New Mirage Drive! Now with Glide Technology!
 

So I recently got a chance to test out Roby's new Mirage drive to see what it was all about. To tell you the truth I wasn't sold on the idea until I tried it. I traded my Turbo fins for his regular ST fins for about a mile. Almost instantly I was sold on it. I couldn't believe how much smoother, and easier it was to pedal compared to my old drive. So my mind was made up on the new mirage drive. I visited OEX Sunset beach to see Andy, and opted for a brand new drive instead of the upgrade, now I have a spare drive for those extended trips.

I got the new drive with the blue turbo fins, and what a difference. After using them this weekend, you seem to forget how smooth the drive is working. You switch back to the regular drive....and it's like there are weights connected to the fins it's weird. I speed tested this thing...and I was able to top out the beast of the PA at over 6 knots! I definitely was not able to do that before. Like others that have said it's worth it...I would have to agree. Will the new drive hold up to sand??? Not sure... but in the mean time it is an amazing improvement.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u...pswlfy3d70.jpg

And now back to our regularly scheduled program :D

I'm sold. Few trips under my belt with my new GT drive, and its clear that its not just marketing hype. OEX SSB demo day coming soon. Paging Dr. Allen...

Tony, glad the GT turbo fins did not disappoint you.

Yes, we have a couple demo days coming up March 1st Sunday before Fred Hall Long Beach and then March 14th Saturday after Fred Hall long Beach

I tried it
I liked it
I'm going to buy it






when I have the money of course:D

Andy rebuild my drive on Saturday
Tested it for the first time today and there is a big difference so smooth pushed my pa all day long at the jewel great upgrade

Blue Fins
 

Blue Fins aren't just for Sashimi anymore!
Smooooth...!
Like new drag washers!

I've got a hundred bucks for the first ticket for exceeding the speed limit inside the DP harbor on your peddle boats

I'm sold as well. I did the upgrade, and you definitely notice less effort involved with each kick. Those 14 hour days are going to feel more like 12 now!

So inquiring minds need to know - what the upgrade cost compared to buying a complete replacement?
We are talking Hobie after all - where nothing comes cheap, but I may want to give my PA14 an easier pedal none-the-less...

That would be a price difference of easily 400 bones

New Mirage drive is about $600 bucks.

Go try it at OEX in Sunset Beach and bring your old drive. Compare them side by side and you'll see the difference. If possible, bring a gps unit. You're not going to believe how little effort it takes to maintain cruising speed.

I'm sticking with the ST fins for now. The only drawback I see will be in the surf launches and landing. I typically pedal in and out and try to beat the waves.

I can cruise at 2 mph and not feel any fatigue with the new drive and ST fins; however, it does take a noticeable effort to accelerate quickly (for example, in surf launches). In general, the ST fins have a "harder" time at getting up to 4.5 mph. It's like you have to take a ridiculous amount of strokes to get there (pun not intended).

I'll use the ST fins this year and see if I need turbo fins at all.

Tony, the new drive means you can make the trip to San Luis Island at Gonzaga is just about an hour!!! Nice upgrade.

Thanks for the info Tony :cheers1:

I ordered a set in November paid in full. Still waiting for them from my local dealer. I wish I would have gotten them from Andy. As I am now being told it may be April before I get them. At least that is what they are telling me. And that's supposed to be what Hobie is telling them. I cant believe it has taken so long.

Right now I only have sprockets and idler pulleys, drums are back ordered. I have had 2 small orders filled, so surprised you are still waiting from November. I am still waiting for a couple complete GT drives that I ordered in September. I have been selling the ones that have come with the kayaks, as I always have at least 20 or more Hobies in stock, so not like I will not have a drive to give with a sold kayak.

Cost of the upgrade:

$39.99 Drums X 2
$21.99 sprockets X 2
$6.99 idler pulley
if you replace the chains another $39.99 X 2

6 knots on the PA, dam I'm sold on the upgrade.

Looks like I do have 1 complete rebuild 2 drums and plenty of sprockets and idler pulleys.

backorder
 

Andy

Do you have the GT drums in stock yet.
My current ST drive is getting real sloppy so it's time to upgrade.
Is it necessary to replace the main shaft also

Also, in a pinch if a sprocket breaks OTW. Is it possible to use the older ST sprocket as a replacement on the side that broke to get back to shore or do I need the GT sprocket in my repair kit.

Yes, I now have GT: drums, sprockets, and idler pulleys I see no reason to change the shaft. Yes you could swap out an old sprocket if needed.

Still worth the upgrade
 

Iv'e used the new mirage drive for about 2 months now...and it's still amazing!

Hey Tony,
With the new drive are the turbo fins really necessary now? :confused:
FFY :sifone:

I think so! If you got the PA get the turbofins.

I can only handle the Outback Tony.
My back injuries (even if I opt for surgery) limits my carrying ability and the PA's are "TANKS"! :eek:
They are too big for me to handle (I'm only 5'5"). I'm unable to load/unload one (on my Escape) and don't have a truck to transport (Ladder rack) and I don't care for trailering.
I was just wondering if I could get away with just the standard fins when I finally order a new Outback (I plan on ordering an extra Mirage Drive with mine and a repair kit on the off chance anything happens when I finally make a trip with Bob to Gonzaga).
FFY :sifone:

Definitely get the turbo fins. When I upgraded my 2013 revo from stock to turbo, I was kicking myself for not doing it sooner. It's going to cause a little more resistance with each stroke, but that thing was a rocket after the turbo fins. I almost tried racing the new seaforth once.

Thanks for the info Brandon.
I've had the Turbos on my 2013 from the beginning and don't know/remember what it's like to not have them (then again I haven't been out on my Outback since I last went out to "The Lagoon" @ Castaic to dial in the FF back in July of 2013.)
I thought that I might not need them with the improvement to the Drive.
Maybe I'll only upgrade one of the drives (and regret it later, I know!) and borrow from the 2013 unless I decide to sell it. I was just trying to save a little $ (penny save, pound foolish I know).
Appreciate the insight though Brandon. :you_rock:
FFY :sifone:

Roby has the new outback + the new drive with the standard st fins...and he likes it, a little bit slower but almost no resistance when pedaling compared to the st turbo fins. Me personally I like to have some resistance there...I tried his turbo fins and I tell ya....it felt like pedaling masts with no fins! They will get you moving though, you just have to have a faster cadence.

New Drive
 

Thanks for your report Tony very good and detailed. Missed it the first time it was posted. Will be giving Andy a call Thanks again.

Wow
 

Spoke to Andy yesterday morning and ordered the parts for the upgrade. Got the parts today in the mail. GREAT customer service. Thanks Andy

Hey Sven, lip ripper posted a pretty good tutorial for replacing the parts. One thing I can say when installing is Very careful to not let every needle in the bearings to fall out when pushing it. But if they do, and they might, add a bunch of marine grease to keep them stuck on the outside of the hole.

thanks
 

I printed out lip rippers instructions. I will be referring to it during the upgrade

FFY, TURBO fins all the way.

Just picked up the new mirage drive/Revo from Andy today and after reading this post can't wait to get on the water and give it a go. Definitely seems smoother just by moving them with my hands.

Thank you again Andy for putting together another kayak for me .

For you guys doing the upgrade to you older drives, I would closely examine the drum shaft for wear.
If you see any wear, I would seriously consider replacing it with a new one so your drive will be like new and not just "reconditioned"
I've heard it said that you can knock out the shaft and rotate it. This is okay for the bushing models, but with needle bearings, you want the close tolerance between the bearing and shaft
My drive is only 1 1/2 yrs old and I was surprised how much wear had occured in that short amount of time when I took it apart to lube it.
If I sound like I'm full of it, I've been a machinist since 1979