2019 Hobie Outback vs Compass (2018) Walkthrough

[@bradelinagomez1161]

I have watched a bunch of these comparisons and yours is the most thorough. Really good break down of the detials, not just the high level differences. thanks.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No problem thanks for watching!

[@lancevoorhees1611]

I own both, the biggest features are the lightweight of the compass and ease of loading it back after being tired at the end of the day! The compass is so light it saves my back! I also own a pro angler 14, it is heavy, but can carry so much more gear, plus I take my dog fishing with me! The new 2019 outback,is great, it's pretty light and easy to load up after a long day too! You just can't go wrong with any hoboes mirage drive kayaks, I'm glad there are so many choices, they have gotten me more interested in fishing again, it's literally changed my life to the positive! I really enjoy kayaking with my wife too! Thanks for the comparison, I recommend buying both!

[@lancevoorhees1611]

Not hoboes, hobies mirage drive!

[@patrickcieslak7858]

Really like your vids . Told the wife I was buying a 2019 pa 12 at the boat show this spring , never had a kayak but canoes . You make it look like so much fun , thanks for all the great info .

[@JavierGarcia-hh6pc]

Thanks Bud had been dying for someone to make this Vid. Thanks again and keep up the Great Work!!!!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No problem. And thanks!

[@steverosenberg4686]

Great video! Thanks for the tour.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@BernPisarcikJr]

We purchased my son’s SS107 from DPS. I will be going back for my personal yak also, great experience there!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I've always had good experiences with DPS

[@jonathonhunt935]

Thanks for your thorough comparison. I appreciate the time you gave to each aspect and feature of both kayaks where most reviews run through these superficially and too fast to absorb the detail. The one thing I noticed that appeared to separate them was the nose and tail hull shapes. He compass nose is sharper/faster and the outback’s tail is fatter. How does this affect handling? Cheers!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

The Outback is longer which helps give it the edge in speed over the compass, the more square rear of the Outback also make it more stable and a bigger rudder makes it more maneuverable. The compass may be better for offshore fishing and getting through the waves, the Outback’s front hatch seems to have had a leak problem forever and the compass front tank well means there’s nowhere for water to get into the hull. But to your question about handing I think the Outback is better because it is faster, more maneuverable, and more stable.

[@DannyBFishing]

Good comparison man! I loved my Compass but sold it to get an 2019 Outback soon. Keep the vids coming.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks man!

[@BrandonBarton13]

Love both of these kayaks!!!!!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yup both are great kayaks.

[@tukamaia]

Hi friend. I Live in Brazil. What top speed Compass and Outback?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

It depends on the person I would say anywhere from 4-5 mph on either one. The Outback may be a little bit faster but not by much.

[@TheHurtlacher]

I see you went with the camo Outback. NICE!! I still wish I could've grabbed that PA off of ya. Any regrets?? BTW thanks for showing off that camo Outback and muddying the waters for me alittle more. Lol. I see that Delaware Paddlesports sticker on there too. I'm about an hour from their shop. Love that place

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No regrets so far. I'm still getting used to it, but pretty happy so far. Less weight and faster. Delaware Paddle Sports is by far the best customer service I've had in purchasing a kayak, and I've bought 4 kayaks from 4 different dealers.

[@robertbroxton8513]

Thanks for the video. I have a compass and I am wanting to add a Outback to the fleet. Comparing it to the compass was a great idea for me thanks.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No Problem Thanks for watching!

[@MakzFishin]

Couple things: could you take measurements and compare the sizes of the rudders? Because that would be cool to upgrade the rudder on the compass. Also, did you add the little peg in the far back of compass tank well to store cart like the new outback?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I'll see what I can do. And yes I added the peg for exactly that reason. It allows my wife to store a Hobie cart there like the new Outback.

[@leshjohnson2519]

I’m very interested in getting a Compass … Because it’s pretty light. But I’m concern with the hull and deck strength of the Compass. What do you think…? How does it compare to the strengthen of the deck and Hull of the OB & PA? How thick is the plastic? Thanks for you input.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

The Outback does not flex as much as the Compass but it feels a lot heavier. I'm 230lbs and the Compass only flexed a little with me, and I wasn't really worried. I didn't notice much difference in weight between the Outback and my old PA12. The Compass is definitely a nice light kayak.

[@jackbrick2967]

I’m like 5’ and want to get a yak soon would I be able to pedal the compass

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

My wife is 5'4" and she can pedal the Compass just fine you may just have to adjust the pedals all the way forward. But I think you'd be ok.

[@JoalHarding]

Great video for a newbie like me and the more experienced person too! Thanks so much!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Glad I could help! 👍

[@MarcPipistrello]

Oh, some help for your wife, if you take one of those double-wide pool noodles, cut it to a bit shorter than the bar, and split the length on one side into the hollow core, you can make it sort of a bar cushion that will fit around the bar.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks we'll definitely try this

[@build.drive.fish.]

Great comparison man....Awesome....U should do a speed test since u have both.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks I might have to do that

[@terrywbreedlove]

I want one of these but laid out for Oars.

[@ryanfrost7027]

Nice reviews on the OB, thanks. I have a '12 OB and have been looking to upgrade for a while...the only negative reviews I've heard relate to the seat being a bit wobbly/unstable as it doesn't connect well on the front? Since my current OB is pre-vantage seat I'm guessing any upgrade will be awesome but didn't know what you'd experienced. Also a tad concerned about dragging short distances/in and out of the water with the rudder design...any issue there?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yea I noticed what you mention with the seat but only in the highest position. Mid and low positions are pretty secure. As far as dragging I use a cart and would recommend using one as well. Dragging this kayak on hard ground would concern me but dragging through the sand wouldn't bother me.

[@jerry-381]

On the Compass seat if you raise the back up using a block and level it out some it will help keep her from sinking into the lower bar.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Awesome! Thanks for the tip!

[@chrism8013]

To help your wife with her seat, take a pool noodle, cut it to the length of that bar. Then slice it lengthwise and place it on that bar. A few zip ties will keep in place. That should make it a little softer and less painless. Yes, pool noodles are the kayaker wonder drug, lol.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Nice will do

[@betocampos6220]

Dang dude You look like Jack Black lol 😆 Anywho great vid! I'm totally getting a Compass !!

[@TheFishingMommy]

Great walkthrough!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks

[@trainingtheworld5093]

Thankyou for this explanation and comparison!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No problem

[@robertbdesmond]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Thanks.

[@FRIGIDBAND]

Great review. I found a 2017 Outback for $1900 it’s in great condition. Should I get it or go for the 2019?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I think that’s a great deal on a 2017 outback. I was just never a fan of the old style it felt too cramped to me. However you are basically saving around $1000 by going with the older style, but the 2019 has a lot more features. Latest and Greatest vs Savings and that is what you have to decide on, is the newer model worth the extra money? If it were me I'd try to find a deal on the 2019 and spend a little bit more money. Hope this helps and good luck!

[@FRIGIDBAND]

Thanks. I figured I will pull the trigger since it’s my first kayak. I’m sure I will like it.

[@Leo249ful]

Thanks for your video Good démonstration So Outback is between Compass and Pro Angler 12

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

In my opinion yup

[@lancevoorhees1611]

I had a custom canvas shop add 4 inches of strap to the compass seat which I have had since I bought last fall! It really made a difference for me personally improving my comfort level ! I bought the compass because of less weight, simplicity and ease of loading it! Great video, love the compass, but wondering if the added nine inches will help make new outback faster?

[@wavealip8059]

Damn you have to have a permit for a kayak? @ 1:20 . Nice comparison video

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Yup for a certain lakes in the area. 🤦‍♂️ Unfortunately.

[@docbailey3265]

Do you like the carts?

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I like the C-Tug especially for the Compass but I recommend the boonedox for Outbacks and PAs but you can get by with a C-Tug on the Outback.

[@Expandacraftboats]

All you need now is an Expandacraft 12 foot outrigger on that thing to make sure you never dump thousands of dollars worth of gear in the drink. Check out the number of youtube videos with that set up, with and without motors. Just search Expandacraft outrigger on a Hobie and you'll be amazed.

[@maznislavbg]

thanks for hard work man!

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No problem

[@morganghetti]

I almost bought a compass last year but got a really really good deal on a Pilot. It has a tank well on the front instead of a hatch just like the Compass. It is far superior for fishing IMO. I've always found the hatches useless.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

+morgan ghetti nice

[@bobbyk1796]

Very thorough review of both! Thank you 👍

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No problem 👍

[@jsauceda4515]

Hello Friend , ? Honestly which kayak do you think is better 2019 or 2018 Outback or 2018 compass for slightly shallow waters

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I was never a huge fan of the 2018 and older Outbacks although many people were. However in my experience the older Outbacks didn't paddle as well as the Compass or the New Outback. Any mirage drive is going to perform the same in shallow water, but at some point you are going to have to paddle. The 2019 outback and Hobie compass perform very similar when it comes to paddling, so I would go with either one of those.

[@jsauceda4515]

@@BlueSummitOutdoors Thanks friend

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

No problem

[@toddolatheks.1328]

Thanks 🙏

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

You're welcome👍

[@Osprey1955]

Have a Compass and a PA12. The Compass is used for small rivers, shallow water with a lot of grass(it’s a better paddling kayak than the PA) and difficult launches. It’s a,so significantly lighter than the PA. Won a tournament this summer with the Compass using a launch area that would not have accommodated the PA. Different Yaks for different purposes. Am looking at the new Outback but am wondering about the width of the standing deck area. In your video, it looks to be about the same as the Compass or perhaps even narrower. Is this correct or am I wrong? Thanks

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Can't agree more. And yes they are about the same the only difference I feel when standing the the Outbacks standing deck pads. Just took a quick measurement The outback is 19 inches wide inside the cockpit. The Compass is 22 inches wide inside the cockpit. However the Compass' cup holder is right where I would stand and that makes it 19 inches also in that position.

[@Osprey1955]

Blue Summit Outdoors That’s what I thought. I understand the issue with the cup holder on the Compass but honestly that doesn’t trouble me. I’d be more concerned about the overall narrower width of the Outback. That said, it looks like a great kayak and I will be having a demo soon which, at the end of the day, is the only way to determine if it works for you. Good to see your videos up and running again. Have always enjoyed them.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

Absolutely true. And yea the cup holder doesn't bother me much either. Thank you! I'm going to try and keep them coming.

[@MarcPipistrello]

I would say the Compass is more an economy Outback than the Outback being a premium Compass. Meh. Chicken or the egg. lol I also think that although the 34" beam is the same, it looks like the Compass has a wider footprint for standing because the Outback has those handles protruding inside on both sides. The lack of those handles seems to allow just a few more inches to spread your feet if you stand. Regarding the 180 reverse feature, I'm thinking that, at least for me, it's not necessary. I can't imagine that using the paddle to back out of a spot is that much of a hardship as I remember. I'm also not really a hatch person, I prefer wells and bungees, so for me it's going to be the Compass. I've also seen where the 2019 Compass has some small improvements over the pilot model from last year. Great comparison! I used to have an old school Outback.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

I cant disagree

[@henrycarmona8519]

Nice bro

[@ARCENAULT]

Outback rox...way better for fishing than the compass...outback just a tad bit slower

[@vperales76]

Bro you’re comparing a Corvette to a Chevy Camaro.

[@BlueSummitOutdoors]

That’s a pretty good analogy!