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Started By
Message
Hobie Mirage Drive 180
Posted on 2/16/17 at 7:22 am
Posted on 2/16/17 at 7:22 am
Now that Hobie has introduced the reverse feature on the Mirage Drive, would you say that the Outback is now an all around better Kayak than the Native Propel?
I have been wanting to get into yak fishing and narrowed it down to those two. The lack of a reverse feature was seemed to be the reason why most people chose the Natives over the Hobies.
I have been wanting to get into yak fishing and narrowed it down to those two. The lack of a reverse feature was seemed to be the reason why most people chose the Natives over the Hobies.
6
Posted on 2/16/17 at 8:08 am to GeauxMatt624
Still pros and cons fo both.
Also, don't forget jackson's flex drive coosa will be out in a couple months and that looks promising. Also, wildy's pedal drive kayaks...
I've owned a slayer propel as well as outback. In my opinion, Hobies drive system is better than Natives, even without Hobie having added reverse. Much better design for shallow water and a much more compact drive for transport.
One thing I did like about the slayer is the layout of the cockpit. It's much easier to stand in than the Outback and is more stable. Keep in mind that the Outback is an old hull design and has only recently been the recipient of a comfortable seat. but then again, "if it ain't broke..."
I have heard the new drive can be a bit finicky going from forward to reverse. I haven't tried it out yet, so I won't comment on it.
But to answer the question, if I was going to buy a pedal kayak today, I'd go with the Outback...
Also, don't forget jackson's flex drive coosa will be out in a couple months and that looks promising. Also, wildy's pedal drive kayaks...
I've owned a slayer propel as well as outback. In my opinion, Hobies drive system is better than Natives, even without Hobie having added reverse. Much better design for shallow water and a much more compact drive for transport.
One thing I did like about the slayer is the layout of the cockpit. It's much easier to stand in than the Outback and is more stable. Keep in mind that the Outback is an old hull design and has only recently been the recipient of a comfortable seat. but then again, "if it ain't broke..."
I have heard the new drive can be a bit finicky going from forward to reverse. I haven't tried it out yet, so I won't comment on it.
But to answer the question, if I was going to buy a pedal kayak today, I'd go with the Outback...
Posted on 2/16/17 at 8:09 am to GeauxMatt624
I'm not so certain I care for Hobie's new reverse drive. It should be noted that my experience with pedal kayaks was limited to the time I rented a PA12 with the 180 drive for a tournament so I just had it for a day. Switching from forward to reverse was clunky, made a lot of noise, and didn't always "engage" into the direction you wanted on the first pull. Problem with that is you had no way of telling unless you pumped the pedals and found you were going the wrong way. Maybe that's something that gets easier as you use/get used to the drive more.
Posted on 2/16/17 at 8:48 am to nahtanojc
I'll have to check out the flex drive. I have heard great things about the Coosa. I am just not sure I have the patience to wait a couple of months.
Did you notice the pedal drive being in the way when it was in the stowed position? It seems like it would get in the way. I mainly trout fish so I am not in skinny water often but would like to have the option to chase reds.
Also, did you notice any difference in speed or efficiency between the Mirage and Pedal system? I like to cover a lot of distance when we are trying to locate the trout.
Did you notice the pedal drive being in the way when it was in the stowed position? It seems like it would get in the way. I mainly trout fish so I am not in skinny water often but would like to have the option to chase reds.
Also, did you notice any difference in speed or efficiency between the Mirage and Pedal system? I like to cover a lot of distance when we are trying to locate the trout.
Posted on 2/16/17 at 8:50 am to GeauxMatt624
quote:No way. You have to do something to engage it. With the Native, it's hands free the entire time.
Now that Hobie has introduced the reverse feature on the Mirage Drive, would you say that the Outback is now an all around better Kayak than the Native Propel?
Posted on 2/16/17 at 8:52 am to GeauxMatt624
I am excited to see Jackson's version. IF they throw a Flex Drive on the Kraken itll be the best offshore kayak made.
As far as the 180 drive, Im waiting for the reports of those pull cords popping to start rolling in, and the drive to be stuck half between forward and reverse.
As far as the 180 drive, Im waiting for the reports of those pull cords popping to start rolling in, and the drive to be stuck half between forward and reverse.
Posted on 2/16/17 at 8:52 am to AlxTgr
quote:
AlxTgr
Do you have any trouble with the Propel getting caught up in grass or lilly pads? I am in the CENLA area as well and would like to get in the lillys in Spring Bayou and Indian Creek this spring.
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:02 am to GeauxMatt624
Oh, I don't have one. I am just commenting based on my observations of others. Watching a friend of mine using a propel recently in high winds made me realize I must get one. I am just not sure which as there are now about 4 viable candidates all not named Hobie. BTW, he owns a Hobie as well.
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:10 am to HouseofWaffles
quote:
As far as the 180 drive, Im waiting for the reports of those pull cords popping to start rolling in, and the drive to be stuck half between forward and reverse.
Another OBer(MarkMakers) bought one of the first 180 drives around and had the pull cord break on the first time out as well as bent the shite out of the mast. He has a Propel as well as an Outback so he'd be about as good as anyone to compare the two.
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:16 am to YOURADHERE
My 10 year old is getting a fine new yak this year 
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:16 am to YOURADHERE
Not surprising. I paddle because my knees suck, but I will say you never hear about the Propel drives failing unless some seriously bad shite goes down. Mirage drives, not so much.
Im waiting on one of the companies to make a drive with gears like a 10 speed bike.
Im waiting on one of the companies to make a drive with gears like a 10 speed bike.
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:18 am to nahtanojc
I'm 6'4" 230# and stand and fish in my Outback all the time.
Skinny water is fine with the Mirage drive, I can get in a foot or less with the fins stowed flat against the bottom of the hull.
My reverse is my paddle or just pulling on the marsh grass. I honestly don't see any reason to have to regularly drive a kayak backwards so far or so long such that a paddle won't do the job.
if the argument is that you can hold yourself against a current while fishing, screw that I'm not going to be pushing the pedals with my legs the whole time I'm casting and fighting fish. I have a stake out pole, an anchor, and small cleats on the front, side, and back of my kayak so I can position myself in any orientation in any current or wind.
the mirage 180 is a neat idea, with extra parts to break, to address a non-existent problem.
For what it's worth.
Skinny water is fine with the Mirage drive, I can get in a foot or less with the fins stowed flat against the bottom of the hull.
My reverse is my paddle or just pulling on the marsh grass. I honestly don't see any reason to have to regularly drive a kayak backwards so far or so long such that a paddle won't do the job.
if the argument is that you can hold yourself against a current while fishing, screw that I'm not going to be pushing the pedals with my legs the whole time I'm casting and fighting fish. I have a stake out pole, an anchor, and small cleats on the front, side, and back of my kayak so I can position myself in any orientation in any current or wind.
the mirage 180 is a neat idea, with extra parts to break, to address a non-existent problem.
For what it's worth.
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:21 am to HouseofWaffles
quote:You can only go so fast - displacement vs beam and all or so I have read. I doubt this would be useful at all.
Im waiting on one of the companies to make a drive with gears like a 10 speed bike.
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:21 am to TheCurmudgeon
Agree with this. For holding in current, there was always teh option of turning the drive around too if water is too deep for a stake out pole.
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:22 am to AlxTgr
Is that one of those, it's for the kid but it's really for me, situations? I want a pedal kayak badly but I've all but decided before I spend $2500+ on a kayak I'll be in the market for a used Gheenoe.
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:23 am to YOURADHERE
quote:Shhhhhh...the DW has an account here
Is that one of those, it's for the kid but it's really for me, situations?
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:46 am to AlxTgr
quote:
Shhhhhh...the DW has an account here
I thought I was the only one that referred to my significant other as Devil Woman
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:48 am to jorconalx
Looks like she has already read this
Posted on 2/16/17 at 9:50 am to AlxTgr
My down vote? 
Posted on 2/16/17 at 10:03 am to YOURADHERE
quote:Native Manta is like 2K and the two Wildy Radars are under $1,500.
before I spend $2500+ on a kayak
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