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.