Hobie Compass vs Old Town Predator PDL vs Slayer Propel 13 - Pedal Drive Kayaks Walkthrough

[@KayakhacksFishing]

IMPORTANT!! The ratings in the spreadsheet in description will CHANGE as I get more feedback as well as an increasing level of personal experience with each kayak. Please share your opinion on the ratings so I can get to a consensus!! Thanks

[@levonluther9494]

how do you feel now 2 years later?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

@@levonluther9494 I would buy it again - the positives outweigh the negatives. They have a better rudder now that overcomes some of the negatives I discussed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZizYpuhib18lZI

[@mikelagrappe7236]

As a retired fellow, I purchased the PDL and really glad that I did. I fish the marshes of Southeast Texas and have no problems transitioning from deeper to skinny water. I haul this kayak in the back of my pickup with a bed extender and have no problems loading and launching. Leverage and a good cart is your friend when you become our age. If you decide on this kayak, when loading or unloading just make sure everything is out of the boat the pedal drive, seat and any heavy gear . I store everything inside my pickup and then load everything once I off load it. I know this is a little time consuming but when your'e retired, who's in a hurry. For some reason I'd rather fish out of this Kayak than my fishing boat. What ever your choice is you can't go wrong those are all good kayaks. Check out MagicYaker video on the compass.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for the recommendation on looking at MagicYaker. You are exactly right about being in a hurry. And... as brackish water guys, we don't have to watch the time of day - just the tides! Makes it easy to get older bones moving! Thanks for the input on your experience with the PDL. All the feedback is welcomed, but making this hard! lol

[@bbuzek1]

I have the Compass as I mentioned before. If you add rhe rectangular box and move the round to rhe front. It meets all your criteria. Its light and still has 400 lb capacity. I agree with all the Alex says and more!

[@averageeverydayfishermansh4501]

Hi Steve. I have been fishing out of a Vibe Sea Ghost 130 for the last year or so and it was fantastic. Lifetime warranty on the hull and awesome customer service. It was really stable and I could easily stand and fish or sit comfortably in the seat all day long. It comes with the seat, rudder, and paddle for $899 (you can sometimes find it on sale for $799). But...I did upgrade to the Predator PDL just about a month ago. I like to cover a lot of area when fishing where I live and the pedals make that much easier to do. I also don't really have a lot of real shallow areas unless the tide is really out or like now in the winter when the tides are extreme. I can't speak about the Slayer or the Compass because I haven't been in one but I love the PDL. Very stable and comfortable. It is heavy and bulky to move around. I haven't found it too hard to paddle but it does need over a foot of water to have the drive down. Old Towne just also came out with the Topwater too. It is shorter but seems to have almost al of the features of the bigger kayaks. At only $1,999 it seems pretty good too. And there is also the Radar 115 and 135 to consider. I haven't been in one but the push button to zero draft is a great idea. Good luck and enjoy whatever you get. We look forward to seeing your choice in your upcoming videos!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Now that the Hobie drive is off patent, I bet we see a lot of new options coming out! Like you, I love the pedal drive because of the additional range. Unlike in freshwater where you have an almost infinite number of choices between lakes and rivers, we inshore guys are limited to a few boat launches. So, being able to move an extra mile is critical!

[@jcook8191]

Also, one of the downfalls with the hobie drive system is once you run aground , the drive can’t be lifted up to free the yak, and if you are in sinking mud your trip is done especially if fishing tidal waters with sinking mud where you can’t get out. The slayer and PDL can be lifted up and you can then try to free yourself without a drive system dragging the bottom.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Great point - that has not come up before

[@AliexFolgueira]

J Cook yeah I had this issue recently, had to go to deeper water to remove it, most of the time I just use the hook

[@fredfable5655]

Well...yes, it may happens once in a blue moon. But the problem with propellers in the center of the hull (in my perspective) is "beyond mud". Every fish going under the boat will give you troubles cutting the line or a nice nest, so your ability to move back and foward during a fight is certainly limited, add some grass around and you have a perfect storm. Removing the drive in advance, and using the paddle (or a pole) may fix that inconvenience in the mud.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

With either the Coosa or the Wilderness, the drive can be retracted inside the kayak. I had not thought about your point when stationary. If I get either of those models, I'll make the point of always pulling the drive up when anchored.

[@tonynoon8693]

I am a huge fan of the predator PDL. I find the predator's comfort to be far superior to anything else I have used. I agree that it's heavier than the compass, but I think it is lighter than my friend's slayer. I personally fish mixed water so I bought the flat floor plug for for when I am fishing in shallow or weedy water or if I simply want to paddle and fly fish. this gives me a very open deck with nothing for the fly line to catch on. With the flat floor plug in, the boat paddles very well for it's size. The hull shape is very fast and tracks extremely well, plus the high sides are great for pointing nose in to wakes. Looking at your fishing situation, I do think the hobie might be the best choice for you, but I could not get comfortable in my hobie and I sold it after 3 weeks. You really do need to try it on the water before you buy it.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thank you very much for your insightful comments - I hope others going through the same tough decision I did will see them. I ended up going with the Coosa FD.

[@tonynoon8693]

Good luck with it! I look forward to seeing your reports on it!

[@olddadoutdoors]

@@KayakhacksFishingI'm currently researching kayak options with expectations to make a purchase sometime Mid 2019. May I ask, why did you choose the Coosa FD? Was there something specific about it that made that your choice? I'm struggling as I'm finding huge negatives and huge positives about all the models i'm looking at. I want something 12ft or larger (I'm a big dude), I want a large weight capacity so I can use it for kayak/camping trips, Although I mainly plan to use in for fishing lakes around California and Arizona. And I may occasionally take it out in the ocean for Halibut. Currently looking at Hobie Outback, Predator PDL, Propel 13, Radar 135.

[@rabbitruck]

@@olddadoutdoors check out the newly revised Outback for 2019.

[@fredfable5655]

Wow , Aliex gave us a really good presentation, specially with the comparison chart he did. (Thanks Aliex) "When the only tool is a hammer, we expect all our troubles become nails"-Charles Dickens- Lets see how many nails we can bit.... The three units are beautiful as said before In this situation...considering your particular case, we have a new approach with the compass...and a very good one. Considering your normal type of fishing...flats, lots of grass and muddy scenarios...the hobie takes the lead. Now, knowing it is 30 pounds lighter it moves another bit forward. Finally, the price is substantially cheaper, making it the most affordable of the three contenders. And now from my personal perspective, I 've noticed the hobie pedals can be set in many differente positions, depending on the kayaker size...that means comfort, and a better overall rating. I would make sure to try "in the flesh" if that ergonomic works in my favor (if it is an advantage or just a fantasy) and finally if I really want the reverse ability i would go for a trade on the 180º Drive sooner or later. Meantime...Steave, keep suffering!! LOL!!!!! Remember...you will have only one hammer!! Like Aliex said...is like a good pair of shoes. Ha Ha Haa!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

And suffering it is! I need to spend more time on the Hobie to get the feel for the drive unit

[@donpineau4780]

Fred Fable iA

[@stoneygreek]

PDL has a battery holder and a transducer spot. It also comes with a vest and paddle/ free shipping from Austin kayak. I have a Compass as well and the PDL is way more stable.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

thank you for that updated info!

[@benbateman2085]

I have an older Old Town Predator, paddle only. It's 13 feet long and was designed for fishing. I like the adjustable seat and storage areas. I don't usually carry a lot of fishing gear with so there is more than enough storage. You can standup on it, I don't very often though. Partially because I've trip on the center console while standing. I would prefer a flat deck to stand on. I transport it in the back of my pickup with a bed extending rack. This kayak weights about 100 pounds before I put my gear in. The weight is a problem both in loading/unloading on the truck and maneuvering on the water. I like the Predator but I have a 10 foot kayak that I use more often. The reason I use it more is because I mostly fish lakes in Central Florida and the smaller kayak only weighs about 60 pounds and is easier to launch. I'm considering a new kayak this year and would like one about 12 feet long and light in weight. Your kayak research videos are interesting.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

You make some good points. I'll see how hard whatever I choose is to load on my truck. Like, you, I use an extender.

[@Lloydmurph]

To Throw Another Log on the Fire you also need to consider weight capacity for the kayak. You need to remember not only your weight but also all your equipment. The more weight you have the harder it is control the kayak. Chris funk has a good video demonstrating what happens when you exceed the weight limit of a kayak.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks! I'll look at it

[@sphutch001]

One more kayak to add to the list is the Wilderness ATAK 120. I have a Hobie PA-14 that I use on lakes and the ocean and an ATAK 140 I use on rivers and the back bay areas. I am a "big" guy so big kayaks. I have a couple of friends that have the ATAK 120 and love it. What worked for me was attending a couple "Demo Days" at some of the large kayak shops. Getting the feel of a kayak an important factor.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks - I'll add it to the list. I want to make the right decision

[@HooKSetzWithRyan]

Great video I will dial in on this I’ve owned a slayer Propel and I jus bought a hobie compass. Reason is having a prop in my face when I was shallow on the native takes all your space away when shallow with the compass it’s light, paddles well and you have a drive all you do is ad a round hatch up front and some hobie map pockets and this yak is ready

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thank you for that applied feedback on the Slayer. That is something I am concerned about. I am looking seriously at the Hobie.

[@ratherbfishing455]

+Kayak Hacks Fishing ACK demo day had a rectangular hatch on their compass. All the bells and whistles! I believe they have several videos on the compass.

[@floydaltonmiller]

Considering the shallow water that you fish in, the Cuss with the fold up drive would be best for you.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

The Coosa drive and the Wilderness 135 retractable drive are both very compelling features.

[@jcook8191]

The chart says the PDL doesn’t have a transducer cavity but it DOES.. however it is molded for use with hummingbird brand but will also work with other small transducers!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks - I will change the spreadsheet (download version... video can't be changed)

[@AliexFolgueira]

Yeah I noticed that

[@grandpadean3527]

I'm trying to find that special fishing kayak myself and the Old Town Topwater 120 PDL, Hobie Mirage compass along with the Native slayer 12.5 XL look good. I am a big guy so stability is important alone with ease and well made drive system is important also. I have a little drop foot on my left leg so don't know if the push pedal system of the Hobie would be easier to pedal for me. It's sorta hard picking one without trying them for sure. I really like the top water 120 for all around quality and extras but it weighs a little more than the hobie to car top.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

You should check our my friend's channel. He does many kayak reviews on all the different models. Drop him a comment on any of this videos and he could give you a better answer than I can. kzbin.info/door/8H5yoAFkKBTvuUD7IRwqxw

[@toddsmith3002]

Another Plus to the A.T.A.K 120 at 12'3" is the low profile, so it's real stable in Windy conditions. The 120 has a Larger open area behing the seat where the 140 at 14" has a rod holder and smaller area behind the seat.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

It is definitely on my list! Thanks

[@AliexFolgueira]

So awesome to work you Steve, this was a great project 😁thanks

[@OrangeCountySUPFISHING]

Aliex Fishing congrats! Cool step up in the right direction to get on the channel like this

[@AliexFolgueira]

Orange County SUP FISHING thanks man 😁 Steve is awesome

[@jeremypierce1607]

Love the review. You brought up some great points. I think you should do a speed test/race between the compass and some others. Ty from 30MilesOut put some serious distance against someone in a slayer propel and they looked to be giving about the same effort. Great collaboration.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks! I'll track down Ty's video.

[@yaksanity4256]

Great video. I fish the same waters you do, mainly from Ft. Fisher to Bald Head. I have a Native Manta Ray which I chose over the Slayer because of the smaller size. The drive is the same and I can tell you it's a serious pain in skinny water. I have to pull it up a couple hundred times during a full day of fishing. You have to line up the prop and pull it all the way up. For this reason I'm looking to make a switch. I'm leaning towards a Hobie Outback, but I'll wait to see what your final decision is.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for the tip. I am seriously worried about having to pull up the drives with the amount of time we spend in the shallows. I saw another comment in the chain from a Hobie user complaining about pulling the Hobie drive.

[@timtunstill8692]

I’ve had a feelfree lure and a wilderness system kayak in the past. I now have a Hobie PA14. Hands down the best kayak I’ve ever had. There is just no comparison to the quality that Hobie provides. I would go with the Hobie Compass 100%.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

thanks! Looks like it is coming down to the Hobie vs the Coosa....

[@ratherbfishing455]

Check to see if the kayak tracks well without the rudder and/or drive. I really have to paddle hard without the rudder. I pull the mirage drive and the rudder up before hit the shore or boat ramp.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Good point and will do.

[@sengx]

Bought my hobie compass with a reverse m180 turbo drive package for $2300. Worth it!!! Great deal!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Perfect! Glad you found the right kayak for your use!

[@chetyoder]

I have a PDL and love it, no matter which one, I am gonna use my Ctug, so weight isnt a issue, storage? , making good choices as to what you need. Fly fishin, I made a cheap teepee to go over my pedal drive so my line can just fall in the hull

[@ratherbfishing455]

That's a good idea

[@KayakhacksFishing]

The more I look at the boonedox system to transport, I do not think weight is a big deal any longer. Great minds think alike! I did the same thing with a tarp and some velcro to make my entire hull a stripping basket!

[@darkomen42]

The compass does come in at around $1900, it's considerably cheaper than some of the other pedal drives you've been looking at.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Once I expand the spreadsheet with other recommendations, I will redo it to weight the different features.

[@Losingsince]

I bought an Outback but I am really digging that new Slayer 12LT

[@KayakhacksFishing]

So many good options!

[@toddsmith3002]

You should also look at the Wilderness System A.T.A.K 120 i have 2 of them and they meet all your requirements at 86 pounds.

[@fishermann2776]

Only you can make the decision on which kayak is best for you based on the equipment you use, your style of fishing and the locations you fish. You know what's best for you. 👍

[@jcook8191]

Fisher Mann agreed! I say DEMO DEMO DEMO!!!

[@johncoleman532]

You might consider the Manta Ray 12 propel . It's light , 12'2" , forward - reverse propel , fast , easy to paddle and quite stable for standing . Easier transporting than a slayer 13 but also has some neat improvements over the slayer 13 . It's also $1999 .

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks! But, I decided against the propel drive because of shallow water where I fish.

[@1221Ralph]

I have a 2016 slayer 10 but considering a 2022 compass now

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I recommend you create a list like I did to help you make the choice

[@ratherbfishing455]

I have the Hobie Revolution with the sailing rudder, and love it! It's quick. The mirage drive has been stuck in sand/mud. It was difficult to get it out. I try to change to the shorter rudder when I'm at the coast. My kayak seems to get scraped up easily. If I'm going to buy another Hobie, I would but an Outback. The compass looks like they cut corners. I didn't like the seat. I hate the colors!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

The outback is not that much more expensive... I'll look at it as well.

[@davidcortez5614]

I just went through this myself, about 8 months of research. But I had different criteria, mostly max capacity (fat man problems). Wound up going with a newer X-factor mostly because of the seat... From what you described that you were looking for, have you looked at a Nucaoe Pursuit? That kayak is what I was leaning towards the most, before finding the X-seat.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I was not familiar with that one. I'll check it out. Thanks!

[@deanazarnush884]

indeed, aliex helped me narrow it down to a compass camo with the 180 mirage drive :D, now i just need to buy it

[@KayakhacksFishing]

That’s the challenge

[@The1700Rider]

I have a Wilderness Tarpon 130x, but it is not standup but I think the Wilderness ATAK 120 OR 140 would be worth looking at.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

ATAK is on the list!

[@rpb1961]

The vibe seaghost 110 would be perfect. I have the 130 and a Native Manta ray propel. Paddling is beer for shallow water. I pedal to troll or to get somewhere faster.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I looked at this one, but as far as I could tell, it does not have a pedal option. As you note, I want the pedal option to expand my range and get to new places faster. Is there a pedal option for this model? thx

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

I understand, I'd love to have a pedal, I fish large lakes and paddling long distance and boat control would be a big plus with a pedal kayak.. maybe some day!!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

The range is why I need to go to a pedal drive. I can get farther from the boat launch ... way back into the shallows... where the redfish have not seen much pressure.

[@TheAleman03]

Check out the eddyline c135 fishing kayak. Thermoformed material with the yackattack package. Just discovered it. I want one now..

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Will do!

[@wesleyhackney]

If you want the option of paddle and Foit drive if some sort Hobie is best option for weight and stability

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for the vote! I'll keep track of the recommendations... this will be a tough decision!

[@johnstrand2247]

Are the rudder cables holding up on Hobies and others? I have two Natives and the cables break very often. They are great kayaks to fish out of but the rudder system sucks bad. The Slayer lasts longer than my Titan but breaks much more often now that I live on a busy lake. The Titan will break the cable in a matter of hours on a busy lake. Once again, on the Fourth of July while I should be having fun, I was changing another rudder cable. That will be my first question the next time I am shopping.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I do not know about the others. The Jackson does not use cables for the rudder. It has metal rods instead. They will not stretch or bend. You make a great point that the type of cable should be added to the analysis!

[@johnstrand2247]

Thanks! the Native uses an idiotic set screw in the handle that saws right through the cable. The biggest cable that will fit in the formed cable track is 1/16 inch and it is way too small for even their lightest Kayak. I am thinking of dumping my Titan and buying a different brand that has some customer support. That was a nice detailed spread sheet that you put out and should help a lot of shoppers. BTW, are you in the Ft. Fisher area?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes, I fish X2 and X3 via the 4x4 beach.

[@johnstrand2247]

I have haunted that area since 1975 but now spend most of my water time on a lake. Take a look at Bald Head from Ft Fisher. On the right morning, we have photographed people on the beach at Bald Head from Ft. Fisher. According to the Pythagorean Theorem Earth curve chart, there is suppose to be over 70 feet of curvature at that distance so we should not even be able to see the beach. It is one of the many places on Earth that folks are claiming proves that we do not live on a ball. Check it out on a clear, calm morning.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I will!

[@ibcontent]

Just bought a Compass.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Never a bad choice - every person's requirements are unique

[@ratherbfishing455]

Have you looked at the new Wilderness System? Vikings? Fly down to ACK demo days. You can try out about 90 kayaks :)

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I looked at the Wilderness Radar 135. Video coming on it. I was not really impressed with it. I will demo the final choices!

[@ratherbfishing455]

+Kayak Hacks Fishing Awesome!

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

Ur welcome, possibly another option, I'm still paddling my vibe sea ghost 130... Great yak, but kinda want a peddle model too!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I think I need to graduate to pedal for the increased speed...which translates to increased range and distance from the popular boat launches.

[@darkomen42]

I'm looking to buy a Vibe Sea Ghost 13 in the next month or so, it's hard to beat the value for the price.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Aghh! another option to check!

[@joeyfletcher5658]

I’m really stuck between slayer 13 and the Hobie compass.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Build your own spreadsheet and score based on how important each criteria is to you.

[@wavealip8059]

Excellent review breakdown especially with the spreadsheet. Subscribed!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks!

[@rapidyeat]

If you spend the majority of your time in a foot of water or less, stick with the Ultimate. Upgrade to the Ultimate FX and you get a high/low seat and a bunch of gear track. light and easy to paddle.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Appreciate the recommendation, but the drive is fixed in place - I'll give it a try on the water and see how it goes.

[@allenrobinson01]

Great video! I just bought the Bonafide SS127. Lots of videos on KZbin about it. Let us know!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I'll check it out! Thanks! I want to make sure I look at everything.

[@be891]

I know this video is a couple of years old but I believe a few key points were not addressed in this video. While the Old Town is heavier, I believe the hull is a lot stronger than the Hobie. When you step on the Old Town it is very strong and rigid, while the Hobie is very soft and squishy. When your talking about a $2k yak I will take the added weight for increased durability and longevity of the hull. What about warranty for the hull, Hobie is five year and Old Town is lifetime. Last but not least warranty for the drive system. Hobie is three year and Old Town is five year. The Hobie mirage drive is great but definitely not as durable. Again just few important factors that were over looked in my opinion.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thank you for that additional detail

[@myadventureoutdoors]

I have a feeling that after all this ceremony, my cheap-ass (frugal) friend will close out 2018 with his current kayak, LOL. The more I think about it, the Hobie Compass might be the boat for you.

[@AliexFolgueira]

Adventure Outdoors I think the compass is the best one

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Still looking!

[@fredfable5655]

I agree with you Steave (Outdoors) ...specially considering steave is not planning to go "kayak surfing" crushing waves. But my biggest concern is about to discover Dr. Moore turning into Mr Hyde, after two or three "propeller knittings"...however in that case ,you can put him into a second alpha male probation....because his tendency to knitting, of course.

[@RKClements]

Going back to the Jackson/Native comparison - IIRC, he said the Jackson drive automatically adjusts for shallow water/hitting an obstacle, and the Native has a pin designed to break away when you hit an obstacle. That phrase “designed to break” really stuck in my mind... Just a thought.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

That is something I worry about.

[@rabbitruck]

I like the Jackson system better in this regard. Hit a log, the drive just pops up versus snapping some plastic off somewhere.

[@great0789]

lol. "Tens of dollars" sounds about right! I am still over $50 away from getting my first $100 from my videos. I have over 29,000 views between all of my videos.

[@fredfable5655]

yeah...you are right. I did't get it at the beginning... LOL.

[@kayakengineer]

Hi Steve, after watching my homeboy Aliex's video I would go with the Compass. You should also reach out to "Texas Redfish Hunter" on you-tube. He just started using a compass this year and also fishes the same shallow type waters you fish. He may have some practical advice. I think he also has a review video on the compass. Good Luck.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Great point! I'll track down that review!

[@reyesrolando1964]

What about the wilderness 135

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I recommend you download my spreadsheet and evaluate it against the criteria you think are relevant. I recommend this channel for good kayak reviews - kzbin.info/door/8H5yoAFkKBTvuUD7IRwqxw

[@dalaohu2010]

how abt the jackson cruiser fd?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I looked at that and decided that the Coosa was the better fit for me. The cruise has all the same features, just a smaller form factor.

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

Check out HEADWATERS KAYAK reviews on the Feel Free lure over Drive vs the Native Slayer Titan!! I think you might be surprised!!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I will look - thanks

[@SNIPERsam15]

If you're looking for a kayak with a pedal drive, can't go wrong with a compass.

[@SNIPERsam15]

I started out on a malibu mini x, then a WS Tarpon 140, then a hobie outback, now I have a Hobie proangler 14. It all escalated very quickly once I found out what I wanted and needed from my kayak. I've used multiple pedal systems, and nothing beats the mirage drive. I wouldn't go for the outback though it's hull is dated and not as efficient as the rest of hobie's lineup.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I really appreciate that input. Thanks!

[@OrangeCountySUPFISHING]

Just come to the DARK SIDE and fish off a SUP like me..... "SUP Hacks" has a good ring to it

[@KayakhacksFishing]

No! No! lol

[@fredfable5655]

HA HA HAAAA I AGREEEE!!! The only good thing about a SUP is using the cooler as a seat and having cool beer inside!!

[@ratherbfishing455]

+Fred Fable Maybe a Chupacabra?

[@michaelgonzalez8863]

Hobie because the takes less work to move forward and lighter weight

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks! Good point.

[@ronkilpatrick5106]

Why is no one talking about the noise generated by the piffle drive system? I think that should taken into account.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I am concerned about that as well. That is why I want a kayak that also paddles well for the last 100 feet.

[@bbuzek1]

Have you made a decision yet?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

No, I will go final probably in mid-February after I look at all the options. If I had to decide today, I would get the Coosa based on its shallow water capability. That is the one feature critical to where I fish. But, given the cost of all the choices, I want to take my time. Subscribers have suggested 7 additional models I need to check!

[@bobdrawbaugh4207]

Compass has a nonadjustable seat, this is a non starter. It’s not setup for fishing would take a lot of work to set it up.

[@sportytaco2153]

"not set up for fishing." That depends on if you are looking for fish or Instagram likes.

[@robs9122]

Major downside to compass. Need upgrades for reverse and storage. By the time you finished that, you basically spent $3000 and could have bought something better.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I do not think there is a harder decision to make given the cost

[@sportytaco2153]

Compass with 180 drive comes in at around $2200. Hatch is another $100. Not sure how that adds up to $3000.

[@docbailey3265]

What are you going to do with all that $10s of dollars?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

lol! That Jackson Coosa sucked every penny!

[@DLoh2o1]

I think Aliex is well informed but a tad biased to the Hobie...nothing wrong with that just say n. I'm down to three on my list. Coosa FD, Radar 135 and yes Aliex, Hobie Outback. A lot of people waiting on your decision sir!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Uh OH... pressure is on!

[@EvenaGirlCanDoIt]

Dick Lowater I had a Radar 135 for 1 day and found that there is play in the crank shaft. Took it back and Wilderness said they had no plans to fix the issue. Gave me a refund. Just bought the cruise FD. Can’t go wrong with Jackson.

[@DLoh2o1]

Even a Girl Can Do It thanks for the input I had not heard that issue before. How does the Coosa paddle? It looks "tight" to me in the cockpit...does it have enough room and storage for you?

[@EvenaGirlCanDoIt]

Dick Lowater it paddles faster than the Coosa FD which I demo’d and I don’t do overnight trips so it has enough storage for what I do. All I’m going to have under the hatch is a couple of batteries. Since I’m only 5’5” I pull my seat way up which leaves me a lot of room behind my seat. I can either carry my Yeti Roadie 20 which I won’t. You can fit a regular sz crate rugged with tid holders. I don’t need that as I only use two rods. Installing flush mount tod holders for my GoPros and a 4” trak rail up front for my other GoPro. I have an ice mule cooler I set in the back or front of the kayak in case I deside to actually bring something home. I couldn’t justify the $800 cost difference for the choose since it was less than a foot difference in length. I also didn’t need all the extras. Besides the cruise turns on a dime we peddling something the COOSA doesn’t do.

[@raxxyyakgear1286]

I purchased a 2017 camel Outback and sold it after three times out too cramped inside the cockpit for me just was not the boat that I was looking for not roomy at all. A good point has been mentioned about shallow water with the Hobie yes you could flutter your way through it but if you do stop and your drives are in that flat horizontal position against the whole you're stuck. I am in the same situation and down to two or three myself it is between the Compass, the Predator PDL and possibly the Jackson Coosa FD

[@Coco_box]

It’s a no brainer buy a Boat,hahah😀

[@bhuntn4life]

NuCanoe

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Get whatever is best for your requirements!

[@bluelinefishing5723]

Too much echo!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Sorry

[@edwardegnor8812]

Feelfree lure 13.5 with overdrive system

[@tater5069]

Edward Egnor can you find the overdrive? I have a lure but it seems they never released the overdrive

[@edwardegnor8812]

Ricky Hart order one from a feelfree dealership they sent first batch out on 12/18/17 so some have them already they say the second batch will be sent out in February I don’t have mine but I ordered one still waiting

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I'll check