Revolution or outback - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

bubblehide · 09-04-2014, 07:17 AM

The biggest difference between the two will be stability and effort towards propulsion. The Revo takes less effort, it's noticeable, more so when paddling long distances. But hey, they are both pedal yaks, so your level of need for stability will likely be the deciding factor.

From my experience, I really do not like Hobie's hull designs. Their primary concern is that of stability, with performance completely sacrificed. The outback's hull performance is by fR worse. What do I mean, well, try paddling them both without the rudder down, you'll likely go in circles. It complicates beach launches and landings. And, if you do leave your rudder down, it exposes it to damage. So, if you do not have yak surfing, in the surf down, you would benefit from a class, as leaning the right way, and or putting your paddle in on the proper side, makes the difference between a yard sale, or not.

Wintersun · 09-05-2014, 01:19 PM

I tried both out on SF Bay and ended up with the Revo 13. The Outback is like a junior PA12. The Outback is wider and slower but the extra width is good for large folks and the side trays are handy for putting things while changing tackle, etc.

If I bought an Outback I would spend another $120 to get the PA12 rectangular hatch kit and the rack for Plano boxes. With this modification the Outback is better for fishing in place.

I went with the Revo 13 as it is better for paddling in and out of the surf and better for sailing and I was not too concerned about not having the side trays. There was a lot of hull slap on the Outback as well and I found it annoying. It is the only kayak where I have experienced this.

The Revo being narrower and lighter is also easier for me to handle when hauling it down a trail or even getting it up on the roof rack on my truck which is 7 feet off the ground. Some people add a couple of straps on the Outback at the centerline on each side of the seat and this helps.

I think the further you go offshore the more advantageous the Revo 13 and vice versa.

Try them both before deciding. Some people have both and use them for different situations and I can see why they would do so.

09-04-2014, 07:17 AM	#1
bubblehide Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 552	The biggest difference between the two will be stability and effort towards propulsion. The Revo takes less effort, it's noticeable, more so when paddling long distances. But hey, they are both pedal yaks, so your level of need for stability will likely be the deciding factor. From my experience, I really do not like Hobie's hull designs. Their primary concern is that of stability, with performance completely sacrificed. The outback's hull performance is by fR worse. What do I mean, well, try paddling them both without the rudder down, you'll likely go in circles. It complicates beach launches and landings. And, if you do leave your rudder down, it exposes it to damage. So, if you do not have yak surfing, in the surf down, you would benefit from a class, as leaning the right way, and or putting your paddle in on the proper side, makes the difference between a yard sale, or not.

09-05-2014, 01:19 PM	#2
Wintersun Junior Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 22	I tried both out on SF Bay and ended up with the Revo 13. The Outback is like a junior PA12. The Outback is wider and slower but the extra width is good for large folks and the side trays are handy for putting things while changing tackle, etc. If I bought an Outback I would spend another $120 to get the PA12 rectangular hatch kit and the rack for Plano boxes. With this modification the Outback is better for fishing in place. I went with the Revo 13 as it is better for paddling in and out of the surf and better for sailing and I was not too concerned about not having the side trays. There was a lot of hull slap on the Outback as well and I found it annoying. It is the only kayak where I have experienced this. The Revo being narrower and lighter is also easier for me to handle when hauling it down a trail or even getting it up on the roof rack on my truck which is 7 feet off the ground. Some people add a couple of straps on the Outback at the centerline on each side of the seat and this helps. I think the further you go offshore the more advantageous the Revo 13 and vice versa. Try them both before deciding. Some people have both and use them for different situations and I can see why they would do so.