus seat, I had really wanted one of these until I tried one. Really slow but super stable. Great flyfishing rig if you're into that
Viking Profish Reload-1299.99 similar yak to the tarpon but more features, I like the feel of the tarpon on the water better though
High end
Radar 135 1499.99 This is my favorite yak on the market right now, will be my next yak unless something else comes out between now and then. Big and stable but still pretty quick, I like it way better than the other comparable yaks I've been in. Namely the Lure 13.5, Atak 140, The Radar also has the option for a pedal system, but I actually like it better without.
Tarpon 130x 1469.99 faster than the Radar and ride but slowly than the base tarpon, more stable than the base tarpon but not a good standing platform