5 Reasons Why Old Town Kayak is Better Than Hobie Outback - I Am Back With Old Town

[@harryseeto]

What's good Nick! When I was shopping for a kayak this past year and really wanted the Hobie Outback. But like the reasons you mentioned and a lot of research, i went with the Old Town 120 PDL, same color as yours. I made the right choice! I absolutely love it so much. So stable, amazing fishing platform for what I use it for. I am 240lbs and this kayak supports me and my gear. I fish in salt water 15 feet to 120 feet, so I don't worry how low the pedal drive sits under water. My main concern is stability. I want to focus fishing and having fun, not worrying about taking a dunk with all my gear. I really feel in total control when fishing near structure, like bridges and pilings, especially I have instant reverse. I have taken my kayak through 4-6 foot swells and boat wakes with no problem. If water did come over the bow from the roll overs, it went out of the kayak right down through the first scupper hole, my whole deck stayed dry. Fastest I ever went was 6.7mph going with the current. I usually can cruise around 3.3mph on average without feeling tired. I went out 13.5 hours and went over 9.5 miles fishing once and my butt didn't hurt. I did however take a break every now and then, stood up straight to stretch my legs and arms out. I added navigation lights for night time fishing and a Garmin 106sv Ultra for side scan and down imaging, helping me NOT waste time fishing areas where there is no fish. Hopefully, this year will be the year I drop my first videos on KZbin like you! Keep up the great work and tight lines!

[@benruthlessburger8905]

One year you say old town is better, then go back to Hobie and then now back to old town lol

[@randyprovost8426]

They send / give him free Old Towns...

[@TXslam30]

I don’t recall him ever telling us why he left Old Town for Hobie when they gave him an AP120???

[@NestorJH]

Because every year someone sends something first

[@CozyCamping911]

Do we live in Russia! Doesn’t he have the right to change whenever he wants. Maybe next week he goes back to Hobie, that is his right 🇺🇸

[@maybe5883]

Typical tuber, most likely gets a benefit from the manufacturer

[@CS-wp5dz]

Hobie all the way. Not even close.

[@TUFFBASS]

Just upgraded from a Lifetime teton angler 100 to the sportsman 120 pdl. Still waiting for it to arrive and CAN’T WAIT

[@757outdoorsman]

I'm currently in a teton. How's that oldtown treating ya now?

[@TheSkymtb]

After fishing from both, I too prefer my Old Town. I have the Sportsman 106 MK and couldn't be happier.

[@ReelTimeCapt]

I have a Old Town Big Water 132 PDL. It was purchased in like new condition but used. Its an awesome plateform and I have been out in some unforegiving conditions. I am a retired USCG captain, owner operator and ran charters for over 20 years. While I like the Hobie name, I choose to spend my hard earned dollar a bit more discerning. With my background, I expect the best in quality, so I chose Old Town. Tight Lines and keep them coming!

[@timothyfreeman8660]

This is my second year with a sportsman 120 pdl, and I just recently picked up a sportsman 120 autopilot. I love my old town kayaks!

[@Reel_em_all_fishing]

Welcome back to the old town family. I have an ap136 and it’s a battleship I think. But I am a strong believer in customer service, if a company can’t back up their products I don’t care what they offer or pricing. Old town offers awesome products and has great people working for them.

[@CozyCamping911]

I’m not seeing the price increases everyone is talking about. I purchased a 2020 Hobie 360 for $4,600, which I just sold. I just purchased a 2023 Hobie 360 for $4,999 from Strictly Sail in Ohio. That is only a 2% increase per year. The Old Town company has increased their price at a 10% clip year over year….thats a fact.

[@alexsisjohnson9307]

And old town is well worth it

[@GeorgiaKayakAngler]

The price is what im struggling with. Paying that much for such a little boat. I’ve never fished out of a kayak before.

[@craifraif1930]

Welcome back to the Old Town family. I have a 120 PDL with an Xi3. Paddle, pedal, or power It's a fishing😮 11:20 machine.

[@jonbullard7074]

I have the 120PDL. I did a lot of research before buying and totally made the right decision. American made, great warranties, and stability are just a few of the reasons I absolutely love my 120PDL.

[@thegreatpotatokitty8196]

looking to buy a yak soon! thanks for the help! going to look into that motor as well! nice driveway btw!

[@texasnative]

I had a Hobie Outback warp also. I store mine in a metal shipping container and internal temps can reach 150 degrees in the summer. I’d like to know if anyone has had warping issues with an Old Town when storing in a metal shipping container.

[@Kenneth-Fishing]

Both are good kayaks. I prefer the motion of the hobie drive. Was easier on my hips after a day of fishing. Do miss the instant reverse. But that kick up fin drive is so nice in shallow/grassy waters.

[@TXslam30]

So why did you ever give up your AP120 (a while back) in favor of the Hobie???

[@TXslam30]

Nick , you solicit comments and questions? But still no responses???

[@alexsisjohnson9307]

I’ve had my 120 sportsman for about a year now, man I’m so glad I chose old town not to mention the Bixpy K-1 addition!!!

[@928johnralph]

Both are great in my opinion and I own both. To me they are for different applications. Hobie definitely better is shallow and grassy water. Old Town has great hulls, great customer service and instant reverse. The flutter style of Hobie is a slightly easier motion in my opinion.

[@raymondjohnson6496]

You ever check out twin troller X10 they have (2) 45 trolling motor thrust I think that made by freedom electric in Madison Indiana

[@1969LILJOE]

Glad to see you back with Old Town. I truly understand. These days we have to get the most for our money. I have an Old Town 106 PDL and a MK 106 Gray Ghost. Love them both. Great product. Tight Lines

[@johnjuza2659]

Nice video and nice driveway!

[@thomaselow]

I have a PDL 106, love it. One of the key reasons: I can confidently stand and fish in calm waters. The hull is super strong, as you said. Old Town does indeed have incredible customer service.

[@YakbassOKC]

Nice video thank you! Are you going to get an OT AP again?

[@johnstanchfield9938]

Thank you sooo much Nick. Since I am researching fishing kayaks before I buy, this is the only comparison that makes sense to me. John S.

[@ETuss713]

Why not a setup like tailchaser? You've shown his setup is as shallow water capable as a kayak.

[@johnconley3285]

When will old town come out with flipper drive because we're I fish I can't use that drive

[@fishingmanifesto]

I think I agree with all these comments, but I just like the Hobie drive so much better

[@mda_fishing]

I have a Jackson Coosa because of there warranty and Customer Service is top notch. Hobie and Wilderness system both have new owners and customer service went out the window!! Never had a old town but it looks great

[@paulandresen8671]

I just got off a lake in the Sierras today and I was getting drilled by rain and wind. I went thru white caps like butter in my PDL 120. I can imagine trying to do that in an outback, I would have been plowing the field with that low bow. I was looking at a PA 14 and possibly adding a xi3 trolling motor but an opportunity came up to get my hands on a ePDL 132 next week. I mainly troll with a downrigger and the long hours of peddling the 120 are just too much for me on the larger lakes. I like the hull shape of the Preditor/ bigwater for it's directional stability and raised bow. I'll probably have to get used to lack in primary stability in exchange for the great tracking. The 120 needs alot of course correcting when trolling but man is it a stable boat.

[@OffdayTherapy]

Don't forget, water over bow when choppy in the Hobie.

[@nateitscake88]

Been a long time sub and about to buy my first yak. I'm going with Hobie though. I find it hard to beat the kick up drive when your fishing flats.

[@smmj45]

Good point but what I like about hobie is the compass , at 68lbs its an easy car top ,all my fishing gear fits in my rectangle hatch so my deck is clear and it can still handle the pacific ocean. I just wish there was a cheap motor instead of $2800 cdn for a bixpy . The separate combo of motor and manual operation would be awesome.

[@stevehogan8829]

i have both but OldTown has the absolute best Customer Service of these two. These are the only two companies I can comment on but I can't imagine how any other Customer Service, or any other warranty could be better. I've had seen these in action. Thanks Nick.

[@davidschroeder6799]

Thanks for the video, what kayak cart do you have for the Old Town? Thanks and God bless.

[@mpr4evrmpr4evr26]

I had a PA360 IKE edition with XI3 with micro pole and moved to the AP136. Way more stability on Old Town. Hands down easier on AP to make attachments transfer. Only drawback is in hull rod storage.

[@jameshalsell5769]

What is the reason you went with the sportsman 120 instead of the Bigwater 132?

[@ssmacdaddy]

Nice commentary Nick. In the end your cash you spend it the way you want!!

[@TheFishingMommy]

I fish a lot of grass, and I’m starting to fish a lot of rocky river areas…the bike style drive simply won’t work for me. Also, that bike style drive kills my knee after a couple hours. I can do 8-10 hours in my Hobie with no problem at all.

[@anthonyvespia6662]

Nick, I agree 100% bro! Their hulls are stronger, and feel much more stable. I've fished sitting on my black-pack, many times. Lol. The 120 pdl, with a rear motor is an awesome set-up. I always wash mine down after every trip, and it goes in the garage. I've never had any issues, with my pdl, hull, seat, storage, etc. And the storage seals, and lips are also designed very well. Oldtown spends years of research and testing, before releasing their boats. That's why they confidently, back up their boats. I can't wait to see you out, on your next adventure. 😎 🛶 🎣

[@torteeya]

If Old Town is good for the RX Angler it's good enough for me

[@sebascastillo10]

Coming back to the right side!! old town never disappoints I own the AP120 and is just a dream fishing from it

[@davidcrowson4745]

I definitely agree that the quality of plastic that old town uses is a higher quality than that of other manufacturers

[@ethanr2202]

I've got a Old Town perditer PDL by far best kayak I've ever had.

[@TheFantasticG]

I have a vibe sea ghost 130, and i wouldnt mind either the old town or the hobie!

[@stevemarshall2324]

Good to see you back in a old town!!

[@thenathanimal2909]

I fish the open ocean in Southern California - For me the lightning speed of the Hobie Mirage drive is simply too crucial a strength to give up. Being able to muscle through swells, get out a few miles and get back quickly should the weather turn is invaluable. The fins perform well in kelp beds as well. If Pelican's fin drive didn't break constantly I would go with them in a heartbeat because indeed Hobie's prices are getting absurd.

[@LetsGoFish408]

I moved from an AP120 to a PA12 360 with an Xi3. I agree with you, the hull on the Old Town is much better, way sturdier. The hobie plastic does seem thinner. The Minn Kota was better than the Xi3 as well, but not not enough of a difference, except the xi3 in front of a kayak weighs that down and the bow sits down in the water more. I fish standing 90% of the time and also wanted the security of having a peddle option in case the motor went out. The only drawback to the AP120 is it is very hard to hand paddle that kayak when there is wind and current. If I could do it all over, and the PDL hull is the same or very similar to AP120, I’d do that with an Xi3. Need that spot lock and ability to control the kayak standing!

[@randyprovost8426]

IDK I've had hip surgery within the last year and the motion of the Hobie drive is better on my body. I've had a Slayer Propel 10, Manta Ray Propel, which is the same motion as Old Town and the instant reverse is great but not a must have for me. I fished with a friend that has an Old Town PDL and it seems the gear ration on that drive is really efficient and it maintains speed better than my Hobie Outback I had at the time. IDk you're kind of comparing apples and oranges with a motorized kayak to the Outback, then you compare prices with a motorized and non-motorized but also fail to mention the price of the battery price. I know you're saying you're not bashing Hobie but Just seems like you're mad about your customer service experience you had (don't blame you). However, I remember Old Town giving you a free PDL in the past as well... Did they give you this new one for free too???

[@jbro800]

Any time i get in an Old Town I am always amazed by how the user experience is probably 25% worse than what I experienced on my PA 14.

[@paulthompson2150]

What is the difference with drives in shallow water u fish

[@anthonyvespia6662]

Nick, i really can see you in the New E-PDL. You'd have your pdl drive. Speed 4 with pedaling would last two days. They include the Amped Outdoors battery. Not to mention, you can also run your Bixpy on the stern. A 13ft boat, for all your gear. It gets skinny, very fast boat! 💯 🌊 🛶

[@ETuss713]

Ive considered an AP120. I went from a slayer 12.5, to a compass, then to a passport 12. The passport 12 is the best of those 3 for fishing. I think the next move is going to be a smaal skiff or jon boat like trailchasers.

[@joannericci5981]

What made the Passport better for fishing over the Compass. Thanks in advance.

[@sergioabdilla4577]

Hopefully this is a wake up call for the new management team at Hobie !! Its not all about profits!!

[@FishingFloridaWithKO]

Great decision! There are more than 5 reasons as well! 😎 Once you have an Old Town Sportsman autopilot kayak with spot lock, you can't go back! I had my Hobie Outback kayak before and it's a day and night difference! Especially, on customer service! #gamechangerkayak

[@quelchx]

I have the 106PDL and I love it. Might be bias + I only have two kayaks but my Old Town is my go too.

[@keithhughes2936]

I like hobie they are a good yak but pricey even for used ones too. Before I got what I have I did my research for a while. I read, watched, and tested or demoed several yaks and I had it narrowed down to 3; PA 12 or 14, Jackson big rig, and native titan 12 or 13.5. I ended up going with native titan 12 because I felt it was more stable and a better price than the PA's and at the time I couldn't get a big rig so titan it was. They all have pros and cons but native seemed to fit me better. Now that said native watercraft customers service sucks big ones and that's really my only complaint with them.

[@TexasSlamFishing]

Great video as usual Nick! I agree with you Old Town is better than Hobie even though it breaks my heart! I do believe that Hobie Lynx is best if you're mothershipping but almost Noone does that. I made a new lure that I'm going to start selling and I would like to give you one. I can leave it at Smitty's for you to pick up at your convenience

[@joeherrera5172]

Another great video Nick thanks for the comparison. I have a generic 10 1/2 footer pedal drive with a two stroke outboard and leaning towards hobie but very concerned about these reports of poor customer service for a 4K kayak.

[@ericv9745]

I agree that Hobie’s pricing is getting out of control, and being from New England, I’d love to support Old Town. That said, there is a trade-off with that thick, sturdy plastic OT uses- they’re super heavy! The Hobie Revo platform is excellent for the type of fishing I do, and when I’m done, I can easily lift the hull and throw it on top of my small SUV - no truck, trailer, or fancy load systems required. Try doing that with the OT hulls. Hobie has multiple hulls in the 70lb range, and much lighter with the Lynx. I think the lightest 12’+ OT hull is close to 90lbs. I also think the Hobie drive system is less tiring over a full day of fishing when covering long distances. I’ll never rule out OT completely, and the new hybrid drive system looks really intriguing, but for me Hobie wins in terms of drive system and off the water maneuverability.

[@ichabod13]

Ya think I am sold on the 120 after seeing videos like this. I am also in a rural area that has no dealers without driving 2-5+ hours away. But...Dick's carries Old Town so I can pick up one 30 mins away and have access to a great kayak.

[@watchluver]

FYI, there is a 5 year warranty on the PDL, you stated 3. 👍✌

[@raulrodriguezjr9120]

They are the king when it comes to customer service and warranty And there variety of products and price is unbeatable and they are built to last.

[@3000KTM]

old town has a major problem , i’ve owned a predator before & was about to buy another after demoing a hobie & not liking it i live where all the fishing is offshore salt water , the cylinder right behind the prop is powdercoated steel !! that’s all that’s protecting it from salt water , one layer of powdercoating . i’ve just seen one drive completely seized in my country , another where the paint is bubbling in that area, once the powdercoating is bubbling it means the water has got underneath from the front where the seals are behind the prop & its gotten through the seals also . navarre kayak fishing has a video on it old town market the drive as salt water usable , anyone think a powdercoated piece of steel in salt water is a good idea ?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Old Town makes some great kayaks!

[@ringmaster764]

Welcome back

[@mehmetdtx]

Hobie is superior for depths too shallow for the pedal drive. That is for people going to nearby marshes most of the time. That being said, you should go for the Autopilot or ePDL Nick. Add-on propulsion system will not be as useful I suppose.

[@iandtexarkana4549]

It makes sense putting a Minn Kota in a kayak, since Old Town and Minn Kota are owned by Johnson Outdoors.

[@fish4fun354]

Makes me want to get the 120 pdl from scheels for $1700

[@MakzFishin]

Hobie was acquired by an investment group in 2021 so it’s not like your recent warranty replacement problem (three months ago, 2023) can be blamed on that. Besides, you could easily acquire some parts and fix it yourself. Plenty of knowledgeable anglers can breakdown a mirage drive, clean it, replace broken parts and put it back together themselves. A new kick up Boom is around$70 and pair of Turbo Kick up fins and masts is roughly $230…. $300 plus tax shouldn’t be that hard on ya… with your patreon + day job. But keep telling us how Hobie couldnt take care of you

[@ssei2001]

I've said it before Old Town IS the GOLD standard when it comes to kayaks. Hands down! I just picked up a 2021Topwater PDL120 looks just like the Sportsman with the exception of the seat and deck pads, also this is my first ever kayak. Love it!

[@tonychristianson7866]

Is the old town faster?

[@AliexFolgueira]

Nick is right

[@maricrisdelrosario3136]

I’ve had nothing but Hobie so who am I to say Hobie is better it’s what you want!

[@killough71010]

Hobie is now Hecho en Mexico. No longer USA made. With so many issues with cracking and poor customer service, I wouldn't touch a Hobie with a 10ft stick. I have a fishing buddy who is on his THIRD HULL!!! Thats just unacceptable for the money thwy are asking for these kayaks. His replacement is up for sale and hes not going back to Hobie.

[@larrymcmakin1153]

When I pull the trigger on a kayak purchase it will be an Old Town. I think Hobie is over rated and over priced.

[@old18]

Good points.

[@nicolaskudsieh2216]

The warranty is key in this sport, theses are expensive toys, you made the right choice OT are tanks I am never worried about anything in my 120 pdl I know that this boat well get me back safe every time. but you should have mentioned the drive OT PDL drive is indestructible almost no maintenance and it is covered for 5 years (not 3) you had a Hobie and you know very well the durability and reliability of their drive it and is not even close to a PDL drive. well come back to the creed and tight lines

[@javierdeleon7597]

I agree

[@RoscoeCoaltrain]

WOW , that’s a SUPER honest review. Most people on KZbin only do it if they r sponsored

[@daviddura1172]

with the price increases, after 2 years I sold my 120pdl for 1900$... what I paid for it......yeah I threw in my c-tug cart, but still....1900$

[@johnguth5376]

Why did you leave Old Town? You bought the hobie hype I take it!

[@jgibel]

Old town is great until you fish a grassy lake then it's not.

[@TxHCfishing]

Love my pelican catch 100 pwr

[@MG956_]

Rx you are bought by whoever sends you free kayak and thats the bottoms line. You now talking shit about Hobie because they didn't warranty the problem you had with the hull on your free Hobie kayak from Hobie

[@caleb4015]

And most importantly, Old Town is paying the bills now...

[@ETuss713]

I am disappointed in the fishing kayak industry as a whole. Fishing kayaks are going towards being small bass boats. They are getting heavier and heavier. They are geared towards carrying tons of stuff and fishfinders like a bass boat. I was excited when the lynx came out. I had hoped the rest of the industry would go that direction. With advancements in material sciences, O think we should be moving towards lighter, faster, easier to manuever, kayaks.

[@DK77201]

Why aren't you out fishing?

[@botondbalazs2296]

Hobie is the best!!

[@Yakmandave]

I know you need to go with sponsors because hey money is money (of course I'm assuming they did sponsor you) but I'm not sure why you would go back to hobie. Head scratcher.

[@KyleJWick]

Dibs on the Hobie..

[@samimid2619]

Man i like you but i really don't belive what are you saying. with all my respect. changing sides based on your feelings is not a good thing. the moment they will replace your kayak for free, you will jump back again to Hobie.

[@tresdoobies6581]

It's a classic formula for garnering views. You create a controversy (for example pitting one brand against another) even if you don't believe what you're preaching. Then you invite your audience to comment, which gets everybody chiming in. This all adds up to additional income via KZbin's monetization algorithm. It all equals income for him. Just follow the money.

[@MakzFishin]

^this. All the people commenting and bumping up his video meanwhile he is sitting there twiddling his fingers like Mr. Burns saying Excellentttt

[@Plee92]

Yeah, hobbie sucks a lot. Give it to me ill dispose it for u 😂

[@FishYourHeartOut]

Oldtown owns Johnson motors! They can build their yaks for those motors in house and hobie is over priced junk now. the 360 drive is awful.. hobie put out a fix for the 360 drive and to get it you have to pay!! FOR A PROBLEM THEY MADE YOU HAVE TO PAY TO FIX>! Oldtown would make it right and send you parts. I know owning a Sportsmen 120 PDL.

[@johnguth5376]

I agree 100 percent!!

[@redraces5508]

Old Town >

[@Jetmech1085]

Hobie is over priced and over rated . There are plenty of better brands to go with

[@vin18m]

I dunno, side by side you can see the Hobie has better refinement all round. The Oldtown looks like a bathtub in comparison.

[@jackyang828]

Hobie can’t sponsor everyone they not the same anymore

[@mannyfeeesh]

PDL SUX, Hobie is the way

[@CharlesMantia]