Sportsman 120 PDL.... Hobie mirage outback

So, I finally figured out what I wanted to buy.  The sportsman 120 PDL has size, stability, and the price seems right but I can't seem to find one anywhere, websites showing backorders untill October.  I really want to pull the trigger in the next few weeks.  I'm leaning on taking the plunge and spending the extra money and getting the Hobie mirage outback now since it seems I might have a better chance of getting one of those?  Any suggestions?  I plan on taking this kayak in the bay and maybe a little offshore Monterey, santa Cruz, half moon bay areas.  Pretty much the Cali coast.

Thanks!

I'm a Hobie fanatic, and I don't think you'll regret getting one. But, are you sure you can get delivery of a Hobie now? I've ordered a couple of parts from them recently, and they are on backorder, with no shipping date yet.

Btw, I was in West Marine yesterday, and somebody was trying to buy a pedal kayak there. Same deal--long, long wait time for delivery...

I don't think you would regret getting a Hobie and you'll forget the extra cost in a short time. I have a kayak with a propeller drive and the mirage drive is better for me because it is lighter, faster and rarely gets stuck on weeds, lines etc. and when it does all you need to do is pick it up to clear it.

I don’t think you can go wrong with either one. I cannot speak on either drive system as I have not owned either. I can tell you Old Towns customer service is second to none. Lifetime Hull warranty and 5 year drive warranty is hard to beat. I don’t think you will find either one new for a few more months as all kayaks in the US seem to be sold out. Good luck

Gonna try to make a trip to santa cruz and check out kayak connection.  Their website shows they have Outbacks for sale and test drive i believe.  If not I'll just have to keep getting on charter boats till they become available