Good video, answered questions. Thanks much !

Always great information.

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Prop has instant reverse, the Mirage Drive has instant shallow water ability. :) The other plus for the Mirage Drive is the ability to still get propulsion in shallow water with a little flutter kicks with the fins up against the hull.

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

Yes, more efficient. Less energy to run. I think the 360 issues overshadow how good this drive has been.

@TimPercyKayakFishing

4 ай бұрын

@@thebeardedpaddler I've been fortunate with the 360. I've had one since they were released and I haven't had one issue. I firmly believe the majority of issues with the 360 were from people not doing the adjustments and maintenance.

@VentaJusta

4 ай бұрын

I have had PA 14's with both the Mirage 180 and 360 drives. 180 drives - no issues, super solid. 360 - problems with both the hull and 360 drives. (Two 360 drive replacements, currently have a claim in for 2nd hull replacement). IMHO Hobie mirage drives are the best drive out there, and when they work, they do not disappoint. The 360 drives and hulls just don't seem to hold up if you use them a lot though. This coming from a guy that does meticulous maintenance. I really hope Hobie gets their issues worked out and I am a huge PA 14 fan. Until then I am looking at more reliable options and using the great info provided on Andy's channel.

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

@@VentaJusta same here. Thanks for watching

@michaelgunderson7415

Ай бұрын

I pick the prop drive and just use the paddle in shallow water.

Thanks mate answered all my Qs was looking at the 120 oldtown aswell but getting the Hobie Outback as itll suit me better for my waters downunder thanks ya legend

@thebeardedpaddler

2 ай бұрын

Both great options. Uou will love the Outback

Many thanks, Durability is my main consideration.

@thebeardedpaddler

2 ай бұрын

Propel drive from Native

Enjoyed the video. Question: what's the least expensive Hobie kayak with kick-up fins?

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

Passport 10.5. I believe $1799

I love my Titan 13.5, it’s a barge for sure and slower than many yaks out there. But, I got the Titan due to its stability.

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

Those are huge but people love them that own one

Thank’s

Excellent video and info. Word has it that the newer Jackson FD MK 4 is faster than the Hobie Mirages now. What's your take on that? Any comments when comparing the Jackson MK4 FD to the Native Propel (i.e. weight, durability, speed)? Thanks

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

That is just not true. MK4 is faster than its predecessor, but the Hobie drive is considerably faster. I ran a 14 foot Pro Angler last year and I got a better speed with the Hobie Fin Drive than I did with a Jackson with a trolling motor. Not saying someone shouldn't go with a MK4 as it's a phenomenal drive.

@VentaJusta

4 ай бұрын

​@@thebeardedpaddler, how about the details on the Jackson MK4 FD -vs- the Native Propel? Any thoughts on that? Both great of course.

I've been running electric for a couple of years. In February I added an NK 300. Works great in lakes. Took it in the saltmarsh shallows occasionally hitting occasional mud and oyster bottom. Motor cut off several times and finally quit. Am looking for a solution that will perform well on both and not leave me stranded,, as I'm almost 80 and paddling a fishing kayak isn't easy. I love my NuCanoe, but am thinking about a mirage drive Outback as I'd have three power options: paddle, fins, electric. Any thoughts on this or on other makes, etc would be much appreciated.

@thebeardedpaddler

Ай бұрын

Outback is what I would go with as well. You will like the efficiency of the fins especially in vegetation. Still can motorize it also

I noticed that you rarely mention Old Town kayaks even though they are an industry giants. Their PDL drive is legendary for its durability. They offered 5-year warranty on the drive years before Native that thing is bulletproof and it is definitely not a plastic-casing drive, I own both and the native l is great but Old Town had their drive figured out way earlier

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

I mentioned Old Town. The Propel is definitely more durable in just the materials used. Doesn't mean the Old Town drive isn't exceptional though.

I've had both styles and I like the both. If you saltwater, Hobie can't be beat... that is truly their domain. However, when it comes to lakes/rivers, I actually like the prop drives better. When you have a crosswind at the back, you can backpedal and skate along the shoreline easier while fishing. Same for fishing the flats. I just think the pedal drives are more convenient. And don't let the comment about there being more effort in the prop drives. I've never had any issue with either system as far as travel and I've been in some horrendous head winds (I live along the coast).

@thebeardedpaddler

12 күн бұрын

No worries at all. Great feedback. I think the Hobie drives are most efficient overall...I always find myself missing the instant reverse. Thanks for watching!

How do you feel about the Nucanoe Pivot Drive? I need a kayak on the smaller/lighter side and I'm trying to decide between a Native Slayer Max 10 (which I thought I was settled on) until I saw the Nucanoe U10 coming out. I like the Unlimited but its just way too much kayak for my needs. I guess that also leads to the question of when you think you'll being getting in some of the new U10's and reviewing one. Thanks. Love watching you videos and getting your take on all things in the kayak fishing world.

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

Should get them in next week

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

I like the Pivot drive. It does clutter the deck a little though

So I'm brand new to this whole concept of Prop drive or Fin drive, and Kayaks as a whole. I'm looking for something I can take into the Gulf of Mexico, where we fish the waters at usually pretty calm because its a bay. Any suggestions? I'm 5' 10" 215, so average sized person. I'm looking at an Old Town PDL 106, at the moment. Maybe are there other companies to look into?

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

Fin drive Hobie in a 12ft or longer size is what I would go with. If you want Old Town I would go up to the 12 ft length instead of the 106

Finally someone talking about how well the Hobie Mirage pedal drive preforms in dense vegetation. I fish primarily in the California delta & I can pedal through super heavy vegetation . It slow but it will do it . I get snags on my rudder but not my pedal drive in the weeds in my Hobie Lynx. The Mirage pedal drive is super efficient I can pedal out on the delta or lakes 8 to 12 miles in a day .

@thebeardedpaddler

3 ай бұрын

Right on! Thanks for watching and glad you liked the video

Very informative video. Do u know what other brands hav pop up fins? Thanks.

@thebeardedpaddler

Ай бұрын

Thank you Pelican does a fin as well as a couple of newer companies but I'm unaware if they have kickup fins. Basically they are using the older Hobie patents that have expired and building them with cheaper parts/plastic so buyer beware lol

@user-wu1cx1cg6b

Ай бұрын

Appreciate the response. I've already seen where 1 company has smaller diameter chain cables on their product. It was probably what you are talking about with older design. I know Hobies are the best. Thanks again

@thebeardedpaddler

Ай бұрын

@@user-wu1cx1cg6b no problem at all

The fin drives are just too delicate for me, IMO the Old-Towns pedal drive is the best one out there.

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

They really aren't delicate. I've seen people really rough on them. Ever since they made kick-up fins standard it seems to have really helped.

@patriotsoftwash652

4 ай бұрын

I’ve beat the piss out of my 2017 Outback and never had one issue with the 180 drive. Not delicate at all.

@jonbullard7074

4 ай бұрын

I agree. The old town PDL drives are great. I can travel at 3MPH with very little effort and maintain that speed for long distances.

@brettallen1440

Ай бұрын

I've had a hobie passport with standard fins and have never had an issue with durability.

With that being said there is the option of Dual Drive kayaks out there , perhaps one kayak with 2 drives rather than 2 kayaks and 2 drives. I didn't no about that when I got my kayaks , otherwise it's possible I may have gone the Dual Drive route. Maybe something worth looking into , I already have my yaks so I didn't research it to much , was afraid I might see something I like , then have to sell what I have and buy again..lol Holding off for now anyway...lol

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

I know the ones you are speaking of. It's not the best made kayaks out there honestly.

Hoping people in the comments or yourself could help me with a question. I have chronic back pain and miss kayaking, but we do ocean pleasure kayaking here in the Pacific West Coast not exactly super strong surf but ocean all the same. Literally just tooling around not too far from land in sheltered waters around the San Juan islands. And I’ve been looking into pedals as a back up, or as an assist for a double kayak with my husband. Would you be able to tell me which one of these would be best in an ocean environment? Our needs are that I can’t manage paddling now but I could probably do pedals and I don’t want it to all fall on my husband if we get into strong surf or more difficulty when we’re out. Any advice would be welcomed.

@thebeardedpaddler

Ай бұрын

Hobies are used constantly in island environments. The Hobie Revolution and the Hobie Oasis tandem may be great options for you to check out

If you bump a rock on the prop drive will the prop kick up or bring up on the rock?

@thebeardedpaddler

3 ай бұрын

The Jackson FD drives will kick up. Most others will not.

I use fins and have a Bixpy on the rudder

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

Nice!

I use fin drive, but I get jealous sometimes. It’s such a pain to stay in one spot in the ocean, because you need to pull trigger with your hand to go reverse. When you go after blackfish, you definitely need to bring anchor with the fin drive. Also, my biggest fear is dropping the fin drive in the ocean while you launch or land. I paddle to deep enough spot to insert my fin drive in or out, it could be becuz I have really tiny space hobbie mirage sport but it’s such a pain. Propel seems like secure lift up and down, no worries about dropping and lose $1000+ drive. Trying to figure out if I can put a leash or something

@thebeardedpaddler

Ай бұрын

Hobie does sell a mirage drive leash that might eliminate that fear Thanks for watching!

@iraomar1

Ай бұрын

I have my mirage drive tied with some paracord to an eyelit with a simple knot always. Surf launch with as much gear stowed in Hobie revo 13 forward hatch as I can manage including my fully rigged 7’ rod which slides in there. I down rig fish finder, etc. and stow on the way in. Too much to lose in a capsize. Oh, and always buckle your seat to the boat $$$! Happy fishing from Northern California!

@Al-li3ln

Ай бұрын

@@thebeardedpaddler never knew they made that lol. $42 on Amazon…. I’ll try to buy a cheaper leash. Thanks for the reply!

Begginer here. I’m 6’ 230 lbs. looking to get a fin drive kayak. I’ve been looking at reel yaks and my budget is about 1600. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

@thebeardedpaddler

Ай бұрын

To me the only option in that price range would be the Hobie Passport 10.5. You may like the 12 better at $1999 though

@chn-su7lw

Ай бұрын

@@thebeardedpaddler thank you!

Are modular kayaks okay like reel yak? I have a 2014 Toyota Prius and am an older lady so it would be hard for me to car top.

@thebeardedpaddler

Ай бұрын

Try inflatables. There are some quality ones out there

@Lqviolin2

Ай бұрын

The ponds I go to don’t allow inflatable

@thebeardedpaddler

Ай бұрын

@@Lqviolin2 really? Wow.

@thebeardedpaddler

Ай бұрын

@@Lqviolin2 not sure what your budget is but the Liquidlogic Versa night be an option or my wife really likes her Hobie Lynx but that it pretty pricey

I have a buddy that keeps losing Hobie fins in the Marsh. "One at a time" He thinks juveniles Bull Sharks are the guilty party! lol 🦈

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

Really? wow! I saw the first line and thought something must be wrong. lol

@manny4491

4 ай бұрын

@@thebeardedpaddler He says with one fin you move 20 % slower lol but, he does not know exactly, when, it happens. This always happens in the same 4 miles of marsh. Nowhere else!

Can you quantify the speed difference? Are we talking 3mph vs. 2.9, or is the difference greater than that?

@thebeardedpaddler

2 ай бұрын

Around 3.5 to 5 with fin getting the advantage

@dougaranda6187

2 ай бұрын

@@thebeardedpaddler That’s a considerable difference.

@iraomar1

Ай бұрын

You can upgrade the Hobie fin to the turbo which is larger for $$. Not sure how much faster it is but makes a larger center “dagger board” when coupled with the Hobie sail kit🤙🏻

So for the fin drive can it go in reverse as well?

@thebeardedpaddler

23 күн бұрын

Yes

Which is good for fishing in ponds I would assume fin drive not totally sure

@thebeardedpaddler

3 ай бұрын

Good question. Depends on the pond. Paddle and anchor is the best in my opinion. Small lake without a lot of vegetation I like props.

@TKOxNulkYT

3 ай бұрын

Which would be best if your unfamiliar with the ponds in your area which would be the better option between the fin drive or the pedal drive

Do Finn drives go in reverse?

@thebeardedpaddler

2 ай бұрын

The Hobie 180 drive does yes

If we’re talking straight up comparison on which one is better, price shouldn’t even be the conversation. From my experience, if you fish water with any type of vegetation, propel drive is out of the question. Never needed instant reverse to fight a fish and never lost a fish because I didn’t have it.

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

The pros and the cons I listed are which one I would pick and where. Personally, I like the speed and ease of the Hobie drive for the waters I fish.

Less movement to run fin drives ..more/higher knee movement to run pedals....i jave the original hobie fins ...reverse would be nice...but i just fish nose into the current and flutter to hold in place

@thebeardedpaddler

4 күн бұрын

very true

Maintenance is more on fin drive

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

Not necessarily. Some lube once a year. So many varying quality prop drives out there so it's hard to blanket statement on props though.

The Jackson mk4 is MUCH faster than any Hobie fin drive. 12 to one in the ticket

@thebeardedpaddler

4 ай бұрын

Eh..... I love the Mark IV drive buy it is NOT faster than any mirage drive. I've been in them all

@HendersonHookin

4 ай бұрын

@@thebeardedpaddler agree to disagree.

@bigdogford1

2 ай бұрын

I agree I honestly feel like most prop drives or faster than fin drives, I have both types of drive systems one is a hobie revolution and I have a old town bigwater, the bigwater is definitely faster and fights the current way better

@tamplain1

2 ай бұрын

@@bigdogford1 I have never been in a bigwater but would have a hard time believing that is faster than a Revo. I have been in Revo's and those things haul butt and cut through the water and chop