was considering a hobie, but wanted instant HANDS FREE reverse (TOPWATER 120 PDL)....I'm mostly up here in DFW so the prop drive extending down 12 INCHES into the water is not an issue, but do understand the need for super skinny in the marshes....EVERYONE DOES WHAT THEY GOTTA DO....these are choices based on personal needs which are neither right or wrong for everyone else, just right for ones self.....great video!!!!
Good information. I would like to see one of you guys in the know put out an informative video on what the difference is in the Outback from year to year. Most of us can't afford to spring for a new Hobie. Being so with trying to take your advice in buying one. What years have what features? Would love to see the same on the PA 14 as well. But am leaning toward the Outback so it would be a good place to start. Thanks for what you do. You really are a help to me in a lot of ways. Just added my third old 18 Rod to my collection thanks to you and Mark.
Quite honestly there is only one thing about my 2020 Outback I am not very happy with-it is on the heavier side. No matter which way you look at it, 37 kilos is 37 kilos. Everything else is just perfect. For inshore/freshwater fishing I am thinking a Lynx could perhaps be the ticket.
I have the 2020 Hobie Outback Sea Grass, and love the shallow water abilities and it's built so well, worth it, very stable and I'm about 220 LBS, and very comfortable. I just need to use it more, watching you helps keep me motivated thanks.
I wouldn't trust my life in deep ocean fishing situations in a any other kayak. Best kayak out there is the 2020+ Outback with kick up fins hands down!
I'm certainly not going to knock the Hobie. They've been around a long time and have proven themselves. I went with the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL and frankly, was concerned with the propeller system, especially in weeds. I've found that it takes me less than 15 seconds to lift and clean the prop when necessary. In 8 inches of water, I would have to lift the prop but I don't see myself going long distances in such shallow water. I'll stand and pole. The $700+ difference didn't make sense for me. Don't see going wrong with either one!
Picking up a 2017 hobie outback because it rides higher, and better for offshore for what I need it to do. Other than that the Vibe Shearwater is the best for under $3000 USD, it still has that deep V which is similar to the current outback, it paddles great, and a 180 drive can be used. Shearwater will probably still be my preferred for inshore.
Has anyone had or tried the feel free lure overdrive v2 with pedal and motor drive? That's what I'm thinking of getting, well its a 50-50 between that and a hobbie
@@FISH-OHOLIC that's all well and good but the only advantages the Lure might have over an Outback is the slightly less weight, the wheel in the keel and a better paddle park and the cheaper price. I have tried to weigh this option myself and thankfully I already own a 2019 Outback. The fin drive, square hatch and other minute storage options sell it for me a little more on the Outback. Not to mention the slew of parts you can obtain from Hobie if you ever needed to replace anything. Buat good luck on your decision and tight lines.
I have owned an outback going on 12 years now. All-round it's a great boat. However, looking back I think the revolution may have better served my needs. The 2 biggest drawbacks with the outback are firstly the weight, I find it's just a bit heavy for me to comfortably move around (on and off my roof racks). Also, it's quite a long boat and not necessarily the easiest to maneuver on the water. That being said I still love it.
I just got 2021 Outback yesterday and went bass fishing with it this morning and I love it. I am glad to see how durable it is in your video here, Thanks for sharing.
Can you go in reverse with this type of drive system? That would be the only downside for me. I want to be able to backpedal while I’m unhooking a fish.
I have used my 2009 outback for hundreds and hundreds of trips here in colorado. I live next door to lake pueblo so it is super easy to go all the time. It is common to get caught in 40mph winds and white caps here. The outback was uncontrollable in those conditions until a large sailing rudder was installed due to rudder missing water when cresting waves. I will get the 2021 outback shortly, but, that rudder looks way to short for the inevitable severe weather common to high altitude fishing around here. The older hobie laughed at the wind and waves. Hoping the same for the new model, or at least a sailing rudder option.
Great video. I’ve had my 21 Outback (Dune) couple of months and love it. Only downside for me is the weight and getting it from home to truck to water. Bought a scupper cart but it’s hard to get on/off alone. Wish I had gotten a cart the kayak just sits on instead. Otherwise the Outback is superior. Planning to get a Compass for my teen son since it’s lighter (but with less features). Thanks for the vid. Subscribed.
The Predator PDL had been a great platform for me. However, having something a little bit lighter and smaller would be nice. Maybe I’ll purchase one in the future!
AWESOME kayak. I feel one of the best for deep water. If I would fish offshore more that DEFINITELY would be my first choice. Do you do much shallow fishing with it? I have a lot of marsh here in Galveston which is why I'm looking towrd the Hobie.. Smaller and lighter is why I'm even looking at the Hobie Lynx!
I enjoy your videos. I just bought a hobie outback couple weeks ago and I just love it so much. Easy to pedal or paddle. I even bought a sail for it. I have not try the sail yet. Very stable kayak and love all the storage for my fishing gears.
I just bought new Outback 2022 for $2900 plus tax at FTU in Houston it was on sale, I'm loving it. I had previously had 2015 Outback with the rudder in the back, it gave me so much trouble it broke off the rudder pin twice, and it didn't go 8 inches of water like new Outback, so I got stuck many times in the mud, I even broke the paddle once. So I sold it and got 2018 Compus which I didn't like it because it was too small, so I went back to Outback 2022 model and I really enjoy fishing now and I'm happy camper now.
I love my Outback too! I raised the seat and that's really helped with getting in and out. How about tips on launching and recovering in various situations. Great video. Thanks
When I got interested in trying to kayak fish, I went straight for the Outback..I found a used one already rigged with some upgrades at a good price, and since then I've caught some of the biggest trout of my life..I did manage to flip it once though..haha
This was a well done informative vid. One question how comfortable is the seat, Im 6'1 235 lbs. and have heard differing opinions. Also do you feel a seat riser would make the ride more comfortable? Thanks for the vid
Congratulations, good video. Due to the peculiarities of its fishing area, this is really the ideal kayak. However, by privileging this type of water, Hobie made the Outback useless for Off-shore fishing. The old model had the versatility to be used in its environment and at sea, this new model with its high buoyancy stern and short rudder is a disaster in offshore fishing
I just got into offshore kayak fishing and Ive been a bit obsessed. I got a used ocean kayak 15 and it does the job but in about a year id like to upgrade to a peddle drive system. The outback was my top choice so I'm surprised to hear someone saying it's useless for offshore fishing. What would you personally recommend, then?
@@jamesbenz3228 To call him "useless" was an exaggeration. It has characteristics that make it less prepared for off-shore, especially when compared to its predecessor, which was manufactured until 2018. The Outback from 2019 has a high-buoyancy stern that makes it dip the bow every time it passes over waves, raising the stern and losing directional capability. Ocean kayaks have very similar bows and sterns, with the same buoyancy, a design that was not followed in the new Outback, perhaps to enable the sale of more stern accessories, such as the polidance anchor and a variety of boxes.
@@jamesbenz3228 If you are going to kayak only at sea, consider purchasing a Hobie Revolution 16. It brings together the characteristics of an ocean kayak with Hobie's powerful Mirage Drive. If you weigh less than 180 pounds, consider the Revolution 13.
I am in the market for a new kayak and I'm looking for option to fish in the marsh. Titan 12 or PA 12 or 14 What do you think about titan 12 in the marsh compared to hobie.
The PA is heavier and more expensive. However it also has a higher weight capacity (and some other features). Since I'm about 6"4" and weigh in at about 260, the extra weight capacity is what I care about. I'm torn between the two, so I'd like to hear from someone who has had both and could compare the Outback and PA.
Pro Angler is vastly superior . I had two Outbacks and it was just cramped and it's tough to move around . The Pro Angler allows you to really get comfortable and is just a superior platform BUT not at the prices they sell at now . No rotomolded kayak is worth anywhere close to 3K let alone north of that.
Hey Rx. Glad to see you finally giving a real vid from your heart. How's your weight? Looks like you're dropping. Hobie is absolutely the best for Skinny water. I think I need at least a foot to use my 120 AutoPilot. Back to watching you . First vid in a long time. I don't own a Hobie but appreciate this vid. Thank you Sir. This was an important decision for you. If I had better health I would have done the same thing
I'm thinking to get the outback 2019 mostly, but I seen so many hull crack reports, made me worry about it, Any recommendations? Should I be worried about the crack issue?
What is the safest tandem kayak fit me my wife? She’s can’t swin too well? Am thinking the island adventure with the 2 stabilizer kit wish that they have a version without the sail. I don’t need to do any sailing seems like paying a lot for the sail
I bought an outback last fall and it’s been great, so much better than paddling, can still get skinny and it has great maneuverability I’m glad to see you went back to the outback, it kind of validated my choice. Keep up the great videos!
I almost bought one but hard to spend $3500 without ever trying it out. I imagine the back and forth motion is more comfortable than a recumbent bicycle motion. I wish I could try one out. Willing to pay for the trouble.
@@slange455 Demo days are long gone for now. They don’t have any in stock to try. Austin Kayak wants 100% deposit just to put you on the waiting list. Yes I’m serious.
@@TxHornyToad u can rent one and other types ( not old town though) at fishing tackle unlimited gulf great location and they will put the rental towards your purchase if you buy one. That’s what I did.
You can't really trust youtuber on kayak too much. They use this or that; next thing you know they use something else. Just get a kayak or boat that suit your needs. Not every environment and everyone fish the same.
Thank you for this video. I sold my 18 Outback with my eyes on a Sportsman 136. I then noticed you were back to your Outback and I wondered why. Your endorsements have always paid off for me, so a 2021 Outback is in my near future.