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Outback Vs Revolution... on second thoughts

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Monday, 25 June 2007

Perhaps I'm better off with a Revo?

hobie revolution profile

If you've read my review of the Hobie 2007 Outback fishing kayak, you'd know why I decided to upgrade to that (from my original Hobie Sport) instead of the hybridised Revolution . Not only was I drawn to the added stability afforded by it's extra width, I was also taken with the improvements made in the 2007 version. Initially it was my intention to go for the Revolution but was taken by the Outback at the last minute. Since then there have been times when I ask myself if the Outback really is the most suitable boat to take around the coastline of Australia.

Certainly, my gut feel was right about the stability of the Outback, which is second to none. That's an advantage to kayak fishing any way you cut it. The compromise here, however, is that of speed and it's something I've had trouble weighing up ever since I decided to undertake this kayak fishing trip around Australia. Like that of stability, the ability to go faster is also a desirable trait for some forms of kayak fishing. Not only can extra speed make lighter work of longer distances, in my opinion, it can also improve your chances on hooking up certain pelagic species while trolling.

It's true that for many kayak fishing scenarios speed is barely a major factor and no doubt many species of fish (most perhaps) actually respond better to a slow troll anyway. So if I was only going to be fishing lakes, enclosed bays and calmly flowing rivers and estuaries, sure, I think I'd put stability first over speed.

But here's the thing... stability just doesn't seem to be a characteristic that is so essential to me anymore. I've been kayak fishing for about 5 years now and haven't taken a tumble in any yak for at least 3 years (and in none of the Hobies I've used). I think perhaps that sea-kayaking course I did (in Sandringham) a few years ago really helped. Whatever the case, while I certainly appreciate the amazing stability of the Outback I'm starting to think that this advantage is a little lost on me now. My balance seems to be pretty damned good these days anyway... and it's not like the Revo is a tippy boat anyway.

The more thought I give it, the more speed I'm starting to like the idea of going that little bit faster and having the ability to travel further a bit more efficiently. As I make my way around the coastline of Australia, there will be many times where I will travel some considerable distances. There will be times that I become determined to paddle/pedal out to an island to camp for a few nights and I'm assuming extra speed will extend my range. Whereas (at a guess) 30km in a day might be my limit on the Outback, the Revo should facilitate an extra 5km of travel.

Being able to traverse longer distances isn't the only plus I see here - there's also the fact I touched upon earlier. There is no question that some species of pelagic fish will typically respond much better to lures that are travelling quickly. And given that there's a fair chance I'll encounter some of these species as I move around, the extra speed should provide a bit more flexibility in accommodating them.

Oh, and there's also the fact that the Revo is likely to paddle better than the Outback as well, due it's extra length and slender body shape. I also see that as an advantage because although I really dig the Miragedrive pedal propulsion system, my love for paddling will never die.

At the time of writing this, I'm actually still undecided as to whether or not the Revo is a better choice than the Outback. Swapping them over isn't a decision I'd take lightly because I really do love the Outback a lot. The indecision is starting to get to me though, so to get it straight once and for all I'm taking a Revo for a quick test drive tomorrow. I'll report back with the results tomorrow.

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Comments (1)

18-07-2007 17:53

when i got my outback there was no revo....had there been i would have had a hard decision to make. today i think that i would gone with the Ob anyway because of the stability that allows me to take both of my young sons along with me comfortably.

for your applications go for the revo

cheers

Written by Astro

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