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

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.

ftufc · 05-18-2013, 08:46 PM

FINALLY got to try the Torque! I received the Outback and Torque Thursday, put everything together, charged the battery, and my son and I took them out in OSide Harbor today.

The Torque was a ball; after all is said and done, I am ecstatic with the selections (Torque & Outback); LOVED the Torque drive, the rudder system, and the feel of the boat. It's sleek and glides through the water very easily while paddling (no power), then paddling under full power is sort of cartoon-ish (remember the 60's episode where Popeye was paddling a canoe after eating spinach). The only slight negative observation I would make is that it is definitely a wet boat. It sits very low in the water and every significant wave came over the bow; outside the harbor we were in 2' waves with 3' - 4' swells and an occasional "big boat" wake. So you're sitting in water all day, in contrast to the super-dry Outback.

The Torque turns on a dime, is VERY maneuverable, and the drive allowed me to stay in one spot while fishing despite a pretty strong surge. Surprisingly though, my son could move faster, in 30 second spurts, in the Outback with the Mirage drive than the Torque on full, and I haven't even installed the turbo fins/rudder yet. It was very stable, but not stand-able, except in the calmest of water.

I know there are plenty of purists who only paddle while fishing, but clearly, the Torque drive made fishing ENORMOUSLY more enjoyable. We were on the water for 4 hours and probably used only 30% of the battery while using it about 70% of the time. I haven't yet installed any electronics or add-on accessories but I love the layout of the cockpit and adding these things will be a breeze.

Overall, ecstatic with both boats!

finyak · 05-19-2013, 08:03 AM

Any pictures?

ftufc · 05-20-2013, 09:21 PM

Never thought about pics! I'll post some when I get 'em.

05-13-2013, 01:02 PM	#2
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	#3
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

05-13-2013, 08:21 PM	#4
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.

05-18-2013, 08:46 PM	#5
ftufc Junior Join Date: May 2013 Location: SoCal Posts: 26	FINALLY got to try the Torque! I received the Outback and Torque Thursday, put everything together, charged the battery, and my son and I took them out in OSide Harbor today. The Torque was a ball; after all is said and done, I am ecstatic with the selections (Torque & Outback); LOVED the Torque drive, the rudder system, and the feel of the boat. It's sleek and glides through the water very easily while paddling (no power), then paddling under full power is sort of cartoon-ish (remember the 60's episode where Popeye was paddling a canoe after eating spinach). The only slight negative observation I would make is that it is definitely a wet boat. It sits very low in the water and every significant wave came over the bow; outside the harbor we were in 2' waves with 3' - 4' swells and an occasional "big boat" wake. So you're sitting in water all day, in contrast to the super-dry Outback. The Torque turns on a dime, is VERY maneuverable, and the drive allowed me to stay in one spot while fishing despite a pretty strong surge. Surprisingly though, my son could move faster, in 30 second spurts, in the Outback with the Mirage drive than the Torque on full, and I haven't even installed the turbo fins/rudder yet. It was very stable, but not stand-able, except in the calmest of water. I know there are plenty of purists who only paddle while fishing, but clearly, the Torque drive made fishing ENORMOUSLY more enjoyable. We were on the water for 4 hours and probably used only 30% of the battery while using it about 70% of the time. I haven't yet installed any electronics or add-on accessories but I love the layout of the cockpit and adding these things will be a breeze. Overall, ecstatic with both boats!

05-19-2013, 08:03 AM	#6
finyak Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 332	Any pictures?

05-20-2013, 09:21 PM	#7
ftufc Junior Join Date: May 2013 Location: SoCal Posts: 26	Never thought about pics! I'll post some when I get 'em.