Are The Turbo Fins Worth It? Hobie Lynx Speed Test!

I tested out the difference between the standard Mirage fins and the turbo Mirage fins on the Hobie Lynx. Wanted to know the speed differences and if there was any significant change between the two. Turns out, It's not that crazy of a difference but still worth the upgrade.
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[@privatecitizen8909]

First off, thank you for putting the effort in to provide this information. For most fishing trolling it is necessary to only troll between one and 2 1/2 mph, and the standard fins seem to be able to easily do that, so I know that I do not NEED turbo fins to troll. I will leave the option for turbo fins open depending on how 67 year old knees can handle the resistance.

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

You’re absolutely right. No need for the turbo fins to achieve trolling speeds. The turbo fins just make it a little easier with less effort in my opinion.

[@micholejensen7944]

Great vid! This has become my favorite boat, and I was surprised by how fast the Lynx is with the standard fins.

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

Thank you, I was surprised too!

[@awarneroz]

Thanks for the video, nice work. BTW, the top speed of the craft is determined by the dynamics between it and the water. After the top speed of the craft is reached, any more effort goes into pushing the water out, e.g. the depth of the wake, etc. The formula for top theoretical speed is 1.34 x the square root of the waterline length in feet. So, if you got a longer boat, the extra thrust of the turbo fins might make more of a difference at the high end.

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

Ahh I didn’t know that. Thanks for the info! I figured Tim the tool man theory… more power! 😅

[@freshsaltyfries5078]

Great review. What’s the best way to lubricant the md 180 drive after you rinsed with fresh water? Is 3-1 oil ok to use.

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

Thank you! I would think 3-1 oil would be ok but I use clenzoil for marine and tackle. My local shop recommended it to me years ago and haven’t looked back.

[@freshsaltyfries5078]

@@ChrisMitchellFishing thank you much appreciate it will buy it on Amazon.

[@tennesseekayakfishing5691]

So turbo fins is like cranking up the resistance on the exercise bike? Seems like it would be since it’s pushing more water per stroke than the normal fins.

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

Yeah thats a good analogy!

[@tammlen2284]

Wonder how they'd do with hobie compass and going against wind? Most times, I don't need to go faster. But my top speed when really hoofing it, against a wind, is only 3-3.5 mph. My husband and I fish these small reservoirs and lakes where wind can come up suddenly, and within a half hour, it can go from calm to large, white capped waves. Can get a little bit hairy at times, especially if on the other side of the reservoir from the dock when it begins. Might be worth trying for me. Could use a little extra speed to get across faster (although I have gotten better in coping with rough water).

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

Im sure it will help out a good bit on the compass. You can definitely feel the difference of how much you move forward with the turbo fins.

[@rgon541tube]

I have a 2021 ouback. I requested non turbo fins. I walk at a fast pace normally so. I thought it would be hard to hold 1mph while trolling with turbo fins. Well couple years later i got turbo fins. Manlymto keep up with the herd when other tool off down the lake. I notice with the turbo fins i can hold 3.5 alot easier and longer with the turbo fins. Yea there is more resistance. I think the difference is more noticeable on a outback than a lynx. The downside is the more resistance is waay harder on my knees. In thebfutureninwill be getting a motor togo point a to point b. But will using my stardard drive when trolling 1 mph I am constantly speeding with the turbo fins while trying to do a 1mph troll

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

Yeah the resistance does mess with my knees as well. Having a motor to go from A-B definitely helps! I guess it really comes down to personal preference when choosing turbo or standard fins.

[@Trinispeed0226]

Do you have a link to the life vet you got on?

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

Pretty expensive but worth it in my opinion. Doesn't get in my way when I'm fishing and its comfortable in the heat of summer. mustangsurvival.com/collections/inflatable-pfds/products/elite-28-inflatable-pfd-auto-hydrostatic-md5183

[@longstraightlines6747]

Interesting vid. I've done the same test and found the turbo fins to be noticeably faster than the standard models 🤔

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

The turbo fins definitely feels faster to me. Did you do your test with fishing gear? I feel like I would have way different results if it was just me on the kayak.

[@longstraightlines6747]

Yep, I did the testing with my full rig (which isn't that heavy anyway) and it was clearly faster with the turbos. There was a noticeably bigger bow wave and wake from the increased top speed as well. I also did side by side testing against my PA14. The Lynx slowly walked away with the same cruising speed pedal cadence. Different yaks I know but still interesting! The PA sits in the shed most of the time now.. 🤔 Love your work Chris and have subbed. Greetings from Australia. Or 'g'day mate' as we say over here!

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

That is interesting! Thank you and good day mate!

[@badhombrefishing]

I switch out my with my buddies 2023 outback. I use his turbo fins and he uses my drive. He still leaves me in the dust. The outback just cuts thru the water so much easier.

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

Yeah the hull shape really plays a factor between the lynx and outback. That is almost built for speed and speed alone! lol

[@benwilkey2060]

So hull speed is about 4.8 mph, regardless. Still a scooting little machine. I’m lucky to get that with the xi3 on my Bonafide.

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

Correct. I probably could put a motor on it and still get 4.8 mph. That’s a good trade off on your end though even if it’s a little slower you don’t need to put in any effort lol.

[@RcGaba27]

It is very clear that you are able to pedal much faster with the smaller fins. Meaning that you dont have the strengt to use the turbo fins to its full potential. at least not with that hull. It would be cool if you could get a fit roadbiker to try it. or someone that just have stronger legs. This comment is nothing agains you personally.

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

I totally get what you’re saying. No offense taken. I believe the hull is the majority of why the turbo fins aren’t going at full potential. Yes stronger legs would help a little but the hull itself can only do so much until it’s reached it’s peak speed. It is easier to pedal with the short fins and my legs do move faster. With the turbo fins I personally feel myself moving farther with one stroke compared to the short fins. Hope that makes sense. Either way, both fins do the job and it just comes down to personal preference.

[@RcGaba27]

Yeah totally, i want a sport kayak i can go as fast as possible with. Do you know if there are any kayaks with this kind of pedal system but with a faster hull? Thanks. @@ChrisMitchellFishing

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

Absolutely. Take a look at the Hobie Revolution 13. That’s designed for speed in mind!

[@RcGaba27]

Thank you very much sir.@@ChrisMitchellFishing

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

No problem!

[@lowlifeangler]

Cost too much to improve the speed by 0.5 mph especially if your fishing starting point is right after you hit the water

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

It is pricey for sure. Yeah the speed isn’t really there but I feel like I get more torque going against the wind in the turbo fins which let’s me gain more ground rather than the normal fins. Having the normal fins still does fine and you definitely don’t need to upgrade. Just comes down to personal preference.

[@lowlifeangler]

@@ChrisMitchellFishing Yup, but I can't really say anything , I'm fishing from a $400 sit on top lol 😂 A pedal kayak is on the list for end of next year

[@brib9716]

Doesn't seem worth it at all.

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

To each their own. That’s why I made this video. So you can see the difference and make a decision based off of it.

[@tennesseekayakfishing5691]

But this is a comparison on a Lynx. Try the same thing on the PA 14 and you’ll probably want the turbo fins on the PA.

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

Yeah the PA comes with the turbo fins already and the PA definitely needs it.