Please help me to decide between (revised) Used Hoblie Outback or Compass

Thank you all for some great feedbacks. Wish I can change the subject line because I now look away from the first two models.  After researching mentioned options, I now narrow down to: 2019 or newer used Outback- $3,000+, 2018 can be under $2400. I also serious consider new Compass from local REI. I will use it more often on lake water than ocean so Compass' lighter weight will encourage me (and wife) to go out more. I will stop by a couple of used Outback to examine condition of them but currently am leaning toward a new Hobie Compass.
Any Compass owner out there to share feedback?

... I now narrow down to: 2019 or newer used Outback ...

I don't know if it is the 2019 or the 2020 model of Outback that has the recessed transducer pocket on the bottom, if that is important to you. Someone here will know which year that feature starts.

Any Compass owner out there to share feedback?

I have a '20 Compass, haven't had others to compare.
PRO:
- Light, I can pick it up over my head and put it on the car with a bit of effort.
- Price*  (See below)
- Stable and quick.
- Bare bones layout (Customization)- put what makes sense for you and what you need.
CON:
- Side "handles" are garbage more like a dugout finger grip on a rock wall.
- Bare bones layout (cost wise)  Be prepared to pay for mesh pockets, drill a hole for your FF through hull kit, Turbo-fins, and whatever else you want to add. Hobie stuff is expensive.
- MUST BUY Compass Loader to car top the kayak.  'else your rudder will be destroyed.

I think many folks that got a Compass ended up adding gear. If you go the way of the Compass, just price out what you would want to see where you'd end up. No point in buying a Compass to spend more $ to make it an Outback.  If you want a lighter kayak that has just what you need then get a Compass.  I really like mine, it works just how I need it to.

Thank you all for some great feedbacks. Wish I can change the subject line because I now look away from the first two models.  After researching mentioned options, I now narrow down to: 2019 or newer used Outback- $3,000+, 2018 can be under $2400. I also serious consider new Compass from local REI. I will use it more often on lake water than ocean so Compass' lighter weight will encourage me (and wife) to go out more. I will stop by a couple of used Outback to examine condition of them but currently am leaning toward a new Hobie Compass.
Any Compass owner out there to share feedback?

Also have a compass in the fleet  Great, stable, slightly lighter than the outback without all the frills. All of the tracks and H-Rails have on the OB have always seemed excessive to me for most users, and add to the cost. The compass seat is not adjustable and sits right about at the height of the deck. If you are in turbulent ocean water it's just something to think about but it is still very stable. You'll need to add side map pockets, as they do not come standard. You have the option to add a rectangular hatch in the cockpit, and move your circular hatch to the bow. That's what we did and it allows for more storage. The deep rectangular bucket needs to be modified to fit though which is a annoying. Overall, great kayak with lots of space and still streamlined enough to be (from what I've heard) just slightly faster than the outback.

Thank you all for some great feedbacks. Wish I can change the subject line because I now look away from the first two models.

Go to your the first page, and click Modify for your initial post, and you can edit the title.

- Side "handles" are garbage more like a dugout finger grip on a rock wall.
- Bare bones layout (cost wise)  Be prepared to pay for mesh pockets, drill a hole for your FF through hull kit, Turbo-fins, and whatever else you want to add. Hobie stuff is expensive.
- MUST BUY Compass Loader to car top the kayak.  'else your rudder will be destroyed.

Nick,
Do you feel the side handles affect ability for cartop loading? more importantly, flip the kayak in rescue position?
I actually enjoy accessories customization so bare-bone doesn't bother me.
That Loader is super annoying, another single-use junk taking up space...
Lighter weight is very attractive aspect, return trip loading with exhausted body is the worst part of my kayaking.

Appreciate your comments!

The dugout handle sucks but I feel solid lifting it after I figured out how to do it. Doing a few sets of military press/incline press help will help level up and be more stable/confident.
    When I've needed to flip the yak in the water I've done the "reach over the boat/ pull the far side flip" as opposed to a "lift the near side flip". In the method I used, the handle played little to no part.  It helps I'm 6'3" to reach the edge but I cant reach the dugout.  You could always install a handle if that's how you want it or feel safer with it there.
  Yeah an extra piece of plastic sucks but it is relatively cheap in Hobie terms at $40.  100% recommend the loader, I put it on whenever moving the kayak.  rudder scratches hurt.
   Seems everyone has their own way to load their kayak and it's more based on the vehicle than anything else.  All are easier to lift and flip with a buddy.
   Will they let you take a test ride at CCK in Oakland or Redwood City? they could also help you price out where you'll end up with accessories.

Ok gentlemen, after visiting some used and new kayaks in person, I made a final decision based on observation/research of models below:

1. Hobie Passport- well balanced spec in this price point. I just found its hull design is flat in the mid portion so I assumed it's better suit for calmer water's stability? Since my purchase goal is to get one that is more Saltwater oriented so it's out.
2. Oldtown Salty- attractive streamlined hull design and good price. Deal breaker is not because there is no flat area to add hull access, but the only hatch is right UNDER the seat! If they re-design the hatch location I will probably buy this one.
3. Outback- I visited a local used 2018 model, I was very impressed of its build quality and design, I can see why people has no hesitation of buying a used one. It is a tank! Unfortunately a TANK in term of the function and its weight... I only weight 155lb and don't see myself dragging this beast to cartop all the times.
4. Finally, after seeing Outback's build quality, I put in order for a new Hobie Compass (can't find used one) which is 20lb lighter than Outback. For using it 50/50 fresh/saltwater, I hope the reduced weight will encourage me and wife to go out more.

It was an interesting process to look into design and features of different kayaks, I do believe I will have fun with any of the above models, hope the Compass is just the beginning of my more serious kayaking.

Thanks again for everyone's insight and suggestions. Have a good weekend
Chris

Having had a few hobies in the family including a 2015 revo 13, 2017 outback, 2019 outback, and 2020 outback (shoot looking at the pattern I may be due for a new kayak  ) ...

I "only" have an AI and an Adventure/Revo 16 which I'm slowly but surely converting into AI #2. My wife thinks I have a problem. To convince her that it could be worse, I'm going to show her your post...

Having had a few hobies in the family including a 2015 revo 13, 2017 outback, 2019 outback, and 2020 outback (shoot looking at the pattern I may be due for a new kayak  ) ...

I "only" have an AI and an Adventure/Revo 16 which I'm slowly but surely converting into AI #2. My wife thinks I have a problem. To convince her that it could be worse, I'm going to show her your post...

If you find one of my old post, you could look like a responsible hero!

The replies you got are full of real experience and some of the models suggested are indeed hard to beat. I have used for many years the classic tarpon 140 from Wilderness Systems both on saltwater and freshwater and it has behave really well even in choppy conditions but they are 65 pounds and you may consider smaller or less heavy options or the assisted racks as someone else mentioned

Outbacks are great until you want speed, but you have to give up the space and comfort to do so.  Then you tend to upgrade, or buy a second yak.  The T140 is a rock solid design, and is one of my favorites.

I love my 2020 compass, but admittedly am keeping it spotless and not rigging it up due to 1. it being the lady's designated kayak and 2. practice for clean deck fly casting practice. It handles honestly better than my 2014 Revo 13. The weight makes it easier to carry as opposed to having to roll it everywhere. I find I can routinely outpace even my revo and especially my outback. I originally planned to get a passport but Headwaters upsold me on the compass. For a clean deck, I noticed I had less line getting tangled and caught up while stripping fly line than my outback or revo (also clean deck at the time).

Just decked out a beat up used early 2010's outback I got on CL for like $800. slapped fishfinder and rails on it which was a piece of work to do. The older style rudder really gets on my nerves, and the odd placement makes it so i can't as comfortably use a large style rudder. So the handling has been getting on my nerves. The older outback doesn't seem to handle chop as well as my new compass. But that may be a hull design kink they worked out with the newer models.

For what it's worth, my aqua-phobic doggo HATES the outback and revo. The only kayak i can get him to (somewhat) willingly get on is my compass.

Edit: I did have to wait about 4 months for my compass due to supply chain issues, and another month and a half for the seat (I had no solid delivery date and wanted another yak really quick, so pulled the trigger on a cheap old outback). Not unhappy with the way things turned out.