First kayak...Outback or PA12???

I’m with Eddie, go stealth or go home 

Or an outback. Or a revo.

I’ve owned all 3, and have loved them all. Still have the stealth and outback. If I could only own one it would be a revo.

If I was looking at a PA I would skip the 12 and go 14. If you are going to go, you may as well go big!

As Eric said, do some test drives before you buy. See what you like and what you don’t.

The one thing you should be aware, especially coming from bass boat, is that kayaks are slow, very slow compared to any powered boats.  Plus, it's a pain when you have to go against current/wind.  So checking forecast and equipping yourself with all the safety equipment are a must.


With that said, I echo what everybody said. 



If you want something light, Revo 13 > Outback > PA.  The PA is very heavy.  If you launch from a boat ramp and perhaps have a trailer, this is the way to go.  If you want to car top, Outback is the way to go.


If you want something fast, Revo 13 > Outback > PA.  Revo 13 is the fastest by far.  You can get 3.0+ mph easily out of 2019+ Outback on a nice calm day with brisk sustainable pace.  The same can be done on a Revo 13 at a leisurely pace.  I think that's a very big difference.




If you want something stable, Outback > PA > Revo 13.  This one is a very close comparison and this one is subjective, some of the Revo folks will see it different way and I could easily agree with them.



If you want versatility, Outback = PA > Revo 13.  Both Outback and PA are easily configurable.  The Revo 13 requires DIY work for adjustments.  I think the question here is philosophical.  Do you go minimal so you go lighter or do you like the bring the whole barn, therefore heavier.  I would say be as minimal as you can, but I have a tendency to be on the middle.


Another thing to think about is what species do you go after and what body of water you will use this yak the most.  For salmon, I would say Revo 13 (16 is even better) > Outback > PA (unless you have a motor).  For salt, I would say Revo 13 or Outback.  Anything goes on the fresh water IMHO.


So, what does that mean?  If you want overall champion (speed, easy customizable, relatively light, stable with plenty of deck space), 2019+ Outback is the way to go, no doubt about that. 




How do you know which one is for you?  Go do a test drive.  Dont buy without it.  You also have the option of trying other brand as well, so keep that in mind.  You can get another brand, with motor, at the cost of a Hobie.  You have plenty to consider there as well, dont go to places where you cant go back if the motor fails.





Last comment, the one thing that you can't adjust is the hull speed.  Sooner or later, most of us will want to go faster.  If that's the case for you, I would say the order is Adventure/Tandem Island (with our without motor) > Revo 16/Stealth > Revo 13 / Outback with motor / PA with motor > Outback > PA


If you know this kayaking thing is for you, go skip to the one you can afford the most based on the above comment and you may save tons of $$$ by skipping the upgrades and trials.

Feel like that should be a sticky topic yakyakyak!

Feel like that should be a sticky topic yakyakyak!

Lol, I know, right? Maybe I will do a write up and post it on the Hobie section.

Outback for sure. The PA is a unresponsive log if you have to paddle because of a broken drive.

Love my 2018 outback. Great for Ocean but especially love it in the fresh water  trolling for trout.

Alex

Outback all the way.  Stay away from the heavy slower PA.  Not worth the hassle off ocean fishing.

Outback. Only because a million of us is not enough.

If the only choices are Outback and PA 12, I'd recommend Outback.