First Kayak; Thoughts, Suggestioms, Recommendations

The pod that adapts to use “third party (Hobie mirage drive) pedal systems” was originally an idea by Jim Baitman with his Santa Cruz Raptor kayaks. Seems like a great idea. And there are multiple pedal systems like the mirage drive on the market now...Vibe, Mako, Pelican, etc. I brought it up because it sounded like the OP was set on a flipper-style pedal drive. But I have not personally used any of those yet, so take it with a grain of salt...those other drives & yaks might not be as good quality as a true Hobie (which I can attest are made SOLID...except the old pre-2007 Outback hulls, those had a notorious crack issue at the scuppers = I’d avoid those).
Sorry for the threadjack, Solowazi

The patent for Mirrage Drive is expired so there's no patent infringement if someone use it.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=40775.0

I've seen a little about those new Vibe yaks, curious to see how people like em once they're out to the masses. They'll probably go through those new release issues that every company has with their first drive system but seems promising.
There's definitely a lot of yaks that take "inspiration" from the hobie mirage drive, but seems like none of them have gotten it completely right.

BUT here's my update. I just purchased the old town topwater pdl 120 from Kayak City. I decided i wanted the instant reverse and would just deal with some grass in the prop, and paddle when i need to. I was looking at a lot of the budget propelor yaks like the perception pescador pilot and the lightning kayaks strike but i just decided to bite the bullet, spend the extra $400, and feel more confident with my purchase.
I'm super excited