Pedal Drive Shootout: Hobie Outback VS Jackson Cruise FD VS Native Manta Ray

[@HeadwatersKayak]

UPDATE ON THE BROKEN JACKSON PLEASE WATCH: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roTRd4ObaNKLnM0

[@Jaredbar]

get that man on a compass and video it

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Got one for him to test. Well be trying it out this week.

[@right8630]

Which is the easiest to peddle?

[@ts3287]

Dan, I really appreciate your honesty in these videos. AND, I really appreciate that you tell us your pick. Some of the other guys doing kayak comparison videos won't say their pick. I guess they don't want to offend potential free product from company's wanting them to demo their stuff. Thank you!

[@patrickpage1796]

The reason I am choosing the outback along with other good features is the large hatch accessible from the seat. I will use this boat for wildlife photography and I need to store my camera safely and be able to get to it real fast when I see otters on the shore or some other sudden opportunity. There are very few boats that have a nice size hatch accessible from the seat.

[@adamrichardson9160]

I just bought the 2019 hobie mirage compass. Best kayak I've ever had so far. And the reverse drive is definitely worth the extra money

[@matthewhamilton1833]

I've owned a paddle kayak for years and I'm ready to make the switch. This has been helpful.

[@robg9620]

Really like the comparison videos, keep up the great work!!

[@SargesAdventures]

this is the reason I really like Dan and his vids.... no fluff, no brand bashing but, the truth. I have said it more than once, I wish Dan was in Missouri haha. I love my 2019 Outback but, just like in the video, I almost went with a Native Propel it was real close.

[@kehtal9715]

No joke. If Headwaters shipped they'd probably corner the market nationwide. Do you go anywhere in MO to demo kayaks? I'm really wanting a pedal drive but that kind of cash is hard to commit to sight unseen.

[@rhye_guy7717]

Thumbs up for adopting a rescue dog!

[@Corvus52]

Jackson Cruise FD owner here. I got the boat for the flex drive's ability to retract in shallow water, the low weight and price of the boat vs the Hobbie Outback. I have experienced the tracking issue with one exception. When I get into some current I find that the steering is better. I think the problem with the steering is that it is too efficient so it is hard to manage. I have been able to ok coasting versus peddling. I would get the boat again, but the weight of the compass would give me pause to reconsider.

[@MrEbmanii]

I LOVE this showdown. DO MORE!

[@danielwagner6290]

I like the stability of the hobby outbreak and the ease of the petals. Yes reverse would be nice.

[@415s30]

I have a 2019 Hobie Tandem Island, I rented a 2016 on a trip, sold my propeller drive kayak when I got home! They are smooth and easy on the legs, when you pull the pedals apart the fins lay up against the hull for shallows. Awesome boats.

[@charleskemp1256]

Another great video guys. When I started looking to get into kayak bass fishing (3 months ago), I didnt even consider pedal drives. But watching how quickly the Manta Ray and Outback cover water, has me reconsidering. I have a one man shop about an hour south of me that I really want to do business with, he is a Bonafide, Crescent, Native dealer. Tomorrow Im going to check out the LiteTackle, SS127, and now the Manta Ray Propel. Hobie dealer is an hour north of me so that'll will have to be a different day. Once again thank you guys for these videos, as its very difficult to demo everything.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Charles Kemp so cool! I’m a fan of the Manta Ray for sure. Enjoy your time on the water.

[@kenyglasscock5503]

Thanks guys. Just discovering fishing kayaks. I've spent my last 40 years in the mountains(Rockies) and I'm moving to the Gulf Coast!! Thanks for the info.

[@caseylmanus]

Hey Dan at Headwaters Kayak! I am really hoping for a Best Pedal Drive Kayak Under $2000 video from you soon! I know the competition is growing in that space!

[@ickukln]

You have made it so clear on all your reviews and honest, thank you so much keep it up.

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

Great review! Honesty is the best policy much appreciated.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

vagabond88817 yea it was a hard video to post. I’ve got 20+ FD models in my shop. I defiantly posted this to my own hurt, but if no one holds there companies accountable they won’t get better. I love Jackson kayaks and I want them to be a serious player, but the rudder needs to be addressed.

[@TomyTekOutdoors]

I like these comparison videos. It will really help someone make a decision that does not have the ability to demo different kayaks. In regards to the shift cables for the MirageDrive, I purchased some stainless steel ones from a guy on FB. He makes them in a regular and a shorter size. They are well worth the investment. Another thing to note about the MirageDrive is that you should add Loctite to the threads that hold on the peddles. They have come loose on some people and fallen off. I took care of mine to be safe than sorry. The front hatch seal is another issue, but it looks like it comes installed from the factory now. I like my Outback, but problems like this shouldn't happy when you're spending that type of money on a kayak.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

TomyTek Outdoors thanks for the feedback.

[@TheBoolio]

That’s a good dog!

[@michaelnicolaysen7391]

Makes me want to try that outback out. Currently in the Coosa FD and i whole heartedly agree with the steering and drive smoothness. It's a good boat, I've been happy with it. But it's not as efficient as I'd like.

[@Jaredbar]

try a compass while your at it

[@Chaucerfaux1]

Awesome side by side comparison. SO just from watching in my opinion i feel the steereing for the Jackson just might not bee stiff enough or tight enough, it seemed to me like there was no resistance in the rudder at all which is why i think is could be the reason for the unstable tracking. Just my opinion and observation as ive never been in one befor.

[@stevehogan8829]

If you are in the Jackson Cruise, it sounds like blast furnace. That pedal drive is super Loud. This is a great comparison video.. I don't any one of the three but still think this was a great comparison video. I'm in the OldTown 120 AutoPilot, but still looking for a light pedal drive for those days I don't feel like loading a 140 lb kayak. That's a good fit for you and your dog. He's gonna be a geat buddy. Hope you still have him.

[@vspd303]

One of the best kayak channels out there 💯

[@Markpatrickrich]

Love those Hobie kayaks. Me and my cattle dog met Milo at the shop I’m praying for him he has some medical issues 🙏🏼❤️🤙🏼

[@jerry-381]

Great video Dan! Enjoyed the honest feedback!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Jerry Krabe painfully honest. I had high hopes for the cruise.

[@tcoop616]

I love the comparison videos. One thing I would love to see it testing the stability. Possibly standing on one side of the kayak and seeing how far out you can go until it flips. Or sitting and leaning reaching out one side until it flips.

[@Slowhand871]

That Outback looked incredibly stable.

[@mtmonesf]

Great review! Love my Outback! Can troll all day in big waves

[@atticussfinch9001]

Yo! I’m getting ready to buy a 2020 Outback, but saw a vid today that showed it takes a lot of water on the bow, and also water enters the bow hatch. I’d definitely use this on an ocean... not likely if there’s white caps, but in the event wind comes up... I want to be able to get in without trouble (using a hand bilge pump, etc). Surprised you said you can troll all day in big waves...

[@mtmonesf]

Water will get into hatch on crazy waves , but not enough to out way the outback’s great design. Most waves will go over and drain thru your pedal latch area. Put your toilet paper in a plastic bag lol! Enjoy!

[@greggardner3924]

I've had both a pedal drive Native and the Hobie Outback with the reverse feature and much prefer the Hobie. Primary reason is the Hobie is much more versatile in shallow water since the fins can be folded flat against the bottom of the hull immediately if needed and with the kick back fins it is even less of a problem. I ran aground with my Native several times and pulling up the drive is a pain. Also the Hobie drive system does not get wrapped up in weeds [and sometimes my fly line] which again is a pain to clear from the propeller drive. More expensive but its the Hobie for me

[@chogg]

Fun video. I have the Coosa FD. I like how stable it is when I’m fishing out of it. The steering and tracking is a negative. Thanks!

[@stevenenders97]

I have both the outback and compass. I love my outback but the compass with turbo fins is a beast. It’s really light compared to the outback. It also depends on what water you’re fishing. My hatch doesn’t leak. The outback to me is probably the best overall kayak.

[@atticussfinch9001]

Thanks, about to buy an Outback... 2020 model... is that the same one you have? No leaky hatch? On the ocean? That’s where I’ll be primarily...

[@stevenenders97]

Atticus's Finch I have the 2019. Hobie sent me the front hatch seal kit but the 2020 already has it installed from factory. I take mine in the ocean with waves coming over the front and it doesn’t leak any.

[@atticussfinch9001]

steven enders Thanks mate... that SEALS the deal then! I’m going to make an appointment with Santa Cruz outfitter as soon as they open then. Literally, only way they can do business right now: retail only and by appointment. Really appreciate it! I’ll keep my Ocean Trident 15 for back up... peace... -C

[@robbogin482]

Another great video Dan and shout out to Bam and Matt for always giving straight forward opinions!! Keep it up as always.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

ROBERT Bogin love having them on the channel. They are the real deal when it comes to kayak fishing and they aren’t owned by companies like so many other kayak pros.

[@randyprovost8426]

I enjoyed this video. I have the Manta Ray and want to move over to the 2019 Outback. I demoed the PA12, Outback and Compass on May 11th and I liked them all but I wish I'd spent more time on the Compass for it's lighter weight.

[@WhitchurchFishing1]

I use to be a big Jackson guy just seems like there getting cheap on some things. So I decided on getting a PA 12 and also got a Bonefide ss127 love them both

[@davidcrowson4745]

Always enjoy your videos and thanks for sharing

[@dennishamm5721]

Good review on each kayak.🙂

[@rpb1961]

I have the manta ray and like it. I had to downsize a bit. I use my Solo to find and mark spots on the lake. I'll take the Manta ray for some brushpile crappie fishing. It's like having spot lock. Good video, thanks

[@teop7887]

Hobie ftw 👍

[@amals51]

I’m a Big Rig FD owner and will say that the tracking issue is not particular to the cruise. I’m constantly on the rudder control as well. Also, I’ve had to replace both upper and lower drive unit due to that squeaking you’re hearing in the drive. The inserts in the crank arm where pedal meets arm stripped out completely! Now that the new drive is in use I feel like the same thing may be happening again... we shall see.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Andrew Malinowski thanks for the feedback.

[@MooMooOutdoors]

Manta Ray 12 Prop is my favorite from Native. However, it is no near efficient like Hobie Revos. I think if Native make a model that is slightly longer and skinnier than Manta Ray 12 prop (maybe Manta Ray 13), Native would be more appealing to salt water anglers like me.

[@Letsgofishin369]

Dude I saw one of THE biggest kayak names on team Jackson flex the brand new drive on the third use on the water I was very surprised seeing how much he fished. I’m in a Bonafide and think I’m gonna end up in a titan shortly

[@hollichristensen6419]

Came here for the dog. I wasn't disappointed.

[@Elon_Trump]

first time I ever saw a chinese fire drill on a kayak. nicely done.

[@paulanderson2225]

That hiccup bam was talking about is what I feel on my native propel drive that's why I'm bringing it into the shop

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Paul Anderson we’ll check it out. He was talking about the Jackson. Native should be smooth. Well open her up and have a look no problem.

[@jimwortham8634]

Great video would love to know how much better they are than a good paddle kayak?

[@julianalderson3938]

Results do. Just gota figure out what ya want. Hobie for me

[@TheBirdmaster45]

Hey guys ... Have you looked at the Hoodoo Tempest .. It's great and for $1200 .. Can't beat it

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

the knock on the Outback seems to be it's a wet boat, a lot of bow spray. for me that would be a deal breaker because i would use it in both fresh and salt water

[@pheonixdragon2261]

I'd like to what Bam would think of the PA12 with the 360 drive or the new Lynx.

[@thekingsson1757]

thanks for your honesty

[@ilyaschreiber8848]

So, and what happenned with the central supports of pedals on hobbie the last time? Is it something unusual? Thanks.

[@bert19761]

find yall some big big guys.. im 6'3 400lbs im looking but dont know. ive tried out a couple but just dont know. ive tried pa12 pa14. but i know there other options like that old town and jackson

[@unkledoobz9662]

Milo!!! ❤️

[@TallSomeone]

Sweet doggie!

[@FishnFlipsATL]

Once your drive broke..... It would've been awesome to see the other guys pull you with their yaks! xD Anywho. Good vid, nice mid float yak humanoid swaps. That was impressive.

[@williamarden5441]

For the price the Native is pretty badass

[@graceleah3216]

Over $2300 dollars for the one you had, it should be a $400 kayak. Great review, thank you.

[@terrybristol6132]

I bought a 2019 manta Ray and it turns better. They changed the plate under the rudder handle and it allows you to turn the rudder much more. It was my only complaint about my wife’s 2018 manta ray

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Terry Bristol you know What that’s a damn good point. I forgot about the update. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

[@kipheiny6672]

On the Outback you don't need to stop to shift, you so have to bring the pedals even before shifting.

[@rickwieland7920]

Do a demo with a big guy 6'4" range. 230-260lbs. Range. Please

[@wkdravenna]

Do hobies come with the puppers ?

[@anthonymoraitis7002]

Looks like the winner is Hobie outback ! It’s just a class above the rest ‘ Jackson have some issues’ and manta Ray is ok “

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Anthony Moraitis for $1000 less the Manta Ray is a great yak. It’s my favorite of the bunch, but for a hard core fisherman the layout on the Hobie is tough to beat. It’s a industry leader for sure.

[@deathmine474]

You showed what the Jackson did when you hit something under water. What does the native drive do when you hit something? And the hobie drive. The jackson is nice because it pops up but im wondering if the native does something similar too

[@SOLDIERx4xCHRIST]

Finally. Been waiting for this video for 2 days. Lol I wish you would have included the lure 13.5 with overdrive. I’m so torn between the lure and the outback.i will be going to Headwaters adventure company next month to do a comparison for my self. Your videos are the best.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Sweet dude! We look forward to having you.

[@cosmicninja6924]

As much as a like the idea of pedal kayaks, other than the Hobie they seem to make a lot of noise. Slipping silently through the water is a large part of the enjoyment i get from kayaking.

[@RajeshSharma-uk6yp]

Been waiting for this one

[@greengorillahunter2769]

Does the manta ray tear tank well take on much water with gear. If the last drag race it was nearly submerged back there

[@danielwagner6290]

How do those do in the waves when you get caught on a lake and a storm comes up suddenly and against the wind?

[@dkat1108]

The only thing holding me back is my knees I would have to rent one for about 5 hours (my average trolling time) then wait a day or two to see if my knees could take it. My shoulders are still ok but after 5 hours I cant do much more.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

D Kat try the hobie would be my suggestion. Seems to be the easiest on the knees. Plus you can shorted. And lengthen your stoke to mix it up if something starts hurting. The Revolution and Compass are not terrible to paddle to if your knees wore out.

[@dkat1108]

There not worn out but the last time i road a bike for about an hour my knees were sore the next day... Now i know the bike might not have been set up right but it still makes me wonder before I spend 2 grand on another kayak. I already have 5 LOL.

[@davidcrowson4745]

Nice job 👍

[@shellcracker18]

Do they even make the cruise fd anymore?

[@rubenakacoolerlid2314]

Thanks for the in depth review

[@ronsparks2391]

did Jackson stop making the cruise?,...didnt see it listed on their website.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

🤔 not sure.

[@mt8149]

Pedal drive longevity is something I had been wondering about. I'm curious how much quality they have and if I'd have to replace something expensive to keep using the kayak if it broke. Can anyone comment on a kayak they've used that seemed to have better than average quality?

[@lazarus822]

Enjoyed the video comparison, great content! Only criticism would be with the audio, gotta figure out a way to balance the sound levels...had to adjust my volume up/down multiple times throughout.

[@patrickpage1796]

Excellent video, sound out on the water could use some work. These are VERY helpful!! Thanks so much for doing these.

[@brentpurser1621]

If he’s not too attached to the awesome gadgetry the outback offers he may Find a lighter easier to handle out of the water compass growing on him given a chance...ad a square hatch and 180 drive with turbo fins👍🏻 Water doesn’t find its way into the front hatch on the compass😌

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Pro Tangler27 my thoughts exactly. I think that’s the next review we will do. I bet he likes it.

[@brentpurser1621]

Old town seems to have a pretty solid drive, I’m a year and a half in on a old town predator PDL I like it... seems to be in my opinion the quietest prop pedal drive that I know of anyway.. That said I came across a demo Compass and got it, I like it as well...easier to load unload drag around than my 117LB predator.

[@phillipjenkins6279]

you guys got any read on the new Pelican pedal drive as far as stability?

[@dougbeam5314]

I love Matt's big hat. What is it and where can I get one? Of course I love the vids you do, I am new to Kayaking.

[@annawulf4910]

Muy maniobrable y excelente precio

[@dustinlittrell89]

that was pretty awesome

[@julianalderson3938]

Had 2 pedal fish 10 native copys. Bro i could hear it an didnt sound good. Just felt like go if i went Hard. Good review thing hobie for me, not long range just want simething stable. Cos im scared. Not of the kayak but gettin eatin after. Big bull sharks round here. Great id cheers

[@amals51]

Same thing happened to my lower unit also which is why I now have the 2.0 as you call it. Seems they have not fixed the issue...??

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Andrew Malinowski yikes. When I mentioned it to Jackson they acted like it’s the first they had heard about it. Interesting to hear that you had the same issue.

[@amals51]

Headwaters Kayak I called and explained what happened, they had me go through the warranty process which I expected but was concerned about. I thought it would take weeks to get this taken care of but to my pleasant surprise I had a new Upper and lower in less than a week. Simple install and back on the water with the upgraded prop!! They did what they should have and I’m happy. Kudos to them. I watched your follow up video and I’m glad they stood by you. It’s also the right thing to do! Take care!!

[@amals51]

Headwaters Kayak Hey Dan, you’ll never believe it but my new drive broke! I’m so disappointed. I can’t believe it. They sent me out a new upper and lower unit after the first drive failed/broke and today, as I’m trying to escape a thunderstorm it breaks on me. Same way it did last time. I guess I gotta go through this whole process again. I hope Jackson stands behind this one. I’m really considering just selling the thing and getting into a Titan 12. I’ll keep you updated on the results if you’d like to find out what happens. Anyway, happy paddlin!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That bums me out so bad.

[@emtp1013]

Would be great to compare Oldtown Topwater PDL 120 or the 106. Great video by the way.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

emtp 101 I agree, but I don’t want to give them any more attention than they already have. Not a fan of how Oldtown does business. They just made a move to undercut all their dealers and sell direct to consumers at a discounted price. I’d have a hard time doing that review and not bashing them as a company. Haha

[@emtp1013]

@@HeadwatersKayak oh okay, well thanks for that info. Did not know that was going on with the company. Thanks again.

[@christianfortun4275]

How was the jackson compared to the other kayak models? I speak Spanish so I can't translate the whole video thanks

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I did not like the Jackson as much. It felt a little cheesy

[@christianfortun4275]

@@HeadwatersKayak what do you mean by cheesy?

[@smcewen7]

Yall forgot the Old Town Topwater pdl

[@OnRappel]

He still has that hat!

[@simonadventum]

What are your thoughts on the Pelican Catch 130HD with a copy of the Hobie drive?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Simon Adventum you get what you pay for. The drive is much cheaper. I’d spend a few bucks more and get a compass.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Literally just had this conversation with my husband tonight!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The Fishing Family well what did you decide?

[@TheFishingMommy]

Headwaters Kayak Right now in the region where we live, the expense of a top tier kayak isn’t justifiable...but when the time is right, I’m leaning strongly toward the Outback. If I were ready right now I’d demo the Outback and the PA 12. The biggest factor for me is that the Mirage style drive is far more comfortable on my bad knee than the cycling style.

[@medic29er]

What shades is bam wearing? I like those

[@HeadwatersKayak]

#stillfat Fishing haha I’ll ask. I think he borrowed his grandpas Blue Blockers. 🤣

[@bmw23i47]

why do u feel like u have more range with the Hobie?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Just less effort to propel it across the water.

[@udmbfckx2916]

Hobie is the Toyota/Lexus of quality, but you do pay for it......I mean, I don't know how many videos I've seen or articles read that the props on others are easily damaged by higher levels of torque. Plus Hobie dealers are easier to find and you are more likely to get better service/attention.....How about testing the low-end, non-fishing choices? The $1299 Hobie Mirage Passport vs the Riot Mako 10/12 would be a good one to watch....

[@NOturtle]

No offense but with the new FD drive I cruise at 4 mph. Rolling at 4.5. Trust me at that speed I’m keeping up with everyone

[@kambo209]

What about cheaper pedal drive kayak that popped up in the market.

[@TomyTekOutdoors]

I just did a demo of the Hobie Passport. It's a nice entry level pedal kayak and priced well for a Hobie. It would be a good a minimal fishing kayak. It's great for someone wanting to cruise around or a photographer. It's much lighter than my Outback. I'd like to get one to take to family beach trips or to carry in back country areas. It would be much easier to load, unload, and drag around. I have an on the water demo video on my channel if you'd like to check it out.

[@julianalderson3938]

Just wont ease. To cruise throw line in. But hobie only cos less energy. An turn bit better ive heard

[@831CROW]

Hey dan ive been listening to u for atleast a year in half n thought your genuine so i went to go buy 1 n didnt like the service u wernt there i think you was out at mexico yes it was busy that day i just came from monterey were i could of bought my kayak there but like u so i wanted 1 from u so at first they over charge me for it n. Should a video of u saying the price so they change it but i had already used my card so i just decided to use the credit for thing i would need including a better paddle like u said i sent 1800 with no kind of deal for spending that amount bad service n the next day i used it my rutter cable got disconnected n i still havent used it again only once i figure ill fix it my self but have no time lately n your shop is far for me but. I would still love to meet u n hope things can b better sence uyour videos always gave me the impression that u take care of your customers

[@fishing-fanatic3427]

Will never be sold on the Jackson flex drive the drive shaft is not a solid shaft. Creates a weak point in drive line. Would stay with hobie or native. Myself hobie all the way!!!

[@elikoksi1868]

Like for dog n the kayak

[@scottroder5516]

You are lucky you did not go into a flat spin when you flew through their jet wash, like Maverick and Goose did.

[@thereelaccountant9246]

I feel like taller guys would have more desk space because the seat is scooted back further. JMO

[@davidrf1000]

I would really like to see a review of the Bonafide EX123 if you have access to one. I tried one out but would like to see some other opinions before I buy one.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Just got off the phone with Luther from Bonafide. Ours are shipping out tomorrow. I’ll get on one soon.