MUST WATCH Before Buying!! Mirage Drive Vs Pedal Drives

After fishing extensively in both of these kayaks for 3 years, I felt it was time to share my thoughts on the Hobie Mirage Drive versus pedal drive kayak systems, particularly the Native Watercraft Slayer Propel drive. Now I absolutely loved fishing both kayaks. I'd buy each one of these again. I'd definitely buy native watercraft titan if I wanted a solid reservoir rig, I could outfit with motors. For tournament fishing the Hobie definitely excels as it can deal with more bodies of water and vegetation situations. Pedals drives performance in grass and pads is poor, and if you think that doesnt matter then by all means give it a try. Pedal drives excel when fishing docks, laydowns, and maintaining boat position in wind. I also use to say that with pedal drive kayaks you can fish the way you want, and this really comes from being able to control your kayak in the wind and position the kayak in a way that makes casting easier.....also pedal drives give you breaks and hands free...and that simply cannot be beat!
Categories for judging:
Sound
Storage
Power
Fish-a-bilty
2017 Skeeter ZX250
Hobie Pro Angler 12
Nativewatercraft slayer propel 13
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[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

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[@booobtooober]

Two more benefits of the Mirage for me. 1) When you stop peddling the fins are feathered so almost no drag whereas propeller blades have substantial drag. 2) I like the back and forth motion of the pedals which keeps my feet lower, less lower back strain, but of course that may not bother you if you're under 60.

[@garycox7839]

Excellent points. I'm also "over 60".

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

@@garycox7839 I'll add another, for the 360 drive at least... not only can you get into shallow water without having to remove the drive, and not only can you still pedal in shallow water to move forward or backward, but with the 360 drive I can still rotate the drive when the fins are all the way "up" against the hull to change direction. I can't remember if you can pull the reverse tab on the 180 drives while the fins are up against the hull, but I swear I remember being able to do so.

[@user-fo2el6jm7n]

Better for your knees as well.

[@JSabh]

I carry both drives. Fin drive for open water, prop for fishing. Yeah, its expensive but its cheaper than a bass boat and it fits in the truck. If you think about it, we waste way more money on nonsense that doesn't even serve our interest beyond a moment. For the ease and fun of it, I just bit the bullet and Im glad I did. Amazon has financing too, bought my pedal drive on payments and enjoyed it all the while paying it off and now. Mkney shouldn't stop folks from living the best moments on a lake or river. We don't live forever, but these memories live on and are priceless.

[@RSchannel777]

Well I'm all fished out from sitting here on the couch watching, so that was awesome.

[@AndrewSimpson-us9lf]

I have and have had Hobies for a long time. I also have a Native Ultamate Propel. One day Id like to move up to a Titan or Maybe a Slayer. I will add this about the drives. The Hobie drive works best with their Kayaks that use the sail, but are higher maintenance then the propel drive. While both need maintenance from time to time, more parts will ware out sooner on the Mirage. The rods in the fins will ware through at the tips, cable tension needs adjustment, a lot more moving parts to come lose. And I just have the forward only kind. The propel is almost all internal and sealed from the elements and just need grease from time to time. About the only thing that may need replacing is the prop, and thats only if it bumps into stuff a lot. Once I got a prop driven kayak, there was no looking back as far as fishing. The Mirage still has its place for me when it comes to kayak sailing.

[@DLoh2o1]

Very timely and informative for me. I am down to two choices, Jackson Coosa FD and Outback. I demoed the FD this week and have concern of the noise it makes...but totally sold on the idea of tucking it away either by choice or by hitting something (hopefully straight on). Will be subscribing...very well spoken and unbiased.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Awesome! I loved them both in all honesty. Luckily the slayer paddled fairly well soo when needed I just lifted the drive....but the hobie platform is just better and it's lighter....way way lighter than the Titan

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Hope this helps with making a tough decision! I've fished both and really loved fishing both. I'd buy either one again.

[@ricardogarcia4680]

Own my third Native slayer max and totally agree. Never thought of reaching down while standing to turn the prop. With my lack of balance that sounds like a comedy in the making. Thanks for the info

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Good stuff!

[@richseifert2026]

@recardogarcia4680 - why do have you purchased a third Native Slayer? And why did you choose the Native Slayer? Thanks!

[@cuivre2004]

Good video, and since it was published in 2018, it should be noted that many of the positive aspects of the Mirage drive are the same as in the Jackson Flex Drive-it is actually a hybrid in many respects. It tucks into the hull, it can be used in shallow mode and had three pitch settings for the prop. You really don't need to take the upper pedal mechanism off, since it looks totally integrated into the kayak on first glimpse. It will also very soon (January 2019) have an electric drive/integrated battery that can be popped on in a matter of seconds. I have seen many bent masts on mirage drives, so their use in waters where there is underwater wood is somewhat over-rated in this video. The FD folds into the hull when it hits something. Also- not to pick nits- a laydown is "cover", not "structure". Structure is the underwater topography and bottom composition (points, ledeges, rock-piles, etc). I'm also not on any pro-staff whatsoever and have fished out of several makes as well.

[@jimallen7254]

Great review, you pointed out some things I wouldn't have thought to ask that are important. Great job!

[@Larry77777]

Hey Lou: Nicely compared; your video will definitely inform consumers. Ironically, most are probably watching AFTER buying.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@WVhillDweller]

I haven't bought yet and im researching which one i should get.

[@atanasdionisiev3031]

You have to know the price difference between the propelled system and the other one. I just bought one and it was 500 euros cheaper. Of course on discount but haven't seen the others on reasonable discount yet here in Europe. They are superior over the propelled so they remain at higher price point.

[@wibmeister1986]

Does t say anything about mirage drive going through much shallower water then prop drive. That was my deciding factor. Much more versatile!! Can go through rivers and streams much easier then a prop drove. U are stuck to lakes, ponds, and oceans for prop drives. Unless it's a deep River but I love having the versatility of the Hobie mirage drive!

[@bendownes4854]

I made a plexiglass washer for my prop drive to cut down the space for grass and hydrilla to wrap the prop. Works most of the time.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Seen this done before great idea

[@miopera40]

The hobie is the best design they work on high currents and whirlpools under bridges where not even a trolling motor works. Very durable with very low maintenance, they hug around the kayak best for flats

[@mattcolver1]

I've found my Mirage is so quiet and I'm not swinging a big paddle around like regular kayakers that I can get very close to birds on the water. They don't get spooked by the Mirage.

[@tkftombo]

Most of my fishing is in shallow water over grass. The grass has gotten so bad that the propeller has been rendered useless. Has a lot to do with conditions for using the drives. Sometimes I leave the Mirage drive at home due to water depth. I can repair the Mirage drive with parts. When my Propel drive cracked at the thwart tube, the entire drive had to be replaced at their "cost" of $800. I have since converted my Bluesky 360 to using the Mirage drive due to conditions where I fish. To each their own. I have used kayaks with the Mirage Drive, Propel Drive, and the Jackson drive.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Tom Bulger wow you converted a BSB to Mirage??

[@tkftombo]

@@TheFishingMommy Yes due to where I fish. Lot of grass. My legs can't go as fast as a trolling motor. Otherwise the Jackson flex drive was fine.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Tom Bulger that’s interesting, I had no idea it was possible. (And I agree that the mirage drive is far better than a prop drive in grass).

[@rpb1961]

Great way to explain it. I fish docks and structure. Prop for me, I got the Manta ray propel. It really does depend on what and where you fish.

[@gillyorath6182]

Great product. You guys are so far ahead with HPB's in north America than in the UK. We have to make our own. There's nothing available for canals and rivers. I built 'Newt III' a canal cabin cruiser, there's endless possibilities here in the UK but no far sighted manufacturers. Lewis

[@adamrichardson9160]

I love how I dont have to maintain my hobie drive unless I accidentally bend the metal rods. My old jon boat with motor limited me to half a day of fishing. Now I can fish all day and camp overnight without having to charge a stupid battery.

[@RALgolf1953]

The power/fatigue factor has as much to do with your kayak hull design as the torque generated by your drive. I've always wondered how each drive would perform in the other brand's hull.

[@michealsmith4708]

Having owned a wilderness 135 prop and now have a hobie outback. I would not trade the hobie for anything and I’ve gotten pretty good with the reverse. Not a problem. The wilderness was fast and was great in the lakes but I fish salt water and oyster beds. The wilderness did not handle as well in flats and oyster beds, you might as well have a paddle kayak. I believe it reall depends where you fish most of the time. Both were and are great kayaks.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Nice comment thanks!

[@bobbawden7851]

Great review! Been looking around for kayaks for uk coastal waters and now sold on the Hobie 👍🏼

[@rumysuniverse]

Sound, storage, power, fish ability are all good things to compare, but to me the most important one is Reliability. Could you speak a bit on that please.

[@mckmh07167]

Great break down of the drives. I can’t wait to get a pedal drive, but I need to catch more fish before I can justify it.

[@MooMooOutdoors]

Thank you for the comparison. I currently own a hobie and thinking of getting a native prop drive for second. Definatley both have pros and cons.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Yeah buddy both excellent kayaks

[@MSmith-jf5wo]

With the "New" Propeller from Native, it is much quieter (Less Cavitation!), although I DO think it loses some speed. Where I mostly fish, I can't use the Hobie drive system... too many darn STUMPS, just below the surface! Tried an Outback for a day, and 5 times had to re-bend the vanes back, just to get back in to shore! One thing I DID like about the Hobie is: it can go in shallower water than the prop drives. (I have a Titan now, and a "Paddle Driven 'Yak" - for a "Spare and Friends", for fishing). Thanks for the informative video, and YES!... The Propel Drive DOES make more noise, with either prop!

[@outdoors-fun]

Another big issue is durability. I know a handful of guys with the propel drive that have pulled their yak out after the winter and the propel drive is seized. Water finds its way into the bearings and they rust up and seize during the off season.

[@Caughtitoutdoors]

All these drives are made with somewhat delicate parts. You need to maintain them, inspect them, grease them. And don't trust them.

[@outdoors-fun]

Agreed. but ive seen guys dump their yaks launching and lose their mirage drive, dig them out of the sand at low tide a week later, rinse it off in the salt water, and slap in in their yak and go. Not doing that with a propel drive. You can also bring spare parts and repair a mirage drive right on the water. Or fit a spare in the hatch..

[@feenixone2003]

The Coosa FD is based on the top selling Coosa HD hull and deck layout but adds a long-awaited Flex Drive system (patent pending) allowing for hands-free propulsion. The new Flex Drive System offers forward and reverse operation and includes a unique articulating system for deep and shallow water navigation. A daggerboard protected tri-blade propeller combined with articulation gives the Flex Drive a performance increase over other drives and helps with keeping the system clear of obstacles and easy to clean. The Coosa FD comes with the fore-aft trimming and our Hi-Lo Elite Seat System giving it flexibility in seating positions that puts the pedaler in the most comfortable position possible. The Flex Drive is easily deployed with the flip of a lever, has adjustable pitch, a 1:12 ratio and will be upgradable to a new motor drive system available in 2018. The Coosa FD has all the the features of the best-selling Coosa HD, from rod tip protection system to gear track surrounding the Ergo Seat and more. The combination of one of the best designed all-around kayaks and the new Flex Drive makes this a leading combination for hands-free kayak angling!

[@bowhuntznj]

Very fair comparison and great video I have to agree with everything you said and give you props, no pun intended because you picked the drive that gave you the most control for the type of fishing you do. It would be great if the Mirage drive could engage without reaching down but I guess every system has its weaknesses! Thanks for the fair comparison and unbiased review I think it will help those on the fence make a decision.

[@johnstrand2247]

I have had a Native Slayer for 5 years and a Titan for more than a year. The best part about the pedal drive to me is that it gives your entire leg and hip a workout. All you have to do is slide the seat forward or back and you can alter the muscle groups that you are working, while resting the other side a bit. You can't do that with the Hobie. It is just a push push motion.

[@TheFishingMommy]

John Strand with the mirage drive you can change the angle of the drive itself, if you feel so inclined.

[@r.seaboats6666]

Let's be honest the only thing we all wish for is for the price to be a lot lower, it's ridiculously overpriced, so screw it I will engineer something way much cheaper..

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Nice

[@HeWhoHath]

Roman Nes*n you and me both buddy. I could build a plywood epoxy kayak half the weight twice the quality, quarter the price.

[@Will-tm5bj]

@@HeWhoHath so did you build one?

[@briansaben5697]

@@Will-tm5bj He did and drowned. That is why he hasn’t responded.

[@FishingForQuality13]

@@briansaben5697hahahHahhH

[@fuat8473]

Thank you man for nice and fair comparison, but should ask that how about repairability? which one is low cost, simple to repair or finding spare units etc..

[@aarondavis8224]

Great video. The reverse was why I didnt buy a hobie. Theres certain situations the mirage seems great but when Im bass fishing the reverse is key. I ended up buying the Titan 12.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

100% agree. Instant reverse and hands free reverse is definitely worth the money. Glad for your purchase

[@OrilliaFishing]

Good video man! Was doing some research for a podcast and this has almost all the info I'm looking for! I'll be share to share the link with everyone!

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Awesome glad you liked it

[@b.s.fishing5902]

Really good breakdown of both drives! I wonder what the noise from both drives is like underwater? how much louder to the fish is the pedal vs mirage? I have the Predator PDL and will be doing a lot of trolling at night for walleye this spring and am wondering if i'm going to need to look at using planer boards to get a little bit away from my kayak

[@FishingForQuality13]

Huge help brother but I would like to know has your opinion changed and WHAT DO U PREFER ,ur preference is important to me.Thanku for this really man that backwards deal seems to be very important .I'm a first time buyer.My question to u is this .What do u think about the kayaks u can split in half ???

[@behindyouroutdooradventures]

Too bad you haven't had exposure to the other drives. The Wilderness drive is on par with the Mirage IMO. A lot of the issues you have with the Propel are not there with the Helix.. quick raise, quiet, easy storage etc.. nice to see someone not saying Hobie is the end all be all.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Thanks man and i agree...i always try to keep it fair despite how native treated as prostaff. Both yaks are solid i loved hobie more but seriously missed reverse...ill give the wildy a try

[@behindyouroutdooradventures]

BeyondTheBounds I fished a salmon derby last fall with a bunch of Hobie guys, a guy in a propel and a bunch of Radars. The quick reverse of the prop drive was awesome when you would hook up and need to get out of the mix..

[@widowmakericu5705]

A lot of kayakers will tell you the prop drive requires more energy and will wear you out faster. Good review!

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Very true! It does.

[@SanJoseBassDude]

Awesome video and great insight. The two biggest reasons I'm going with a titan 10.5 is the ability for hands free reverse and the price. I will say this though, your video makes it clear to me, that if Hobie comes out with a competitively priced 10.5 PA, and the technology for hands free reverse (however that would work) they would probably steal a lot of market share from Titan. Being able to pedal through weeds and grass would be really nice

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Thanks love them both

[@SmallWaterTV]

Check out the Twin Troller, it's even nicer.

[@travouslucas8955]

Small Water TV you are a troll alright

[@SmallWaterTV]

Why do you say that? Because I think a Twin Troller is a better option than sticking propulsion systems in kayaks?

[@SmallWaterTV]

The Twin Troller has hands free reverse. It has 100% hands free, spin in a 360 degree circle with 6-8 inch draft in full operation.

[@scottpetter831]

I really enjoyed your comparison vid on both drives. As an older sportsman , i will be 64 next month and was wondering your opinion on the most user friendly . I have never paddled a kayak. But have paddled a canoe all my life. And some days you just get blown off the water in a canoe not a really good platform espically alone. Can be impossible to get any fishing done as the profile of the canoe catches alot more breeze/wind. Can you comment about wind pushing kayaks?

[@doncook3690]

You didn’t talk about the drives function too much. For example, is a prop drive faster, more maneuverable, faster from a stopped position. How it stores in your vehicle really doesn’t matter to me. From point a to point b: which one will get you there faster, which one can maneuver easier around obstacles, which one can go the first 20 feet quickest? Than you

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

That's correct I didn't ...what you are seeking answers for are functions of kayak hull design and weight. Maneuverability is based on design and weight for instance the Titan turns better than the slayer propel...but in a Greg Blanchard video he showed how he couldn't even get thru a spot of current and needed to be towed by a hobie....I did address torque...which answers your quickest 20 ft question, but then this is all still functions of weight and hull design...not drives....storage matters to everyone...and is directly related to owning one of the drives.....the video was about the drives and not functions related to weight of the kayaker, the kayak, and the hull design...which from bass boats to kayaks all related to speed. If you dropped the mirage into a hobie revo kayak..your speeds would increase, but you sacrifice benefits of the pro angler for speed...the kayaker who can go harder longer is gonna win the race.

[@sirfitz8125]

I could beat Hobies in my PDL drive with little effort.

[@doncook3690]

Sir Fitz so you’re saying a prop drive is by far faster than the mirage drive?

[@sirfitz8125]

The Old Town PDL Drive is. I use to have one. Its a 10 to 1 ratio.

[@sirfitz8125]

the quick reverse is nice too on the peddle. Hobies are badass though....Ive had paddles, and a peddle. Any peddle will be more fun than a paddle. I sold mine and bought a solo skiff

[@walker8989]

I'm trying to decide between the Predator pal and a Hobie. The reverse thing really has me leaning toward the Predator.

[@HobieKayakFishing]

If reaching down to pull the lever is the worse thing you could say about the mirage drive I think it’s a huge win for Hobie. I will say I’ve never used a prop drive. I figured I hate riding a bike so I’d hate the prop drive. There’s definitely a market for both.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Yup about the only thing that isn't perfect on the hobie

[@drno3391]

Thanks a lot, you taught me what I needed to know !

[@kevinconville9258]

That's useful information. Well done, thanks.

[@rodcar2166]

Yup hands free reverse. Enough said. Whether Stowing In The trunk, truck bed or whatever, I'd sacrifice that for on the water action any day. Oh and I can drop my pedal drive in the water and just pick it up. Mirage drive you better take a dive because it's a sinkin.

[@davidgriffiths7696]

Good review, sensible aware presentation 👍

[@dhuanabsa774]

1st Quarter 2019 will try hard to purchase my Hobie pedal kayak. Touch wood.✏

[@visualkeirockstar]

I don't get why every pedal kayak has to be so expensive. You can throw a trolling motor for cheaper.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

I might try that with my older yak.

[@chickenguru4]

If cost is an issue just buy yourself a jonboat and trolling motor.

[@visualkeirockstar]

chickenguru but then there is registration, towing, and then boat fee is more expensive.

[@FishinNStuff]

visualkeirockstar you still have to register your kayak with a trolling motor plus you have batteries to charge and die , plus my hobbies faster than a 45lb thrust trolling motor I've raced my friends

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Mirage drive is so nice. I love fishing for fall smallmouth and not have to worry about wind. I always think of it as wireless headphones, you don't know how bad you have it with wired headphones until you use wireless ones.

[@rickmaida4027]

The crackling noise you hear is probably cavitation. The propeller spins pretty fast so it's most likely what it is. Small vapor bubbles form along the surface of the fast spinning propeller forming a vacuum as it cuts through the water, which immediately collapse once they blade has passed through. The collapsing bubbles create the crackling noise. Which also means by the way, that propeller drive is probably not very efficient. Part of the energy you put into the propeller is wasted making bubbles and nice crackling sounds.

[@mappsvilleboi]

This is the best review of the drive systems for kayak anglers! Thank you and great job! Haven't noticed too many others talk about the realistic aspect of fatigue while fishing & how it can ruin a day. Now to figure out which prop drive & kayak🤔

[@SlickCat]

Nothing like a great electric motor. Yes, the battery is heavy but advantages are huge.

[@1965JB]

I bought a Lithium marine battery, it’s practically weightless compared to a regular one. New technology and costs a fortune but definitely a huge weight advantage.

[@tx_reds2426]

Very informative comparison, probably one of the best as of right now. My only question (apologies if i missed it in the video) but why did you get rid of your Hobie?

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

I bought a boat

[@TreySully]

Mirage needs a foot lever connected to one of the pedals. Move your foot a little to the side, push, it switches to reverse. Same to go back to fwd.

[@tkftombo]

Might also consider warranty work. Not all towns have Hobie or pedal drive dealers. Lucky for me there are both nearby.

[@mattsloan32]

Great insights. If anything was perfect we would all be doing it. You have to choose your gear by what you do most often. They all have high and low points.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

That they do! I seriously loved both pedal and fin.

[@mamolden4214]

Happy with my perception pilot drive doesn’t take as much space as one you showed I agree on fishing structure comment be able go back right away is big difference with wind also be able work over area more effectively

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Nice!! What truly matters is you love it and it performs for what you need. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@joey-cn6mt]

I'm building a 15' cat. What do you think about peddle power are boat?? I'm thinking with two 48" props with a big pitch low RPMs it would push a small boat. Do you think it will work??

[@Mikelodeon72]

Very informative. But I have a question: ERGONOMICS How ergonomic they are. I have read that mirage is better than pedal... for people with back issues (me) mirage is better just because the ergonomics. I would love to know your opinions about this matter

[@Handofseeds]

great video. I want a peddle drive after having a pescador 12' for so long. I appreciate all the tips. Just so you know the mirage drive seems to be better after your insight. Thanks

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Cannot go wrong with either but having had both amd being hardcore native i would buy hobie first...but loved both

[@Charactermatters650]

I keep seeing Hobie cracks in the hull from the mirage drive? Elias V has had a few crack on him now. Once the hull cracks in that spot your screwed - no easy fix.

[@chengone2]

Hi, I saw that you fished at Centennial Lake. I'm thinking about buying a kayak for fishing. You have a lot of knowledge about kayak.. The pros and cons. Do you think it's helpful to meet locals and learn from them?

[@cashenjoe1]

Sounds like you like the Mirage drive better. You gave it way more points. Why did you switch to prop drive?

[@johncoleman532]

A very good fair review . Keep up the good work . One thing I don't like about mirage drives , is that open hole in the floor where waves are constantly pushing up cold water into he floor of the yak .

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

I'll be honest I literally never had that issue....but I don't fish Salt either, is that where you experienced that issue? I will say the slayer held water in the floor so my feet were always wet....just ain't a perfect yak out there, but I loved both

[@markflo8412]

Hobie 360!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Really well done video. Thanks for getting out good info on these yaks.

[@alphasxsignal]

I have seen some people have broken the little tabs that hold the Hobie drives in place, that plastic which is bad.

[@alancalvert953]

Most of the noise you hear with the propeller drive is caused by cavitation of the blades through the water. They spin very fast at a high rpm causing the creation of air bubbles under the kayak.

[@1Deejay7]

Think that only applies to motor driven blades there. I cant believe a person can match those rpm speeds with leg power

[@FloridaRaider]

about to buy my first kayak...appreciate the comparison. Guns Up!

[@randymirando4214]

Was that trap pond you were at when explaining the standing? I got my hotel all booked for July. Gonna try to hit a couple places down there. Great review

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Oh that is Trussum...it's right up the road and a absolute must!

[@dukenallow2673]

If you're shopping, you should know that you don't need to pull the prop drives out of the kayak for transport. The publisher talks about how much easier it is store a Mirage drive. You MUST remove a Mirage drive to put the kayak in the back of a truck. A prop drive can just be placed in the "up" position.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

This is true...i just wouldnt leave it there overnight...but is a total true fact and good point.

[@alloutofdonuts3998]

I haven't yet seen any mention of this, but I tore the outside of my achilles tendon last year when I got a Hobie. Granted, I was having a lot of fun, racing my bud with a paddle kayak. I think the full circular motion uses more muscles so you get more

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

First sorry bout that ...that stinks..i can only speak to my experience and i was less tired with the mirage

[@edm9760]

This was very helpful, thank you! However I am still torn between the perception pescador pedal drive and the hobie compass, still leaning towards the perception though because I am always having to back away from trees and docks.

[@sgrandmasterj]

Good video. I have a unrelated question. Was the desk in the video custom made or is it something available for purchase?

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

First one to ask. That was a custom desk built by closets of america...they can build prettt much anything

[@johntemplin]

The Hobie having no hands free reverse is an absolute show stopper for me. I use this feature at least 10 times everytime I fish.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

100 % understand that....it was so easy to stand and hit the reverse quickly with a pedal drive

[@sawtoothscream1521]

Going to have to test drive Hobie one of these days. Used ones never pop up though in my area and damn new ones are crazy expensive. The new vibe shear water looks interesting and price isn't horrible. Doesn't have reverse which sucks but I could probably live with it for my needs. Also debating buying a island hopper transom trolling motor and tossing it on my current kayak. Have to register it though.

[@alishabab3]

there is now 2 types of propel drives.. one is the belt and the other is a propellor pedal drive.. which are 2 different ones.. the belt is the older version that makes the hummings sounds due to the belt.. the new version is allot more silent

[@thiodorchalkias8906]

The problem with the fins pedal system is that the mechanism is exposed to the water (specially to sea water) and the floating solids sand etc and that makes its life sorted!!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I really appreciate your insights on this video. I am down to deciding against the Coosa FD and the Outback for my new kayak.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Awesome man I hope it helped too not hear the standard pro staff talk about how everything is the best in the world

[@chuckmaddison2924]

Don't know if anyone has thought of it yet but a bolt on the rear paddle drive sorta Mississippi paddle steamer type thing as most efficient.

[@MrJavier0103]

I’m new to the kayak world. Are drive systems something that you can interchange regardless of brand of kayak?

[@ralphpearson5420]

Good review from someone who obviously knows from being there. A little much with complaints on size and transport with only a pick one solution that is. From the onset, I was hoping with the devotion to the sport and innovativeness he usually displays that he may have come up with a secure generic mounting solution to share etc. Above all though as always with this guy, I absolutely learn and benefit from his videos and consider them a real resource. Thanks once again for caring enough to share your experience in such a well thought out and down to earth way.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Wow thank you for the comment!

[@tubedeo]

Owning both a hobie and pescador pilot, the pilot prop drive has tons more power, less speed but way more power.

[@georgemarnelakis3254]

We all get it, mirage drive is better but overseas a Hobie costs 3 times the money of any other pedal kayak! p.e. Here in Greece in order to buy a Hobie you need 3.700,00€ which is like 4 thousand $, any other pedal kayak costs around 1500$

[@MattWolfgang]

Don't the Hobie mirage drives start making noise as they loosen up over time? The PDL Drive from Old Town is whisper quiet.

[@iPsychlops]

Do it have any regrets about going to the prop drive, having used it for a few years?

[@crux321]

Im coming from float tube fishing (which gives amazing control and positioning) to kayak fishing and trying to decide which drive system will work best for me. I fish shallow mostly and really value the ability to back away from structure once i hook a fish. sounds like the push drive is really just more portable and can do shallow better and safer. I dont need maximum power just good enough. So I am leaning to prop drive. Excellent video. Sub and like. Thanks!

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Reverse is very beneficial...hands free is worth it.

[@davidgibson5157]

Hey buddy haven't seen you in a long time hope you been good .what happen you stop fishing the circuit did sumbody make you mad or what happen use to love watching you videos well now I found ya again guess watch the kayak ones now .

[@trenteckert4223]

Can you swap them like if you buy a pedal drive but instead of buying a new kayak can you just buy the mirage drive?

[@JPerez-wj1wp]

I’m 220. What kayak pdl would you recommend? Best bang for its buck.

[@monsterhippo7529]

So which ones are faster? Cause sometimes it looks like the people using paddle drives are pumping like crazy and aren’t going anywhere.

[@mfyc]

thanks sir..good info..give me a little bit idea how it work and what to choose in the future.. 👍

[@brizzx32]

I don't think the Sound of a Propeller is gonna be a game changer. Now I am speaking more on the use of Ocean Kayaking. I have been on Charter boats where there might have been between 25 and 35 people. Large propeller pretty noisy and we would have NO problem catching fish. Now fresh water fishing might be different I don't know I don't fresh water fish though.

[@FISHANE84]

Nicely done. I am also finding plus/ minuses to both styles of drives. I’m leaning towards the prop kind as being better for my applications.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Man I loved a prop drive. The Propel drive is a fantastic drive! I put that thing thru the ringer. Its fish ability is awesome. And with the decks on the Titans....they closed the gap on Hobie IMO. But the hobie will always be a hobie, and thats what makes it a beast

[@FISHANE84]

BeyondTheBounds true. I was thoroughly impressed with the PA in the marsh.

[@stevekistler8970]

Have you looked at the Jackson FD? Seems like it goes a ways toward answering some of the prop drives issues.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

I've seen it and the good thing is native isn't the only pedal drive in town. But their drive is truly proven in my mind

[@Leonardokite]

Excellent info! Thanks.

[@markiskool]

So, if I just wanted a boat to go across the lake but not fish, which boat is better?

[@josephdaluz7321]

Can you drop a hobie drive into a pelican kayak ??! Does it fit perfectly?

[@dougsk1]

Which is best for river fishing, especially with boulders sticking up and low ripples? Is it easier to damage a prop driven? Do both of them and their rudders easily self-flip up or manual flip up

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Truly neither. Best to get another boat for that. A prop drive in current is dangerous.

[@Crussman499]

The Nucanoe has an awesome looking drive system. Although being extremely expensive.