NorCal Kayak Anglers
Kayak Zone => Kayaks => Hobie Kayaks => Topic started by: bmb on August 28, 2017, 10:21:43 AM
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Way to go Hobie on introducing a new entry level kayak. These lower price points for pedal drives are definitely the way to introduce more people to pedal kayaking and fishing. Seems like a decent kayak for the price point with the right specs. Definitely bare bones but that gives people the opportunity to customize. Not everyone needs a big front hatch. Doesn't come stock with the 180 but that's not necessary for everyone.
https://www.hobie.com/kayaks/mirage-compass/
SPECIFICATIONS *
Crew: 1
Length: 12’ / 3.66 m
Width: 34” / 0.75 m
Capacity: 400 lbs / 181 kg
Fitted Hull Weight: 68 lbs / 31 kg *
Fully Rigged Weight: 87 lbs / 39 kg *
Hull Construction: Rotomolded Polyethylene
Click on pic to embiggen
(https://cdn.hobiecat.com/digital_asset_profiles/Compass_studio_lime_topview3_3022_full_png_5000x5000_rotate90_generated.png)
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I was hoping to see a Revo that was slightly wider 30-32", with more storage.
Cool option though, but I think I'll get the Outback. I've realized as fast and light as my Revo is, I want an outback. Mainly for storage and standing, and due to the fact that I don't go offshore nearly as much as I wish I did.
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I was hoping to see a Revo that was slightly wider 30-32", with more storage.
Cool option though, but I think I'll get the Outback. I've realized as fast and light as my Revo is, I want an outback. Mainly for storage and standing, and due to the fact that I don't go offshore nearly as much as I wish I did.
I think we're at the beginning of a trend back towards more manageable entry level style kayaks without the huge weight and price increase, and that's a huge plus to me. I would have liked them to use some nice side handles for cartopping. I don't like the molded in ones. Lots of manufacturers are getting away from them these days but I find kayaks to be very difficult to lift/shoulder carry without side handles.
I think we'll start to see more kayaks like this and hopefully prices coming back down. The Perception Pilot is on sale almost everywhere for under $1600 right now. I can imagine models from Jackson and OT/OK coming in around the 1700 price point once they're done building out their high ends.
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I like the design except for pictured with pedals but no rudder
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I like the design except for pictured with pedals but no rudder
According to their specs, they have a drop down/skeg style rudder. I didn't see how it deploys in the video, but this picture shows it sort of. I don't know how well it will perform for "maneuverability".
Easy Steering System
When you want to paddle or need to transport your Compass on shore, the spring-loaded rudder folds flush. Automatically kicks up if you hit something. Easy grip rudder handle provides fingertip steering.
(https://cdn.hobiecat.com/digital_asset_profiles/Compass_action_rec_overunder_underwater_fins_female_seagrass_Catalina_jpg_1600x1600__generated.jpg)
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Doesn't seem to come with side handles.
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I think we're at the beginning of a trend back towards more manageable entry level style kayaks without the huge weight and price increase, ...
What do you consider a "huge weight"? At 87 pounds, I think this one should come with a hernia belt.
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I think we're at the beginning of a trend back towards more manageable entry level style kayaks without the huge weight and price increase, ...
What do you consider a "huge weight"? At 87 pounds, I think this one should come with a hernia belt.
anything above 75lbs non rigged weight is too heavy-for me, to cartop. this one at 68lbs is fine. I don't count fully rigged weight in kayaks as I remove seats and drives before cartopping. 85-100lbs on cart is OK.
I doubt I'll buy a compass as I'm happy with the kayaks I have, especially my MR12 which I think is a better overall fishing kayak than this one, but love that these choices are becoming available.
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$2k?
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Doesn't seem to come with side handles.
No, but it does appear to have the "inside" molded handles like the Perception pilot does.
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I like the design except for pictured with pedals but no rudder
The rudder issue peaked my interest. I called Headwaters in Redding. It has a rudder similar to the Pro Angler underneath with a handle on the left side.
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$2k?
That's a bargain for a new Hobie. I've heard that the Hobie sticker itself, with no kayak attached, goes for more than $1k...
But seriously, you can buy a new Outback or Revo 13 (or even a good quality used AI) for $2500, so I'm not sure this is such a good deal.
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Very interesting. Weighs 13lbs less than an Outback with very close to the same dimensions. Says there's plenty of flat space to stand in the cockpit. Looking forward to getting a better look at the rudder system and the bottom of the hull.
Doing away with the rear 8" hatch was definitely worth the weight savings. I never use my rear hatch for anything so it's absence is no loss. For that matter if I could eliminate 10lbs the loss of the forward hatch would be worth it also. I think this might be a winner. Now the colors......not so much.
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I think we're at the beginning of a trend back towards more manageable entry level style kayaks without the huge weight and price increase, ...
What do you consider a "huge weight"? At 87 pounds, I think this one should come with a hernia belt.
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But seriously, you can buy a new Outback or Revo 13 (or even a good quality used AI) for $2500, so I'm not sure this is such a good deal.
Meh, if I was a beginner I'd not want to spend the $500 (+tax) more for features I don't need. The primary difference between this hull and the Revo is that it's wider, and ostensibly more stable due to its design. If you ever want to fish standing up, you'd not do it in a Revo. Other than that, the Revo has a large front hatch that you need to open to access, a 8" rear hatch, two gear pockets, and a MD180. None of those things are necessary for people. Trade off is it has a smaller rear tankwell for crates.
The Outback is an additional 15lbs in weight, and only adds some flat mounting spots in addition to the stuff mentioned for the Revo.
What I'm saying is we should be supporting manufacturers for trimming down the required hatches and options that cost money, and letting people make their own decisions of what they want to pay for. $500 is over a 25% increase in price from the Compass, and used Hobie prices aren't holding their value as much as they used to due to the number of them out there.
Hopefully we see more and more of these options from all the kayak manufacturers which should lead in overall downward pressure in pricing. I've been a little negative about the things Hobie has been doing recently due to the large cost increases over the past five years, and they're finally making steps in the right direction. More kayak fishermen = better. Cheaper prices means more money to spend on the true necessities like safety gear. Now if they could only do something about the ridiculous markups on their accessories (especially the rebranded stuff) then we'd be talking.
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Truthfully,
After purchasing the Revo 13 and dealing with Hobie (lack of) Customer Service, I don't think I would ever purchase another product from them again.
Don't get me wrong,the dealer has been awsome, one of the best.
But not so much with Hobie Direct.
:0(
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The Vantage seat in the Compass has been simplified as well. No height adjustment on this one although you can still adjust the back angle and the lumbar support. It's also removable to be used as a beach chair.
The Hobie square hatch will work on this model in front of the seat for those that need a little extra storage.
And it has been confirmed that the MD180 will fit this hull it just doesn't come with one in order to save a little money.
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Truthfully,
After purchasing the Revo 13 and dealing with Hobie (lack of) Customer Service, I don't think I would ever purchase another product from them again.
Don't get me wrong,the dealer has been awsome, one of the best.
But not so much with Hobie Direct.
:0(
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T337A using Tapatalk
OK, with post on two threads today, we get it! You are not fond of Hobie kayaks.
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To be clear ...
I like Hobie Kayaks,
Just not Hobie (lack of) Customer Support.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
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I very much like my Revo-16. I would like to have an Outback or Revo-13 too.
Frankly, what I'd really like to see from Hobie is something for ocean use that is more maneuverable than my Revo-16 and better in the surf, but still reasonably fast (i.e., seaworthy in chop, waves, and wind), wide enough to stand up, with a more user-friendly cockpit, AND (here's the kicker) made in fiberglass. Behold: the New Hobie Fish Tamer-15.
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To be clear ...
I like Hobie Kayaks,
Just not Hobie (lack of) Customer Support.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Your comments remind me of Elkhornsun.
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I'm 6'4" as well and my legs stretched out very well. It's doesn't look like it in the Hobie photos but us tall guys will not have a problem. The seat is very comfortable. You can drop the seat to it lower position. The only adjustment on the seat are the side straps that will adjust the back rest.
I took it out Sunday and Monday tested climbing in and out of the Compass with my wet suit. Very smooth getting in with out anything snagging onto my wetsuit. One thing I love the most about the Compas is the dry hull weight of 68lbs it is very light and easy to press over my head. The rotomolded handles/finger slots are pretty crappy and useless.
If this was my Compass the only modifications I would make is to upgrade the drive to ST Turbo fins. I tried it with the regular drive it comes with and felt that it was really slow. Brought my Turbo Fin drive the next day and the compass was a lot faster. I'd also get rid of the 3D printed looking track system and replacing them with custom fabricated stainless steel or aluminum tracks. I installed a Scotty fast track adaptor and Scotty rod holder to use while trolling for Salmon and I noticed lots of flex on the plastic Track. Plus don't trust the Scotty fast track adaptor they have been known to break at the Crappy T-Bolt so just held the rod my hands. I would also add aftermarket handles to assist with lifting and loading the Compass.
I like the Compass and would like to get one for diving.
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On BWE, a guy installed a square hatch in the center and moved the round hatch to the front. More storage options.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=31946
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I very much like my Revo-16. I would like to have an Outback or Revo-13 too.
Frankly, what I'd really like to see from Hobie is something for ocean use that is more maneuverable than my Revo-16 and better in the surf, but still reasonably fast (i.e., seaworthy in chop, waves, and wind), wide enough to stand up, with a more user-friendly cockpit, AND (here's the kicker) made in fiberglass. Behold: the New Hobie Fish Tamer-15.
This! Well, except in carbon fiber instead of fiberglass. If you're going to dream you might as well go all out...