NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Zone => Kayaks => Hobie Kayaks => Topic started by: Crotalus on January 08, 2018, 06:20:22 PM

Title: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: Crotalus on January 08, 2018, 06:20:22 PM
after researching more on the Compass it looks like it would make a good all around fishing platform. Im thinking the compass with turbo/180 drive might be my first kayak.

Anybody put one through the passes yet? thoughts? Pros/cons

thanks
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: NowhereMan on January 08, 2018, 09:29:08 PM
I’m sure you’ve seen this review

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GLe6RtHPKBM

Have not tried one myself, but it looks good. I like the cargo area up front (in place of a hatch), but I’m skeptical of that rudder system.  And it looks like you’re going to have to pay about $200 more to upgrade to the 180 drive...
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: Crotalus on January 09, 2018, 12:41:32 PM
yeah, I think ive watched all compass related videos on youtube.  Seems to have a more versatile body design than the Outback. I also like that it has minimal crap on it. I just wish it was a foot or two longer.
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: crash on January 09, 2018, 12:51:50 PM
I was fishing at jurassic park in pdx last month and someone had one.  Looked stable and the sturgeon sleigh ride looked fun.  It's liek a cross between the revo 11 and the PA.  After fishing JP I came to appreciate the usefulness of a 180 drive.  It would have been really really nice to have fishing for dinos in close quarters.

Price point looks right too.  I still think I'd get a Santa Cruz raptor G2 over a compass, prices being comparable when factoring in the drive.  But it looks like a nice boat.
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: NowhereMan on January 09, 2018, 01:50:36 PM
... I just wish it was a foot or two longer.

Yes, that could be an issue if you want to cover some distance. Btw, I used to own a SC Raptor G2 and it’s definitely worth considering. But, I’d bet the Compass is faster.
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: beenfishin on January 10, 2018, 11:25:38 AM
Shoot a message to jbaker, he picked one up and has had it out several times.
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: NowhereMan on January 10, 2018, 11:29:24 AM
I think most will end up paying the same if not more to equip it to the level of some of the other offerings.

That's the key point, IMHO. It could easily end up costing the same as an Outback...
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: agoodhi on January 10, 2018, 01:50:01 PM
I think most will end up paying the same if not more to equip it to the level of some of the other offerings.

That's the key point, IMHO. It could easily end up costing the same as an Outback...

i have an OB, but what i like about the compass are (1) weight and (2) revo front profile, but i would have to demo on the water (to experience new seat) and to see how difficult it is to move/load sans traditional handles.
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: SmokeOnTheWater on January 10, 2018, 02:48:06 PM
I was debating on this yak for a while, but the seat is different which means I can't switch up with one of my other hobie seats if I lost/broke it.  Looks good though, really like the mixture of revo and PA design and the light weight. 
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: FishingAddict on January 10, 2018, 02:58:30 PM
I've demo'd a compass and its not for me.  I didn't like the seat which didn't have the adjustment settings compared to a Vantage seat.  Also it doesn't come with reverse and rubber side handles for moving it around. 
Ended up staying with a 2018 Revo 13 which has been my favorite model since I got my first one back in 2009.

You don't buy a new kayak every year so spend the $$$ that comes with the comfort and features you need.
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: Crotalus on January 10, 2018, 05:24:46 PM
id plan on getting it with the 180 drive and adding the rectangle hatch. All other mods I could build myself, Im new to kayaks but cutting, drilling, tapping, screwing, precision work is what I do. Im pretty inventive and handy. I guess I mostly like that it has a revo nose for cutting water rather than slapping it. Otherwise Id probably just get an outback. I just would like an opinion of how much improvement the revo nose adds to an outback body. I'll eventually have to demo them, but until then all I can to is research.
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: FishingAddict on January 10, 2018, 06:56:03 PM
I forgot to mention the Compass comes with a smaller rudder and is less manuverable compared to other models that can take an upgraded large sailing rudder.
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: TexasBoy on January 10, 2018, 06:58:20 PM
I forgot to mention the Compass comes with a smaller rudder and is less manuverable compared to other models that can take an upgraded large sailing rudder.

Rudder can't be upgraded at all??? just made my decision!
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: Duckguy on January 16, 2018, 01:02:16 PM
In regards to registration, just go to Clearlake and put up the sail. Take the resulting citation to DMV for registration and sign-off.
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: bmb on January 24, 2018, 10:00:47 PM
I forgot to mention the Compass comes with a smaller rudder and is less manuverable compared to other models that can take an upgraded large sailing rudder.

Rudder can't be upgraded at all??? just made my decision!
I'm sure a solution will be worked out eventually for a larger rudder.  I would bet berleypro would get a better rudder if it becomes a popular boat.  After all he did it with the Native models.  Although then it becomes almost as expensive as an outback.
Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: Crotalus on January 27, 2018, 09:35:14 AM
id plan on getting it with the 180 drive and adding the rectangle hatch. All other mods I could build myself, Im new to kayaks but cutting, drilling, tapping, screwing, precision work is what I do. Im pretty inventive and handy. I guess I mostly like that it has a revo nose for cutting water rather than slapping it. Otherwise Id probably just get an outback. I just would like an opinion of how much improvement the revo nose adds to an outback body. I'll eventually have to demo them, but until then all I can to is research.

Any reason your not considering other manufactures?

I would definately lean towards other manufactures, but I'm pretty positive I want the mirage drive over the other pedal options out there.


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Title: Re: anybody fishing a Compass yet?
Post by: Schills206 on February 06, 2018, 02:04:10 PM
I'm considering purchasing a compass as a second kayak for family/friends.  I'm curious if anyone has tested it in the ocean yet?  I noticed the seat sits up higher on the deck and you're much further out of the water than the Outback.  Seems a bit tippy to me.  However, it is wider and that would help stability.  I like the >$2k price tag but paying the extra $600 is probably in my better interest consider what you give up over the Outback.