Mirage Drive ??

[Sdspeed]

Are all the Mirage drive systems the same?

[jorluivil]

Are all the Mirage drive systems the same?

yes and no.

I believe there are slight modifications to the unit but overall they are pretty much the same. I could be wrong but I think some of the older units do not fit some of the newer yaks.....

[Sdspeed]

I'm still on the fence, peddle vs paddle. Have concerns about shoulders and neck which were all successfully repaired 12 years ago, but I'm old! I do know I can't afford a PA but would consider a cheaper used Hobie Mirage Drive Kayak.
Any suggestions?

[bus kid]

Version 1 and version 2, there are subtle difference's

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=21920

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=21919

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=12579

[dc1983]

There are ALOT of pretty good deals on pro angler 14 up for sale right now. I love my pa 12 and would highly recommend it to anyone.

[Iceman]

components for the V1 are slightly higher priced, like the chain is different length and cost about $13 more than the V2 chain. Any Mirage drive will work in any Hobie Mirage series.

[Biggameaddict]

If were you i would get a mirage drive. If you have shoulder problems then paddling is gonna be hard. Theres alot of great deals on the classifieds right now you should really jump on one. You wont regret getting a hobie for sure.

[TJones]

one slight change in 2012 . a pin to align the drive was added . they are still interchangeable . the alignment pin would have to be removed to slide newer drive on older models. probably better off without anyway. and as far as v1 compared to v2 ? would not know , but i would say the v1 is outdated . and like mentioned above parts are more expensive.

[jbaker]

The alignment pin on V2 drives come out easily. That's the only thing keeping a V2 from fitting in a V1 kayak. The V2 drives have elongated drums. It's produces a bit more torque and most importantly moves the stress point away from the cable connection. I have seen a few V1 drives snap cables right at the connector. However if you but an older kayak with a V1 drive you can upgrade the drums and cables to V2. Cost is around $160 for both drums, two chains and and idler cable. I did this on a friends drive after he snapped his 3rd chain and its been great ever since.

[Drake]

Any Mirage drive will work in any Hobie Mirage series.

Thankfully, Hobie has rejected Apples methods of product development :p

The alignment pin on V2 drives come out easily. That's the only thing keeping a V2 from fitting in a V1 kayak. The V2 drives have elongated drums. It's produces a bit more torque and most importantly moves the stress point away from the cable connection. I have seen a few V1 drives snap cables right at the connector. However if you but an older kayak with a V1 drive you can upgrade the drums and cables to V2. Cost is around $160 for both drums, two chains and and idler cable. I did this on a friends drive after he snapped his 3rd chain and its been great ever since.

Technically, the pin was introduced in 2012, but previous models had V2 drives as well (at least my 2010 did). The 2012+ drives can kind of be considered V2.5