Results of Demos; Hobi Outback & Revo 13 and WS Ride 135 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

ftufc · 05-10-2013, 10:43 AM

Thanks; I will add my thoughts on the Cuda (meeting up with Jarrod later today) and the Torque (can't stinkin wait to get it!)

Jim Sammons LJKF · 05-10-2013, 11:37 AM

Just curious how big a guy you are?
I had a torque for some time, just sold it, and in my opinion unless you are a smaller guy or very agile you will not be doing much standing and fishing in it. Standing on flat water is one thing, standing and fishing is another and this boat was not really made for that.
IF that is your real desire a great addition to the kayak would be the Scotty Stabilizers.

Rabac3898 · 05-10-2013, 01:41 PM

Sorry I don't agree with your opinion on the Revo. I love mine and don't experience the cons that you mentioned. I am 5'10 and 180 lbs and 53 years old. Hobie's have PEDALS not Peddles. Peddle means to sell something. While pedaling its best to have reclined position totally different from paddle position on the seat.
I guess I am used to it after owning one for 4 years. Yeah, I know there is no perfect kayak.

ftufc · 05-11-2013, 08:41 AM

Thanks Jim for your feedback, very much appreciated; I'm 6'2", 190#, age 58. Yours is the first comment I've read about the Torque not supporting a standing fisherman. Standing for me is not a necessity but a wish. I'm getting it today, and because I won't be able to make a beach/harbor until next Sat. I'm going to drop it in my pool and play on it (80F v 68F, lol). I would really like to know why you changed from a Torque after several years, and what you changed to???? And, have you tried the Scotty outrigger? When I first saw it my interest was really piqued by it, but it looked like it might be a bit bulky/cumbersome; what do you think of it?

Yeah Rabac, everyone's got an opinion right, lol. My review must've sounded much more harsh than I intended; I actually loved the feel of the Revo; just hated the seat and rudder control. And you're absolutely right, "peddling" v "pedaling", I was right in the middle of some Arthur Miller novel when I wrote that.

As an add-on; I demo'd Jarrod's Cuda 14 last night in OSide; I was so pleasantly surprised at his willingness to load up and meet me with two kayaks at 7pm on a Friday night; he's just a genuinely good guy. And it's a very cool boat; very manageable, sleek, great tracking, tons of room inside, very easily "standable", great weight, extremely comfortable adjustable seat, very easy to paddle (in both seat positions), and I don't know the technical details but the hull material appeared to be a composite which provided it with a bit more rigidity which felt good (it almost had a semi-fiberglass feel to it). The only complaint I expressed to Jarrod was, the boat is pretty wet; the scupper holes are large and many, so you wind up with a bit more water in the cockpit than the others I've tried. And, not a complaint but a wish,,, the seat adjustment is spectacular, but very difficult to make with just one hand (for an old guy anyway); but I loved being able to sit "in" the cockpit while paddling hard, then raising it about 5" to cruise and fish.

Hey, also, I really hope I don't embarrass Jarrod (I will feel badly if I do), but I'm a firm believer that when you see something wonderful you need to share it! When we were done loading the kayaks back onto his truck, I saw this incredible kayak bait tank in the back seat; it is portable, probably about 7-gal, self-contained, beautifully designed, sort of the perfect bait tank. Turns out Jarrod makes them. If I hadn't just earlier that day bought one, I would've bought his on the spot. You should contact him if you're interested.

As soon as I get the Torque on "real" water I'll follow up.

Jim Sammons LJKF · 05-11-2013, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ftufc

Thanks Jim for your feedback, very much appreciated; I'm 6'2", 190#, age 58. Yours is the first comment I've read about the Torque not supporting a standing fisherman. Standing for me is not a necessity but a wish. I'm getting it today, and because I won't be able to make a beach/harbor until next Sat. I'm going to drop it in my pool and play on it (80F v 68F, lol). I would really like to know why you changed from a Torque after several years, and what you changed to???? And, have you tried the Scotty outrigger? When I first saw it my interest was really piqued by it, but it looked like it might be a bit bulky/cumbersome; what do you think of it?

Well I guess I should ask where you plan on fishing, though if you gave Jarrod's kayak a try I assume it is local. I have done stand up fishing in the Torque on the flats in Georgia but would not consider it in any kind of offshore conditions. The Torque was just not made to be a stand up kayak, the motor works well and it is a good paddler when you pull the motor out and insert the plug.

The reason for my getting rid of my torque are two fold, I rarely used it, I am a paddler and really prefer that to any alternative method of propulsion. It was mainly used by my videographer, as it really is an awesome shooting platform. The main reason though is that after over twenty years working with Ocean Kayak, I now work with Jackson, so I got rid of all my OK's.

As to the Scotty Outriggers yes I have used them on many occasions while stand up sight casting on lakes up in northern Canada. They really make stand up fishing much easier. Standing is one thing, standing and casting or landing fish is another issue and the stabilizers really help. And if set correctly they also have little influence on the paddle-ability of the kayak, particularly if you have a rudder.

Again I was not in kayaks that were made for standing these were better paddling kayaks, that with the stabilizers, could be used for stand up fishing. Fast boats that I could add these to so that I could stand when I wanted was pretty cool.
I don't generally find a need to stand while fishing locally so I rarely used them here.
I know smaller more agile guys that stand and fish on these same boats, on flat waters, but I am not small or agile.

The Jackson Kayaks though were made for standing up in so the stabilizers are not needed on flat water. I am still not going to stand up in mine while offshore. The last thing I want to do is go for a swim or send my gear to the bottom.

ftufc · 05-11-2013, 01:40 PM

Man, that's great info Jim, thanks for taking time to write it. If I decide I absolutely need to stand to fish, I'll look more seriously into the Scotty's.

And as I told Jarrod, if I didn't want an alternative mode of propulsion, I'd probably be in a Jackson right now; also, the color schemes are sooooo cool (the blue/yellow/green is incredible).

Jim Sammons LJKF · 05-13-2013, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ftufc

I don't know the technical details but the hull material appeared to be a composite which provided it with a bit more rigidity which felt good (it almost had a semi-fiberglass feel to it). The only complaint .

The kayak is just the same as the rest when it comes to material, rotomolded linear polyethylene.
They kept the mold very smooth so it has the fiberglass feel and rigidity simply comes from the angles placed in the mold and several foam blocks inside the hull.
I am really enjoying the Jackson Cuda 14 and I certainly have not been this comfortable after many hours in the kayak as I am in this boat.

lowprofile · 05-13-2013, 01:02 PM

Don't try a Pro Angler...

great reviews though! i like the Revo a lot. but not as much as my PA. if you don't mind being wet and like to get out on the grounds quickly, the Revo is the way to go.

If you like bringing everything you own to the show and cruise the freeways at 70... you might like the PA.

Malibu X factor is also a good choice if your more into paddle kayaks. i'm 6'6" and weighed 245-250 when i paddled mine. no problem standing up or bringing more gear than you ever need.

Vikingj · 05-13-2013, 01:09 PM

Great review - honest and unbias report. I totally agree on your revo vs outback comparison (fun vs pract). I found it was hard to decide between the 2 and finally chose the fun/sleek/low-otw revo and after 4 yrs still love it. I'm 6'4", 207lb, age 66 and go 6-8mi once or twice a week. My only regret is in regard to hooping - wish I had the extra deck space and wider hull of an OB for carrying/pulling nets. PS- After using the mirage drive several times you learn to pedal silently- just takes a little time & practice. Thanks for the super report!
Wayne

ftufc · 05-13-2013, 08:21 PM

Great addition Lowprofile. It's funny because the PA 14 was the first yak I got serious about,,, but decided, exactly as you said, it's a Whittier Blvd cruiser, lol, slow roll with all the comforts of home; I could give up the comfort and stadability for being a bit more agile (especially in surf entries).

Btw, I'm about to search for earlier posts about waders,,, then I see your pic of some great, comfortable looking waders; are waders common practice while kayaking? I wonder who uses them and what kind are the biggest bang for the buck. I've sort of resolved myself to a shortie spring suit with a spray guard jacket & neoprene booties with rubber soles, for early morning, chilly, beach entries; is that a reasonable approach?

Thanks Viking, I appreciate it; my hope is to be actively kayaking at 66! Good to hear about the Mirage drive... the other aspect of my review, that I just realized this morning, is that these were all "rentals"; a lot of wear and possibly not immaculately taken care of, so there is a chance, for example, that the dissatisfaction I experienced with the Hobie rudder control was due to excessive wear,,, I just don't know.

05-10-2013, 11:37 AM	#2
Jim Sammons LJKF Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 947	Just curious how big a guy you are? I had a torque for some time, just sold it, and in my opinion unless you are a smaller guy or very agile you will not be doing much standing and fishing in it. Standing on flat water is one thing, standing and fishing is another and this boat was not really made for that. IF that is your real desire a great addition to the kayak would be the Scotty Stabilizers. __________________ Jim Sammons La Jolla Kayak Fishing The Kayak Fishing Show JimSammons.com

05-10-2013, 01:41 PM	#3
Rabac3898 Junior Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 13	Sorry I don't agree with your opinion on the Revo. I love mine and don't experience the cons that you mentioned. I am 5'10 and 180 lbs and 53 years old. Hobie's have PEDALS not Peddles. Peddle means to sell something. While pedaling its best to have reclined position totally different from paddle position on the seat. I guess I am used to it after owning one for 4 years. Yeah, I know there is no perfect kayak. Last edited by Rabac3898; 05-10-2013 at 01:48 PM.

05-13-2013, 01:02 PM	#8
lowprofile #1 on fishstick's hitlist Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sea level Posts: 1,478	Don't try a Pro Angler... great reviews though! i like the Revo a lot. but not as much as my PA. if you don't mind being wet and like to get out on the grounds quickly, the Revo is the way to go. If you like bringing everything you own to the show and cruise the freeways at 70... you might like the PA. Malibu X factor is also a good choice if your more into paddle kayaks. i'm 6'6" and weighed 245-250 when i paddled mine. no problem standing up or bringing more gear than you ever need. __________________ MLPA- My Largest Poaching Area

05-13-2013, 01:09 PM	#9
Vikingj Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dana Point area Posts: 438	Great review - honest and unbias report. I totally agree on your revo vs outback comparison (fun vs pract). I found it was hard to decide between the 2 and finally chose the fun/sleek/low-otw revo and after 4 yrs still love it. I'm 6'4", 207lb, age 66 and go 6-8mi once or twice a week. My only regret is in regard to hooping - wish I had the extra deck space and wider hull of an OB for carrying/pulling nets. PS- After using the mirage drive several times you learn to pedal silently- just takes a little time & practice. Thanks for the super report! Wayne Last edited by Vikingj; 05-13-2013 at 02:44 PM. Reason: spelling

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05-10-2013, 10:43 AM	#1
ftufc Junior Join Date: May 2013 Location: SoCal Posts: 26	Thanks; I will add my thoughts on the Cuda (meeting up with Jarrod later today) and the Torque (can't stinkin wait to get it!)

05-11-2013, 08:41 AM	#4
ftufc Junior Join Date: May 2013 Location: SoCal Posts: 26	Thanks Jim for your feedback, very much appreciated; I'm 6'2", 190#, age 58. Yours is the first comment I've read about the Torque not supporting a standing fisherman. Standing for me is not a necessity but a wish. I'm getting it today, and because I won't be able to make a beach/harbor until next Sat. I'm going to drop it in my pool and play on it (80F v 68F, lol). I would really like to know why you changed from a Torque after several years, and what you changed to???? And, have you tried the Scotty outrigger? When I first saw it my interest was really piqued by it, but it looked like it might be a bit bulky/cumbersome; what do you think of it? Yeah Rabac, everyone's got an opinion right, lol. My review must've sounded much more harsh than I intended; I actually loved the feel of the Revo; just hated the seat and rudder control. And you're absolutely right, "peddling" v "pedaling", I was right in the middle of some Arthur Miller novel when I wrote that. As an add-on; I demo'd Jarrod's Cuda 14 last night in OSide; I was so pleasantly surprised at his willingness to load up and meet me with two kayaks at 7pm on a Friday night; he's just a genuinely good guy. And it's a very cool boat; very manageable, sleek, great tracking, tons of room inside, very easily "standable", great weight, extremely comfortable adjustable seat, very easy to paddle (in both seat positions), and I don't know the technical details but the hull material appeared to be a composite which provided it with a bit more rigidity which felt good (it almost had a semi-fiberglass feel to it). The only complaint I expressed to Jarrod was, the boat is pretty wet; the scupper holes are large and many, so you wind up with a bit more water in the cockpit than the others I've tried. And, not a complaint but a wish,,, the seat adjustment is spectacular, but very difficult to make with just one hand (for an old guy anyway); but I loved being able to sit "in" the cockpit while paddling hard, then raising it about 5" to cruise and fish. Hey, also, I really hope I don't embarrass Jarrod (I will feel badly if I do), but I'm a firm believer that when you see something wonderful you need to share it! When we were done loading the kayaks back onto his truck, I saw this incredible kayak bait tank in the back seat; it is portable, probably about 7-gal, self-contained, beautifully designed, sort of the perfect bait tank. Turns out Jarrod makes them. If I hadn't just earlier that day bought one, I would've bought his on the spot. You should contact him if you're interested. As soon as I get the Torque on "real" water I'll follow up.

05-11-2013, 01:40 PM	#6
ftufc Junior Join Date: May 2013 Location: SoCal Posts: 26	Man, that's great info Jim, thanks for taking time to write it. If I decide I absolutely need to stand to fish, I'll look more seriously into the Scotty's. And as I told Jarrod, if I didn't want an alternative mode of propulsion, I'd probably be in a Jackson right now; also, the color schemes are sooooo cool (the blue/yellow/green is incredible).

05-13-2013, 08:21 PM	#10
ftufc Junior Join Date: May 2013 Location: SoCal Posts: 26	Great addition Lowprofile. It's funny because the PA 14 was the first yak I got serious about,,, but decided, exactly as you said, it's a Whittier Blvd cruiser, lol, slow roll with all the comforts of home; I could give up the comfort and stadability for being a bit more agile (especially in surf entries). Btw, I'm about to search for earlier posts about waders,,, then I see your pic of some great, comfortable looking waders; are waders common practice while kayaking? I wonder who uses them and what kind are the biggest bang for the buck. I've sort of resolved myself to a shortie spring suit with a spray guard jacket & neoprene booties with rubber soles, for early morning, chilly, beach entries; is that a reasonable approach? Thanks Viking, I appreciate it; my hope is to be actively kayaking at 66! Good to hear about the Mirage drive... the other aspect of my review, that I just realized this morning, is that these were all "rentals"; a lot of wear and possibly not immaculately taken care of, so there is a chance, for example, that the dissatisfaction I experienced with the Hobie rudder control was due to excessive wear,,, I just don't know.