That would be great to see, I’ve heard good things about the compass, but haven’t seen a comparison yet. I think it would be a much more apples-apples comparison. I don’t think the PA14 has many benefits over a 3.5m tinny with a 15 hp, which is very comparable in price.
Pa14 for me. Not only because of my size/weight but as I've said before I've taken it everywhere and the size of the yak has never been an issue. I car top mine very easily and have been on a couple of 7hr trips for comps so far. Loving the content as always mate, hopefully catch up eventually for a flick 🤙🏽
@AlexDuFe I use the rhino rack side loader to put my pa14 on top of the 4wd... There are videos on RU-vid which might be easier to watch, but put nose up on loader and then back of yak on racks and slide nose over from side loader to racks.
Hey John, I’m ready to buy a pa14 but a little worried about getting g it on my ute roof! You say yours goes up there easily? I have a full canopy on the ute and a roller bar at the back. How do you get your up there? 👍
Great video! I’ve owned both and standing in the outback as comfortable compared to the pa14 is a bit of stretch. But true pa transportation can be an issue. I chose the pa14 because I feel safer in it. Nevertheless awesome video!
Great review. I’ve not had the opportunity to use the PA14 , but I am lucky enough to own the outback 2021. I love that it’s feature full . One of the big selling point for me was that I could put it on the roof rack on my asx,also your earlier review (sometime back) helped me make the decision. I’ve heard great things about the compass , if your keen to do a comparison I’d be keen to see that. Stay safe,take care
Thanks Tony. It is definitely feature full, a great kayak mate. I’ll get cracking on the compass over the next month mate. Cheers for the support buddyz
It truly is a huge debate. I have an outback, my two complaints are the seat height angle and the always changing rudder line tension. Other than that is can out run out turn a PA, but I still want a PA. Some day here.
I hear you Mark, there's definitely a few other points like the rudder line that I didn't cover. I think we could all probably spend hours talking about these kayaks!
Yup. If Hobie tell you that the kayak you have is the most manoeuvrable on the market. That probably means it’s one of the least stable. By definition Stability is on a sliding scale with manoeuvrability - physics tells us it’s impossible to have both.
100% agree with comparisons Byron. I felt like Goldie Locks when deciding on a Hobie. The Passport10.5 was too small, the PA14 was too big but the Outback was just right lol. Hopefully the Lynx H rails will solve the vertical rod holder conundrum. Cheers mate
Interesting comment on the fly fishing. It is easier to cast standing up for sure which would give the PA the advantage but I bet the seat height would make it that much easier to cast from the sitting position as well. Regardless, I’m hoping to give fly fishing a go in a 2022 outback come November. 😉
You made a bold statement, " I hate the PA12" but gave no explanation why? Then, your comparing a Outback to a PA14 that's on a totally different level that the Outback can't touch.
Thanks for adding your opinion buddy. There’s a solid reason a lot of the tournament guys are dropping their Pa14s and heading to the outback. I’ve owned 6 Pa14s now and 3 outback’s as of now, like I say in this video. It depends on what you need.
That rod tip 😭 I put h rails in the back of my Outback and have Hobie h-rail rod holders on the left since I cast with my right hand. Hopefully I'll never snag and snap a rod like that. Awesome vid as always 👍👍
I am really struggling I the decision. How much of a difference in speed is the PA14 over the outback. I know that it’s not much and people only may see it when traveling to and fro the area are fishing. But once you reach the destination just slowly traveling to work banks, shorelines, reefs it won’t matter much. I you opinion is it car toppable? 🙏
Should add safety points to the reviews, do you know if you capsize your kayak if the outback is easier flip right over the PA. I heard the PAs are a nightmare if you capsize.
Nice work! A really good and fair comparison. I’m on my 4th Hobie and have settled on a PA 14 360. The only thing I would add is I feel like the sluggish manoeuvrability of the PA14 md180 is compensated by the fact you can easily stand up, reposition yourself and direct a cast to your target 👍
I'm with the 14 all the way and for a few reasons. The weight of the PA is such an advantage on the water because it is doesn't get blown around by the wind. I rooftop mine and on long trips it becomes a great platform for storage. Ice box and tent ( as long as your racks can handle the extra weight ) Mine is a 2013 and i could upgrade to a newer model whenever i like. But i don't need too. It will be good for another 10y +
Yeah mate, lots of longevity out of the kayaks, especially if you take care of them! I should have covered that, the idea you can use them as storage when your transporting!
@Alex F I just have a clip on side bar. Lift the front of the kayak up and rest it on the side bar. Then pick up the back of the kayak and slide it on. Needs a bit of muscle but it's so easy after a few goes.
I thought your review was spot on I use to have the outback know I have the PA 14 i actually prefer the PA 14 and that’s simple cause it can handle the rough better
Great review ... I settled on the Outback from the transportability perspective. The amount of feedback on forums related to PA transportation is concerning. Keep em coming mate.
Great comparison mate. I think your NZ vids show the true capabilty of the outback, great bit of gear. The horizontal rod storage of the PA though is a drawcard. Getting hung up on trees is a pain. Thanks mate.
I have both. I purchased the Pro Angler first and have always been very happy with it. This said, I recently purchased an Outback because as a near 60 year old I really wanted something lighter I didn't have to trailer. When the wind would blow hard it added tons of extra driving to each outing and I really prefer something I can just car top and throw off the side of the road at a moment's notice. I actually tried to sell my Pro Angler last year at a steep discount and I'm shocked (but glad) nobody grabbed it. As you said, there are definitely specific situations where each shines best and having the option to choose is nice or just having a 2nd allows for somebody else to join me. Fishing kayaks have come a long way and there are lots of decent options out there. This said, I started with a Hobie and don't have any reason now to switch things up. My overall preference would be the Outback. It's a lot lighter and therefore quite a bit quicker on the water. If the wind blows at all, stability and weight are what matter most to me. I'll take the Pro Angler out on calmer days or when I want to stand and fly fish- I absolutely love this boat for that. Thanks, great comparison between two excellent options.
New subcriber. Nice review, great editing! Thank you for the comparison vid. Very helpful 👌 I have the Outback, and I like it quite a bit. However, the 360 is really talking to me 😅
Another great review Byron. Really like how you break the products down. Super happy with my Outback. Agree about the vertical rod storage though and can be quite frustrating. Currently trying to work a horizontal solution via the additional h-rail inserts and the h-rail racks. See how we go. Fall back plan is to put vertical rod holders on the back left section of the cargo bay as I feel that is at least better than directly behind my head. Keep up the great content mate.
Fantastic review, between these two I would have to go the Outback, though you now have me nervous about the vertically stacked rods. Can't wait for more of the NZ trip.
Great video. All I'd say is choose wisely - the one you buy will last forever. I've got a 2009 Outback total service costs so far $25 for a new seat plug.
Nice one again👍🏻 the only big down side for me on my new outback is the seat. It’s still not high enough and the back adjustment bit has a running pulley system that the pulley gets stuck and to fix it you have to take the seat of and undo about 8 small screws to untangle the small rope hobie use for it. Bigger rope bigger pulleys and bigger screws are a must for me .
Loving the production quality on these vids mate. Fantastic. Part of what drew me to the pro angler was the size was better for my build. How does the outback handle a bloke that's had too many snags at the barbie?
What didn’t you like about the pa 12? I live out in Hawaii and I’m trying to decide between a PA and a OB. I’ll be loading into the back of my truck with a hitch extended so transportation shouldn’t be an issue. The PA is appealing to me because of the stability and room. I’ve fished in a OB and liked it but don’t think I’d stand in it. Plus the rods sitting vertical on the OB is something I don’t like.
Sorry for those rods tips but I had to laugh 😂. I’ve done that a few times that’s for sure luckily not breaking anything. Outback vs compass would be good.
Awesome video as always mate.. definitely keen on seeing a video on compass vs outback . I got a compass after watching your review on them. I just put the lynx rails on mine so I can have the horizontal rod holders because I hate my rods being behind me
Hello, im getting into offshore kayak fishing and wanted to know if i should buy a newer hobie outback or older model. Iv heard that the newer ones get a lot of water through the front hatch and isnt as stable as older ones. Please let me know what you think. If the newer one doesnt have these problems anymore, id love to go for it.
Hey mate, There’s a NZ trip on this channel filmed on the new outback’s offshore. Id go with the new model. If you’re worried about getting wet, I’d say don’t go offshore at all. Yes the newer version tends to be slightly more wet. BUT I’d take the new design with the features OVER the old design any day of the week
Water will come over the bow in the new Outback more often than the newer ones. Some people get water inside their kayaks from this but Ive never experience it. Needless to say always bring a bilge pump if you are going out.
I really like the Hobie OutBack and want to purchase one new, but I am hearing a lot about cracked hulls and hull replacement. What is your experience? Have you ever had a cracked hulls on Hobie Products?
A year late but this is probably the best comparison on these two kayaks I have seen yet : to me the best is the Outback. It's faster (noticeably imho), lighter, and you can setup your rod horizontally in the back with accessories. But the main point for me is that the Outback does way waaaaaay better than the Pro Angler in the surf, which is about 20% of my fishing.
Hey mate i love your videos. In the Hobie kayak comps i understand it is mainly pro angler 14 kayaks being used but do you see many outbacks or even compass kayaks ?
I actually was going to get the Compass based on your last review but the one I was going to buy had holes drilled in it from mounting gear and I didn't want to modify the hatch...I just bought a PA12 last week and was hoping you were going to compare the PA12 to the Outback. I haven't even been out on it yet.. Can you tell us what you don't like about the PA12 ???.. Thanks again for the video Byron. Very good content.
The PA 14 for me any day, not to say some days I wish I was in an outback. The trailer part works for me as I have my rooftop tent on it and have a nice little camping set up with it. I think one big aspect for someone like me is not having sea-legs, the PA allows me to move around when I want whilst still feeling safe. The outback would (in my opinion) be more suited to tight waterways like skinny rivers and lakes. I have been out in some rough weather in the PA when others wouldn't even consider it and felt safe as houses. I guess if I could have it my way, all in all I'd own both.