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| Hobie Miragedrive: not a gimmick | | Print | |
| Saturday, 22 September 2007 | |||||||
Page 1 of 2 More than just hands free fishing Hobie Miragedrive For starters, it allows you to move along at a respectable and steady pace without having to paddle, which requires the use of both hands, not to mention considerable strength and endurance for certain conditions. A paddler can't take photos while moving forward, nor can they sip on a drink. It's also impossible to hold your rod while trolling to, which I've found to be a major advantage in some situations. The ability to be holding onto your rod while trolling allows you to feel each bite as they occur, giving you the opportunity to set the hook, as opposed to hoping for the fish to hook itself. It also allows you to twitch the rod and simulate more of an injured fish action on the lure. There have been many times where I've wanted to tie on lures or hooks, but haven't wanted to stop in order to do it (lest I get swept back with the tide) and pedaling along allows you to do just that. That's not the case if you have to paddle in order to maintain momentum. Those are just some of the obvious advantages to the Miragedrive system, but in the course of time some not so obvious advantages have become apparent to me. One of them is the fact that because the Miragedrive negates the need to paddle, it is easily possible to have your rods mounted forward towards the bow as opposed to well behind the seat of the kayak, which is the norm for paddle-only kayaks. Having rods mounted in front of the seated position allows you to keep an eye on them, not just to detect bites, but also to know when the line has inadvertently hooked small fish or weeds. This is more difficult when the rods are positioned behind. In my experience rear mounted rods are typically more prone to having water splashed up onto the reels as well, flicked on by the paddles as they exit the water at the end of a stroke (*this comment really only applies to calm waters - choppy waters are more likely to result in water splashing up from the bow, and these conditions, no reel will stay dry). This won't happen with the Miragedrive in calmer conditions though, affording the user the luxury of mounting rods wherever they want. Regardless of wherever the rods are mounted, when a fish is hooked, the first thing a paddler needs to do is think about storing the paddle. A precious second or three might be lost in the process - not so when being propelled with pedal power. When a strike occurs the only thing a pedal kayak user needs to do is think about the rod and fighting that fish.  This fish was landed easily by pedalling towards it There are also advantages to fighting a fish with a pedal powered kayak - especially if it's big and strong. In the event that a fish is peeling line and may otherwise spool the reel, the angler can pedal towards the fish at the same time as reeling it in. This can make a huge difference to being at the mercy of the movement of the fish. A fight that might otherwise take 20 minutes (and have you towed god knows where) can be made much easier by shortening the distance between kayak and fish, simply by pedaling towards it. A related advantage is that is is also easy to move and steer the kayak while fighting a fish, so it's not difficult to keep your rod pointed where you want it. You can control the fight more than the fish can.  So was this one At the end of the day, perhaps the most obvious advantage to a pedal-powered kayak is that of safety. Equipped with both a paddle and Miragedrive, the user has two means of propulsion at their disposal. The benefits of this are many. For starters, simply because the muscles in your legs are bigger and stronger, it requires less endurance to cover longer distances. But in the event that your legs do become fatigued, you can simply stop pedaling, pick up the paddle and give your legs a rest for a while. If the need for speed becomes paramount it is also possible to paddle and pedal at the same time. Although this requires practice to perfect, it certainly does result in increased speeds. Of course, another advantage of having alternate means of propulsion is that in the event that something does go wrong - such as losing a paddle or the Miragedrive failing, the user still has a means of getting around. Although many paddle purists will see that comment as an admission that something may go wrong with the Miragedrive, the obvious response to that is 'of course'. It is made of moving parts, just like a bicycle, motorcycle, car or pinball machine - as with any mechanical device, there is always a possibility of failure. Unless a certain amount of vigilance is undertaken in order to keep everything working smoothly (especially if used in salt water, and particularly surf conditions) this isn't at all difficult to do. The amount of vigilance is minimal, however, so don't let that put you off unless you are excessively lazy and negligent.  Turbo and standard fins  Turbo fins There are two reasons I was inspired to write this article. One of them being that I see a lot of misconceptions about Hobie Miragedrive systems being bandied about Internet message board forums, almost always coming from people who have never used them (or from users who aren't thinking about how to maintain them or protect them from likely disaster during surf landings). The other reason being that I get asked loads of questions about the Miragedrive from intregued observers and instead of giving the vocal sales pitch, now I can just point them to this article. Go forth to yakabout.com.au young man, and all will be revealed!    
23-09-2007 11:51 peddlers rule..... cheers 23-09-2007 23:13 From a Paddler's Perspective Josh, your enthusiasm for your Hobie is infectious, but I think it only fair to offer some reasonable counterpoint: The first third of your review, or rant as you put it, is that the Hobie is hands-free (except when paddling it). As for tying on a lure while on the move, that a true, but relatively minor consideration. Your second point claims that Hobies can mount rods (and troll) with the mounts in front of the pedaler in plain sight. Truth is many paddle kayaks also use a forward mount position, often on the console, and with the same advantages. Personally I frequently troll with my rod inserted down the front of my life jacket, wherein I can feel even the smallest touch, bite or weed. No real advantage for the Hobie. Your third claim is that with a Hobie you don\'t have to waste \"a second or three\" storing your paddle after a strike. So who stores the paddle. If I am not paddling my paddle remains \"at-the-ready\", in my lap (the famous technique of Ken Dougherty, author of Kayakfishing, the Revolution). If I am trolling, my momentum sets the hook, and when I feel this has been adequately accomplished, I simply drop the paddle in my lap (at-the-ready position), grab my rod, and have fun. The paddle remains ready for adjustments as needed. No real advantage for the Hobie. Your fourth point is that the Hobie can \"chase\" a powerful fish to avoid being spooled. I\'ve never had this need. Perhaps the Hobie is too bulky to be towed, but most good performing paddle craft are easily towed by large fish. And whether you chase em or get towed by em you still end up \"god knows where\". Indeed, it is common to force the larger to tow you as a form of fish fighting drag. Do note that proper fighting technique will allow any kayaker to adjust the drag force to the fish. This is done by using the rod as a lever and forcing the fish to pull you sideways, forward or any angle you desire. No advantage for the Hobie. Your fifth claim is your most important, ie that Hobie offers an \"alternate means of propulsion\" in an emergency. In paddling, we call that a spare paddle. You have also fallen prey to Hobie\'s marketing claim that \"legs are bigger and stronger\". This assumes that paddlers are forced to use (weaker) arms. Truth is good paddling is a whole body effort. It starts with a good foot push, and travels up the leg to the hips, and is followed by a powerful rotation of the torso. The arms and shoulders are barely used, and then only at the end and transition of the stroke. In truth, paddling uses almost all the muscles of the body, not just the legs, and does so with a significantly lower center of gravity. Add to that the inefficiencies of the Mirage Drive (from 50 to 70% power loss), and it is no wonder that skilled paddling is really quite superior. Now your observation that the Mirage Drive is a mechanical device subject to more than its share of failures is true. And this is just compounded by the Turbos which seem to increase the failure rate. What you have not addressed in your rant are the disadvantages of the Hobie, as any good review should. Allow me to add my observations: 1. Hobies break down, and it\'s not when they are in storage, but at sea. When they do you are forced to paddle a bulky, fat, slow and not terribly seaworthy kayak with a cheap and heavy paddle, perhaps leaking, and for long distances. Not good. 2. Hobie don\'t go in reverse, can\'t move sideways, can\'t do a quick 180, spin in circles. All useful in fishing. 3. In bad seas if you are about to be dumped by a breaking high wave or wake coming at you from the side, in a paddle boat your response is quick, easy and effective - you brace with your paddle to the side and avoid a rollover. In the Hobie - you dump. 4. Fish often run under and around the kayak. Snagging lines on the Mirage Drive is common - some owners have reported that the lines have actually sawed grooves in the flippers. Paddle kayaks don\'t have that problem. 5. Fishing requires lifting, loading, transporting, lifting, lowering, carrying and launching your kayak. And that\'s just one way. Hobie\'s are very heavy and unmanageable. Most experienced kayakers crave kayaks that weigh less than 50 lb, closer to 40. A heavy tub is a disincentive for a quick yak. 5. Hobies - however creative - are still evolving works in progress. At KFS (a large commercial website), there are over 500 posts by the Hobie rep addressing the inordinate number of breakdowns due to equipment failure, maladjustment, design shortcomings and/or lack of quality control. Paddle kayaks are far more reliable and ready to go fishin. Anyway, that\'s a bit of counterpoint. I do feel reviews must be complete and cover both the advantages and shortcomings. Personally I own 12 kayaks, have tested and reviewed Hobies but have never been impressed enough to buy even a used one. Thanks again for your viewpoints. 24-09-2007 07:11 From a Paddler's Perspective Capn Jimbo I've done my fair share of paddle and peddle Paddlers with forward mounted rod holders have to place them a lot further away than peddlers making them a big stretch to reach. A Rod in your life jacket isnt a bad solution but far from perfect. A twitched lure while trolling attracts more strikes. A paddle in my lap while fighting a fish often slides out one side into the water forcing me a some point to grab it again. This happens most of the time as where as wrapping a fish around my fins has yet to happen. I'm mystefied! How dose a paddler use good fighting technique by applying side or upward pressure when being pulled from behind with both hands on his rod. There are fish in my neighbour hood that cant be stopped from behind like that. My legs are definatly stronger than my arms. No marketing con will ever convince me to walk on my hands. Outbacks and Sports are fat hulls because they can be under peddle power. Revolutions and Adventures are slicker than many paddle yaks. All are extremly seaworthy, you should try more of the range. My Hobie goes in reverse when I reach for the paddle ( you must be doning something diffrent, please enlighten me? ) its also there to use in the surf. Matt Miller replies to many postings on forums about Hobie Products, positive, negative and helpfull. There would be many more than 500 posts but that is nothing for the World's Number 1 manufacturer of Kayaks. Its kinda comforting to know they listen to their customers and back their products in public. I'm a Hobie dealer. Whats your real interest? Cheers Scott 24-09-2007 16:17 From a Paddler's Perspective Howdy Jimbo, thanks for adding your thoughts. It's always good to get a different perspective. But you've said a few things here that I reckon are sensationalized or just flat out wrong. I'll respond to each point. The first third of your review, or rant as you put it, is that the Hobie is hands-free (except when paddling it). As for tying on a lure while on the move, that a true, but relatively minor consideration. - It depends on the situation actually. As I recently explained to Billybob, I find that rather useful almost everytime I go out. If I want to change a rig and wind and current are going against me, I don't have to lose ground while I stop to rig up. However minor you think it is, I have found it an advantage often. Your second point claims that Hobies can mount rods (and troll) with the mounts in front of the pedaler in plain sight. Truth is many paddle kayaks also use a forward mount position, often on the console, and with the same advantages. - Actually, not really. While rods can be forward mounted while paddling, unless they are straight up in the air, or straight out to the side the paddle will hit it. Otherwise it'll have to be so far forward you will probably have trouble reaching it. WHile pedaling, however, I can angle those rods wherever I want. I find (for me) the optimum trolling position to be at a 35 - 40 degree angle downwards, and about 25 degrees outwards. Try that while paddling. I will concede, however, that many kayak fishermen will find that a minor consideration. Many are quite comfortable with rear mounted rods. I did it that way for 5 years and while it worked just fine, I do prefer a forward mount (and I'm not alone). Personally I frequently troll with my rod inserted down the front of my life jacket, wherein I can feel even the smallest touch, bite or weed. No real advantage for the Hobie. - Thats what I use to do when I kayak fished from a kayak with no rod holders and to be honest, I didn;t find it terribly comfortable. In fact, I'd probably find it painful if a big pelagic struck. I often troll 2 lines now, and that simply wouldn't work Your third claim is that with a Hobie you don't have to waste "a second or three" storing your paddle after a strike. So who stores the paddle. If I am not paddling my paddle remains "at-the-ready", in my lap (the famous technique of Ken Dougherty, author of Kayakfishing, the Revolution). If I am trolling, my momentum sets the hook, and when I feel this has been adequately accomplished, I simply drop the paddle in my lap (at-the-ready position), grab my rod, and have fun. The paddle remains ready for adjustments as needed. No real advantage for the Hobie. - Whatever works for you. Others have commented to me that losing a second or two, or whatever, is no problem for them. So lets put that one down to minor advantage. Your fourth point is that the Hobie can "chase" a powerful fish to avoid being spooled. I've never had this need. Perhaps the Hobie is too bulky to be towed, but most good performing paddle craft are easily towed by large fish. And whether you chase em or get towed by em you still end up "god knows where". Indeed, it is common to force the larger to tow you as a form of fish fighting drag. - In the last caravan park I was staying at, the owner laughed with glee as he told me the story about a guy who hooked a queenfish that continued to go to the rear of the yak and tow him backwards. Apparently the guy had a whole lot of trouble bringing it in. Granted, he was probably inexperienced, but that would be less likely to happen to me on a hobie. I recently fished from a Stealth kayak and even just reeling in a lure left me at the whim of the wind and current, with little or no way to adjust my position while I winded. Compared to what I have become use to, it was pretty awkward. Do note that proper fighting technique will allow any kayaker to adjust the drag force to the fish. This is done by using the rod as a lever and forcing the fish to pull you sideways, forward or any angle you desire. No advantage for the Hobie. - Lets just agree to disagree on that one. Your fifth claim is your most important, ie that Hobie offers an "alternate means of propulsion" in an emergency. In paddling, we call that a spare paddle. You have also fallen prey to Hobie's marketing claim that "legs are bigger and stronger". This assumes that paddlers are forced to use (weaker) arms. - I haven't fallen prey to Hobie's claim. I'm going from my own experience. I think you've fallen prey to the mutha of all screw ups: assumption. Truth is good paddling is a whole body effort. It starts with a good foot push, and travels up the leg to the hips, and is followed by a powerful rotation of the torso. The arms and shoulders are barely used, and then only at the end and transition of the stroke. - I'm aware of that. So what happens if you pull a muscle in your shoulder? That happened to me once, and left me so badly injured it took 12 months to heal (admittedly, in a pig of a kayak and in bad conditions). Even a spare paddle won't help you then. In truth, paddling uses almost all the muscles of the body, not just the legs, and does so with a significantly lower center of gravity. Add to that the inefficiencies of the Mirage Drive (from 50 to 70% power loss), and it is no wonder that skilled paddling is really quite superior. - Ok, so are you suggesting that before a paddler should safely take to the water, they should do a kayaking course? That's really not required to just sit and peddle. Now your observation that the Mirage Drive is a mechanical device subject to more than its share of failures is true. And this is just compounded by the Turbos which seem to increase the failure rate. - That I agree with, and when one thinks about the laws of physics, its a no-brainer. I don't think it's likely to be a problem unless you push the kayak hard, but either way, I have 'downgraded' to the ST fins (a nice balance between standard and turbos) for that reason. Now, I do head out almost every day. I'd be willing to bet I go kayak fishing more than just about anyone in Australia right now. As far as mechanical failure goes, the only problem I have encountered is that which I mentioned, on surf entries where my brain just wasn't used. I don't perform surf entries with the miragedrive anymore. I paddle in. Easy peesy, lemon squeezy. What you have not addressed in your rant are the disadvantages of the Hobie, as any good review should. Allow me to add my observations: - Actually, yes I did. The only real disadvantage I have experienced is the surf entry bit. And that is simply averted with a little clear thinking. 1. Hobies break down, and it's not when they are in storage, but at sea. When they do you are forced to paddle a bulky, fat, slow and not terribly seaworthy kayak with a cheap and heavy paddle, perhaps leaking, and for long distances. Not good. - err... have you ever paddled a Revo or an Adventure? Surely you haven't because trust me, they paddle just fine. Add to that, the likelihood that failure will occur is only really likely to happen if the thing is neglected. A bit like not putting oil in your car. 2. Hobie don't go in reverse, can't move sideways, can't do a quick 180, spin in circles. All useful in fishing. - Thats what the paddle is for. You paddle dontcha? You already know that. C'mon, keep it real. 3. In bad seas if you are about to be dumped by a breaking high wave or wake coming at you from the side, in a paddle boat your response is quick, easy and effective - you brace with your paddle to the side and avoid a rollover. In the Hobie - you dump. - Never happened to me and probably never will. As I said, I now use the paddle in surf. Thats not a problem at all. 4. Fish often run under and around the kayak. Snagging lines on the Mirage Drive is common - some owners have reported that the lines have actually sawed grooves in the flippers. Paddle kayaks don't have that problem. - Not true. My line got caught in the rudder of the Stealth (ask Billybob) and it was so stuck, neither of us could remove it. So it stayed there until we landed. If that happens on a miragedrive its a simple matter of lifting it out. Try it - the line will just drop back into the water. 5. Fishing requires lifting, loading, transporting, lifting, lowering, carrying and launching your kayak. And that's just one way. Hobie's are very heavy and unmanageable. Most experienced kayakers crave kayaks that weigh less than 50 lb, closer to 40. A heavy tub is a disincentive for a quick yak. - Err... thats really not true either. Again, the stealth I tried was heavier than my Revo, and that was the 'supalite' model. I looked at a few other fishing yaks at a store in Bundaberg today and at least 2 of them would hve been heavier than my Revo. And have you tried lifting a sport? Speaking of the revo, I clean and jerk that thing daily and I'm not a big guy. No problem for me. Nor was the Outback. 5. Hobies - however creative - are still evolving works in progress. At KFS (a large commercial website), there are over 500 posts by the Hobie rep addressing the inordinate number of breakdowns due to equipment failure, maladjustment, design shortcomings and/or lack of quality control. Paddle kayaks are far more reliable and ready to go fishin. Anyway, that's a bit of counterpoint. I do feel reviews must be complete and cover both the advantages and shortcomings. Personally I own 12 kayaks, have tested and reviewed Hobies but have never been impressed enough to buy even a used one. Thanks again for your viewpoints. - I think thats true - each season the Hobies seem to come out with minor improvements and I'm glad they don't rest on their laurels. There is no perfect kayak. If there was, you wouldn't own 12 of them, would you? Unless you have a swiss bank account that is, or are buying them at cost price, which I suppose makes you a dealer (obviously of a competing brand). Like many paddling elitists, I think you're either unaware or quickly forgetting that I yak fished from paddle only kayaks for 5 years. And don't get me wrong - I loved it - even the crap ones. Thats what got me into the sport and ultimely (combined with the injury mentioned above) lead me to Hobies. I do happen to have more experience than you probably think. 25-09-2007 02:53 Non-Commercial To set the record straight, I'm not a dealer, just mad for kayaking. And if I thought a Hobie offered significant advantages, you can be sure I'd buy a good used one from an unhappy owner. I do run a kayakfishing website with over 300 members and about 6000 posts, plus I test and review kayaks. So I don't have a horse in this race. You do. Now let me clarify a couple interesting points: I'm mystified! How does a paddler use good fighting technique by applying side or upward pressure when being pulled from behind with both hands on his rod. There are fish in my neighbour hood that cant be stopped from behind like that. Good question. First off, most of us already know, or should, that it's important to keep your drag on the lighter side, as you can always use your hand to increase drag as needed. Now let's say the larger fish is behind - in this case you place your rod tip low to the water and off to either side as desired. This will pull the kayak around. By further adjusting the position of your rod tip you can cause the fish to pull you forward or to either side as you may desire. To the side will make it harder on the fish, to the front, easier. Some big game yakfishers also use mini drag chutes (but this would be for extremely large fish). Paddler have a particular advantage, as if I need fighting room or wish to reposition my kayak, I can also just jam the rod down the front of my lifevest and paddle/reposition as needed. I've even dragged a few big ones out into the open in this way. Because my paddle is always "at-the-ready" I can react very quickly and safely. Ok, so are you suggesting that before a paddler should safely take to the water, they should do a kayaking course? That's really not required to just sit and peddle. Actually I am. Most kayakers could benefit from a couple lessons on kayak handling, safety and reentry. By far, most paddlers are arm and shoulder paddlers and suffer accordingly from poor technique. As far as I'm concerned, people who just jump in and pedal away with little knowledge and experience deserve what they get. In trouble. Add to that, the likelihood that failure will occur is only really likely to happen if the thing is neglected. A bit like not putting oil in your car. You really need to spend some time at KFS (or my website) - the number of breakdowns, design failures, etc. is amazing. As mentioned it takes a full time Hobie "tech rep" to keep up with all the problems. Just do a search on the rep at KFS and you will be in shock and awe over the volume and frequency of problems. Hobie remains a creative but unfinished design. I haven't fallen prey to Hobie's claim (that legs are stronger than arms). I'm going from my own experience. I think you've fallen prey to the mutha of all screw ups: assumption. It is Hobie, not me, that makes this assumption - that legs are stronger - and that is a myth. If your experience agrees, then you, like the great majority of paddlers may rely on arm and shoulder strength. Your shoulder injury might be a result of that, or not. Nonetheless, proper paddling technique - which does require practice - uses the whole body. Legs, hips and especially the torso, but the arms/shoulders to a much lesser degree. Accordingly good paddlers can go farther, longer and with less effort. This is due as well to the relatively low efficiency of the Hobie flappers, another subject entirely. I can angle those rods wherever I want. I find (for me) the optimum trolling position to be at a 35 - 40 degree angle downwards, and about 25 degrees outwards. Try that while paddling. Actually one of the great yakfishers of all time - the famous Kayak Willie of Pompano Beach, FL - targeted blue water sailfish and marlin. He trolled three rods - one overhead, and one angled to each side in a special aluminum bracket he designed. These were mounted at the front of his cockpit so he could watch the rod tips closely. He also used special 8 ft rods he built so as to clear these large fish when they ran around or under his kayak - a custom made glass SOT (16 ft., 48 lb). Bottom line: trolling rods forward is hardly unique to Hobie. "Hobie don't go in reverse, can't move sideways, can't do a quick 180, spin in circles. All useful in fishing." Thats what the paddle is for. You paddle dontcha? You already know that. C'mon, keep it real. Josh, your main point is that the Hobie is "hands-free", trolling, holding your rod, paddle stored in clips. Unless your paddle is "at-the-ready", and in your lap, you cannot quickly or easily react, maneuver or brace. Believe me, the day will come when an unexpected steep wave, wake or reflection comes at you from the side. You'll have but a split second to react and brace and if the paddle isn't already in your hands, well... And last: Again, the stealth I tried was heavier than my Revo, and that was the 'supalite' model. Hobies are VERY, VERY heavy (mostly over 60 lb), and in general they are short, fat, hard to paddle barges. Perhaps you don't have the availability, but there are some very fine fishing kayaks like the Kaskazi Marlin, Pelican, etc. that can be built using vacumn bagging, etc. so as to come in at 40 lbs, or less. I just saw a Skua - 17'4", fast as heck, delivered at 38 lb! Bottom line: I respect your love of your Hobie, and certainly you have every right to brag on it. But any good review needs to fair and balanced, eh? 25-09-2007 04:56 Non-Commercial Actually Jimbo, I have a good deal of respect for a great many models of fishing kayaks, not just my own, or other Hobie models. Admittedly I'm a fan of the placcy yaks, largely for their durability. My kayak gets used almost every day and that counts for a lot in my case. I am impressed that you own 12 kayaks and aren't a dealer... but as I said, that does prove my point that there is no one perfect kayak. And I agree with you that doing a paddling course of some kind if a good idea. I started in outdoor ed classes in my teens, later doing some sea-kayaking courses while working as editor for an outdoors magazine. I got a lot out of it, but I'm really pretty rusty on a lot of what I learned. I do paddle still - I don't just rely on the miragedrive. Mostly either on my way to and from a destination. I do it both for the work out and for fun. Believe it or not, the Revo paddles great (as does the Adventure from all reports - thats the one Hobie I haven't tried). As for Hobie's being excessively heavy, well not really - not compared to most fishing specific kayaks. That you stuff your rod down your PFD suggests to me that what you use for fishing probably isn't a fishing kayak fitted with rod holders. Sorry, that just doesn't seem like a very good way of doing it (and yes, as I said, I used to do it that way to a few years ago). As far as I am concerned, that review is fair and balanced. It is an articulation of my honest opinion, nothing more. Just because I like the miragedrive and have stated the points as to why doesn't mean it's unbalanced. 25-09-2007 10:32 Non-Commercial Jimbo How on earth can you boast that it is an advantage to stuff a fish loaded rod in you life vest while you reposition your yak with a paddle? Peddle guys have a very clear advantage here. We already agree you can mount rod holders forward on a paddle yak. You just cant reach em as easy as the peddle guy can because his are nice and close. If the debate dosent suit you then just cloud it up. You seriously now want to compare poly yak weights against foam sandwich construction? 2 very diffrent materials for diffrent purposes. Come on Jimbo...your'e the best horse and plow salesman since the advent of the tractor. Cheers Scott 26-09-2007 09:15 Yee haw! Well surely there is an owner for anything that floats, and good on em! But this is about counterpoint, let the cornstalks fall where they may... How on earth can you boast that it is an advantage to stuff a fish loaded rod in you life vest while you reposition your yak with a paddle? Peddle guys have a very clear advantage here. Not really. I love being able to stuff my rod while I paddle. And it's note because I don't have rodholders (I have two) and do use them at times. With the rod quickly and safely stuffed I can paddle forward, backward, even spin a 180 if I need to. Can't tell you the number of times I pulled a biggie out of the mangroves by paddling backwards and hauling him out. Or spun my kayak in place to face a fish to the rear. It's a real hands-free experience, lol. If the debate dosent suit you then just cloud it up. You seriously now want to compare poly yak weights against foam sandwich construction? 2 very diffrent materials for diffrent purposes. I seriously do. Hereabouts Hobies are definitely in range of glass pricewise. And a good vacumn bagged glass fishing yak can be had for not much more - and weigh a good bit less. If you're talking Adventure you might even think about kevlar. Not to mention great poly designs like the RTM Tempo or Disco - both lighter than most Hobies and cost less than half as much. Hope that brightens your day a bit... 27-09-2007 08:50 Yee haw! Cappy, if there's one thing I'm learning, it's that die-hard fibreglass kayers are rabidly passionate about their style of yak. And no amount of reasoning would ever sway their opinion. And in many ways, the same is true of most placcy yak owners - especially those who fish from them. So when comparing the two, it's a mute point. I will say this, however, because it's got nothing to do with either style of kayak... anyone who thinks that stuffing their rod down their life jacket is the way to go is either catching minnows or toad fish. More power to ya! 27-09-2007 10:59 Peddles +1 Plain and simple if it weren’t for peddles I wouldn’t bother Kayak fishing! |
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