Hobie Compass vs Passport 12 ?

I'm asking for my brother, who mostly fishes for bass on modest-sized midwestern lakes. He's a cheapskate and so the real question is whether the Compass is worth $500 more than the Passport 12.

Whaddayathink?

Nobody out there in NCKA-land owns either of these models, or just has an opinion? 

I don’t have any experience with either of those two kayaks, but of course I have an opinion.

The fact that he is considering both tells me that both are reasonably within his “cheapskate” budget and he has at least some interest in the nicer features or layout of the more expensive kayak. Out of all the times I’ve found myself in similar situation (both in the world of kayak fishing and life in general), I honestly can’t think of a time when I regretted spending that little bit of extra $ for a better product. On the other hand, I can think of countless instances where I regretted going the cheap route...


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I suggest checking the Vibe Shearwater with pedals.  Cheap means buyers remorse in the long run because its about the right kayak.

I have a 2018 Compass, I love the kayak. I fish both fresh and saltwater with no issues. Great storage, size works well for me.

Great mounting options, comfortable seat.

A member on here KillBipp has a Compass and I think he likes it a lot.  when we went to Pelican Point last year he put it up on his shoulder and walked it down the stairs, seems to float really good too.

I don't have any first hand experience with either, but I did go with a buddy, that was looking at the passport, to our local Hobie dealer.  From what I recall, his sales pitch included a difference between the two in a couple areas;  how the hull is manufactured, smoothness of the mirage drive (you can tell the difference), and weight difference.  All of this and more is available on the Hobie website so that your brother can look side by side the differences.  Oh, my buddy bought the Compass and seems to be very happy with it.

Hello, 
I do have a Compass and it seems to work for all of the applications I have used it for.  Many trout fishing trips on lakes and a few Saltwater trips.  Of coarse this is my 1st kayak and I am learning the ropes each time I go out and honestly I wish I went with the Outback because of more features.  I have no input for the Passport.  IMO spend a little more and get a better product.

Thanks for all of the advice. I think we convinced him to go for the gusto!

I'm asking for my brother, who mostly fishes for bass on modest-sized midwestern lakes. He's a cheapskate and so the real question is whether the Compass is worth $500 more than the Passport 12.

Whaddayathink?

I looked at both.  I got the compass.  Big reason was passport had a seam that could separate.  Second big reason was you hand to physically fold the rudder up when you get in shallow water. I'm to old for that.
I've used my compass every week since I got it. I love it.

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Compass for usability and passport for money savings.


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I'm asking for my brother, who mostly fishes for bass on modest-sized midwestern lakes. He's a cheapskate and so the real question is whether the Compass is worth $500 more than the Passport 12.

Whaddayathink?

I looked at both.  I got the compass.  Big reason was passport had a seam that could separate.  Second big reason was you hand to physically fold the rudder up when you get in shallow water. I'm to old for that.
I've used my compass every week since I got it. I love it.

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All great points in favor of the compass.  I was making the same decision and decided on the Passport 12 instead of the Compass, so I figured I would offer my reasonings to offer the other perspective.

The Passport seems to have more options for DIY improvements:  all 3 hatches, more flat areas for DIY cargo solutions, etc.  The rudder situation is a bummer, but I figure I'll rig up a line to stow the rudder when I inevitably upgrade the rudder.

In the end, they're both great choices from what I can tell, so I doubt you'd be unhappy regardless of your selection.

I fish a passport 12, because I also wanted a pedal kayak on a budget. Honestly you get what you pay for. The passport is still super stable, and has some really decent features.
Most of the extras you have to install yourself. Hatches pockets, etc. but it still has the internal transducer mount which I was both surprised by and stoked about.

My chief complaint is how flimsy parts of it feel. It’s not rotomolded polyethylene like the higher end boats. I mean it’s no Pelican but the plastic definitely feels thin. when I rooftop mine and crank some straps on it I can see the plastic warping a bit due to the tension.

It’s only 73 pounds which makes it a lot easier to wrestle around though. And I like that.

I think if I did it again I’d spend a little extra for something that feels like it could take a beating a little better. But I wouldn’t have been able to spend the extra money at the time I found mine. So I’m stoked to be in the water in something reliable and effective for what I do!

Thanks for all of the additional info/reviews.

I have a Compass. I use it every week. Stable. Even I can stand up in it.  I have one bad knee from a motorcycle accident, so the seat is very low for me to stand up smoothly.  But I manage and imagine I’ll get better and better.

My complaint?  I wish it had more lash points.  I run very few accessories so if I wanted to tie up to a dock, it takes some thought.  It has four handles and the grab handle on the rear sucks. The boat tips/leans (side to side)if you pick it up in the rear with that single handle.  Mine goes to the starboard side so I have to cup it from underneath with my right hand.  That solid bar type handle on the Outback makes me envious.

In general it’s great. Easy to slip back into if I should fall out.  Ironically, the lack of handles facilitates easy re-entry.  I think it’s fast, but I’ve never raced anyone. It’s light, so flipping it over is cake. Plenty of room in the boat.  Oh it’s easy to flip back over (In the water)if I turtle. I think that’s because it is so light.

It’s been such fun.  One day I might upgrade, but it’s unlikely. This thing suits my needs fine.   I’m a total rookie, so my review is based on very little experience.