New Mirage Drive! Now with Glide Technology!

[ful-rac]

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.

[steveooo]

And now back to our regularly scheduled program

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...

[Iceman]

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

[jorluivil]

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






when I have the money of course

[solyluna]

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

[Saba Slayer]

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

[rossman]

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

[Lipripper92592]

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!

[Baja_Traveler]

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...

[YakDout]

That would be a price difference of easily 400 bones

[ful-rac]

New Mirage drive is about $600 bucks.

[roby]

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.

[makobob]

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

[blitzburgh]

Thanks for the info Tony

[YakDout]

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.

[FlyFishinYakr]

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.
FFY

[ful-rac]

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.

[farmer]

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.

[YakDout]

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.

[svendawg]

Originally Posted by YakDout

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.

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