Mirage Drive 180

[ful-rac]

So I was lucky enough to get my hands on a new Mirage Drive 180 recently. $$$ Not cheap, but an amazing advantage that I'm willing to bet on. My initial impression of the drive is...that it's kinda goofy looking. The fins are shaped differently and not swept back like the regular drive, the fins are perfectly straight so they can pivot forward and backward. All this leading me to think that there might be some change in the thrust or overall feel while peddling...But after having used them, they are very similar if no different than the GT drive, also smooth and slick like the GT.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/EF1114FE-724D-4D81-B9BB-19E6500813BB_zpsg6ntbykw.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/EF1114FE-724D-4D81-B9BB-19E6500813BB_zpsg6ntbykw.jpg.html)

The new Drive feels much heavier than the regular GT drive. So I decided to weigh them to find out how much heavier.

Mirage Drive 180
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/96289DCE-2C63-48D6-89A3-1C0016F4D310_zpsrfgiz1pl.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/96289DCE-2C63-48D6-89A3-1C0016F4D310_zpsrfgiz1pl.jpg.html)

GT Drive
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/B6A7E28E-E491-4C0B-9011-21D0B531FDDB_zpseyktnwo3.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/B6A7E28E-E491-4C0B-9011-21D0B531FDDB_zpseyktnwo3.jpg.html)

So the 180 is approximately 6 oz heavier than the standard GT drive...it sure feels like it's more but it's not.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/05C3B01D-E4DC-425B-937A-DF4F0CCD4521_zpskt0nmqwy.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/05C3B01D-E4DC-425B-937A-DF4F0CCD4521_zpskt0nmqwy.jpg.html)
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/C7A36FFA-A1CC-4AE2-9F69-F70A111A5250_zpsbnegaszg.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/C7A36FFA-A1CC-4AE2-9F69-F70A111A5250_zpsbnegaszg.jpg.html)

The Shifting mechanism:

Now if there's one thing that feels like it could break on this new drive it's going to be the shift levers. I found that when you pedal, sometimes your foot hits it. I guess time will tell how sturdy the plastic parts are. So far they seem to work just fine...but then again I've only used them for a day.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/590921A9-0F3F-4D89-9C7E-11466A78D2F5_zpsmztvamvi.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/590921A9-0F3F-4D89-9C7E-11466A78D2F5_zpsmztvamvi.jpg.html)

As far as shifting from forward to reverse with the new drive, you have to give it a good solid pull in order for it to engage. It doesn't seem possible for the drive to accidentally go into reverse while your peddling. I found that switching from forward to reverse is very difficult while moving faster than 2 knots, probably because the fins have to go sideways for a second, and you have to overcome the resistance of the water against the fins.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/130E8733-19C2-4240-B7B7-2B5287A13A32_zpsbdky5udb.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/130E8733-19C2-4240-B7B7-2B5287A13A32_zpsbdky5udb.jpg.html)

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/8A92BC68-BC57-4BC8-B4C1-541FFC7F0741_zpssx9epnyn.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/8A92BC68-BC57-4BC8-B4C1-541FFC7F0741_zpssx9epnyn.jpg.html)

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/C40C83B5-874E-44AB-A131-4E006C773398_zpswrgbz64s.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/C40C83B5-874E-44AB-A131-4E006C773398_zpswrgbz64s.jpg.html)


Fishing with the new Drive.

So while looking for a halibut this weekend I snagged some rope and pulled up a still usable ambush hoop net...I got some cleaning to do...:eek: ! Oh and by the way I did catch a halibut as well if you didn't notice. ;)

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/B1C10D2E-CFA9-445E-AAB5-C0E830A5B6F4_zpsn3fijrzn.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/B1C10D2E-CFA9-445E-AAB5-C0E830A5B6F4_zpsn3fijrzn.jpg.html)

The ability to go into reverse is just awesome. You now have an incredible amount of control with the new drive. I knew from the first announcement of the new drive that it would be great for hooping lobster. So on my first lobster trip with the new drive later on that night, I decided to test out that theory...it did not disappoint! With wind and current blowing me around, it just made every operation faster and more efficient. Instead of having to grab my paddle or having to circle around to retrieve, deploy or set my gear, I could just back up quickly easily and hands free. For me, this reason alone justifies the cost of the new drive.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/CE030ECB-E54E-4626-8035-14A4F891E9F7_zpsnryb6isn.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/CE030ECB-E54E-4626-8035-14A4F891E9F7_zpsnryb6isn.jpg.html)

So not a bad maiden voyage with the new drive. Nice Halibut and a limit of lobster to go along with it...?! Did I need it to catch what I caught..? No...but it sure made it alot easier and alot more fun. So watch out for the new Mirage Drive 180! Available now at your local OEX...but only with the purchase of a new kayak. Otherwise you have to wait until next year to purchase one. :cheers1:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/4A550157-4F81-42E5-ADFC-34BDB0783785_zpsdstgsfxh.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/4A550157-4F81-42E5-ADFC-34BDB0783785_zpsdstgsfxh.jpg.html)

[Starsky]

Nice review and report Tony! Still killin it!

[Iceman]

Mr No BS :D great, thorough review! :luxhello:

Available now at your local OEX...but only with the purchase of a new kayak. Otherwise you have to wait until next year to purchase one.

always exceptions for special customers. :D

[CrazzyGar]

Great review...!!! But how does it compare in Speed & thrust. Fin geometry just my question.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ful-rac]

Great review...!!! But how does it compare in Speed & thrust. Fin geometry just my question.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The 180 is similar in speed and thrust, if not the same.


So I was lucky enough to get my hands on a new Mirage Drive 180 recently. $$$ Not cheap, but an amazing advantage that I'm willing to bet on. My initial impression of the drive is...that it's kinda goofy looking. The fins are shaped differently and not swept back like the regular drive, the fins are perfectly straight so they can pivot forward and backward. All this leading me to think that there might be some change in the thrust or overall feel while peddling...But after having used them, they are very similar if no different than the GT drive, also smooth and slick like the GT.

[TheBentRod]

Nice Lobsters!

[GTboosted]

Nice review and lobsters


Great review...!!! But how does it compare in Speed & thrust. Fin geometry just my question.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Why quote his entire post and pictures?

[CrazzyGar]

The 180 is similar in speed and thrust, if not the same.



Nice...thx.
Wasn't even thinking about the 180 cuz I'm offshore fishing or Hooping KH. Never thought about the advantages for Hooping.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[makobob]

Tony how hard is it to steer backwards, say straight back 50 feet? Are you still in control? Could you go left or right easily in reverse? BTW you putting one day in is like me doing a week in on the water, you really WORK your gear. That's a good thing, in a month that drive will have gone through a years use for the rest of us. Keep on yaking amigo.

[ful-rac]

Tony how hard is it to steer backwards, say straight back 50 feet? Are you still in control? Could you go left or right easily in reverse? BTW you putting one day in is like me doing a week in on the water, you really WORK your gear. That's a good thing, in a month that drive will have gone through a years use for the rest of us. Keep on yaking amigo.


Actually Bob it's not hard at all. You are definitely in control, just like going forward you need a bit of speed or momentum before your steering responds. Going left and right while going backwards is no problem at all. Hobie says full power reverse...that's no exaggeration, I was actually able to go 5 + knots backwards just to see if I could, it was not a problem at all.

[makobob]

TONY, you sold me just called Andy, mine will arrive Friday and be in Baja on Monday. Maybe I can pull a grouper out of the rocks before he gets there. Thank you for taking the time post your review, you get credit for atleast one sale. Tight Lines.


Actually Bob it's not hard at all. You are definitely in control, just like going forward you need a bit of speed or momentum before your steering responds. Going left and right while going backwards is no problem at all. Hobie says full power reverse...that's no exaggeration, I was actually able to go 5 + knots backwards just to see if I could, it was not a problem at all.

[cabojohn]

Why in the heck would anyone need to peddle in reverse??:eek:
Seriously?

ME thinks Hobie screwed the pooch here...

Marketing gimmick? If yes, brilliant! :p

[pino]

Is this standard on all new 2017 kayaks or extra?

[makobob]

John I enjoy casting top water plugs at the boulders and cliffs in Gonzaga. I point my bow at the beach and cast as tight to shore as I can. Cabrilla and snappers sometimes explode on the plugs, corvina too. Being in reverse and ready MIGHT help getting these fish out of their holes. The panga drivers peform this move every day, so it might help me get that bigger cabrilla that keeps stealing my top water plugs. Besides I needed a spare drive as a back up. Hopefull win, win.


Why in the heck would anyone need to peddle in reverse??:eek:
Seriously?

ME thinks Hobie screwed the pooch here...

Marketing gimmick? If yes, brilliant! :p

[ful-rac]

Is this standard on all new 2017 kayaks or extra?


I'm pretty sure that they are, perfect time to upgrade Pino! :luxhello:

Reverse is not necessary but...it sure is nice!

[Iceman]

Nice review and lobsters





Why quote his entire post and pictures?

blame that on the "quote" button in the lower right corner, I edited it.

[Iceman]

Is this standard on all new 2017 kayaks or extra?

All 2017 come with the 180, turbo fins are only stock on the camo Outback and the Pro Anglers, everything else comes with the slightly shorter ST fins.

Separate drives (I am only selling drives that came with my preseason order kayaks)and replacement fins and parts are yet to be released, I have been told that if there is an issue with a drive Hobie will send me parts off the production line.

[MITCHELL]

Catch...mighty fine dinner...

[SoCalCJ]

The 180 is similar in speed and thrust, if not the same.

Great review of the new drive! Having purchased a new camo OB, I have noticed that the new 180 drive is much faster in speed and thrust than the previous drive. A new OB with the 180 will go faster than a Revo with the previous drive at the same RPM. I know some will call bs, but we tested it on opening night! Hobie hit it out of the park on this one!

[King Saba]

Great review of the new drive! Having purchased a new camo OB, I have noticed that the new 180 drive is much faster in speed and thrust than the previous drive. A new OB with the 180 will go faster than a Revo with the previous drive at the same RPM. I know some will call bs, but we tested it on opening night! Hobie hit it out of the park on this one!

BS! I need to get me one of these 180s then! I can't imagine the speed you will gain on a revo. 10kts just might be a possibility on a revo 16!

[blitzburgh]

Nice write-up and critters Tony!

[SoCalCJ]

BS! I need to get me one of these 180s then! I can't imagine the speed you will gain on a revo. 10kts just might be a possibility on a revo 16!

This was vs a REVO 13....... not the 16.

[taggermike]

So Hobie has been selling "turbo" fin upgrades for years. But these odd looking strait fins are just as fast. And the Hobie kayaks were fine w/o reverse until several competitors came out with reversal peddle drives.
Mike

[ultimatejay]

So Hobie has been selling "turbo" fin upgrades for years. But these odd looking strait fins are just as fast. And the Hobie kayaks were fine w/o reverse until several competitors came out with reversal peddle drives.
Mike

You obviously don't fish because if you did then you would see many reasons to use reverse like if the wind is pushing you towards weeds or a rock or dock. Before you would have to get the paddle out- now you just flip it in reverse. There's so many incidences where reverse is very helpful. If you have the wind at your back and you want to do a slow drift or stay in one spot- REVERSE
I use it all the time, I like it

[GTboosted]

I get his point though.

It is almost like Apple. They are leaders in their market and are obviously aware of all advancements. But they need to keep changes small so every year they have something to entice buyers to upgrade. Everyone has been asking for reverse and a skeg for years. Why did they add them in separate years?

I am happy to have got into it with reverse and vantage seat. More than likely though I will be pissed next year for the 2018 model to have something that they could've added for 2017....

[ultimatejay]

I get his point though.

It is almost like Apple. They are leaders in their market and are obviously aware of all advancements. But they need to keep changes small so every year they have something to entice buyers to upgrade. Everyone has been asking for reverse and a skeg for years. Why did they add them in separate years?

I am happy to have got into it with reverse and vantage seat. More than likely though I will be pissed next year for the 2018 model to have something that they could've added for 2017....

You don't invent something and throw it on the market the next day. It takes years and years of R&D and then you have to test it over and over before releasing a new product. For instance when you se a new model car- that was 10+ years prior of R&D and testing before it's released. Reverse drive is no different. Takes a lot of time. A bike pedal with a chain or belt drive to a propeller is not rocket science. Mirage drive is a lot more complex and unique.

[2-Stix]

You obviously don't fish because if you did then you would see many reasons to use reverse like if the wind is pushing you towards weeds or a rock or dock. Before you would have to get the paddle out- now you just flip it in reverse. There's so many incidences where reverse is very helpful. If you have the wind at your back and you want to do a slow drift or stay in one spot- REVERSE
I use it all the time, I like it

Mikes too nice of a guy to comment back. He's been yak finishing LJ for almost 20 years. The roof on his car is almost completely rusted threw because of the amounts of days he puts int. I been in the riper currents and wind with him. Mikes one of the best guys out there.

[King Saba]

This was vs a REVO 13....... not the 16.

Right. How much extra speed did the new OB have over the previous year model Revo?

[ful-rac]

I didn't notice any extra speed on the PA, as compared to the GT drive. Both are pretty smooth...I'll pay more attention on the next trip.

[skrilla]

Hey you Hobie guys can do J turns now. Cause donuts are sooo 2015. :p

[cabojohn]

John I enjoy casting top water plugs at the boulders and cliffs in Gonzaga. I point my bow at the beach and cast as tight to shore as I can. Cabrilla and snappers sometimes explode on the plugs, corvina too. Being in reverse and ready MIGHT help getting these fish out of their holes. The panga drivers peform this move every day, so it might help me get that bigger cabrilla that keeps stealing my top water plugs. Besides I needed a spare drive as a back up. Hopefull win, win.
Thanks Bob-
I get it now...having the option to go in reverse makes sense.
I can see the benefits. :cool:

[paddle man]

O.K. GUYS HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE:paddleersmilie:FOR THE NEW DRIVE

[makobob]

O.K. GUYS HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE:paddleersmilie:FOR THE NEW DRIVE

RETAIL should be about $750.00 YOU did change that name to PEDDLE MAN right?????

[paddle man]

[QUOTE=makobob;270756]RETAIL should be about $750.00 YOU did change that name to PEDDLE MAN right?????[/QUOT


NOT YET BUT WILL THANKS BOB FOR PRICEING:)

[monstahfish]

You don't invent something and throw it on the market the next day. It takes years and years of R&D and then you have to test it over and over before releasing a new product. For instance when you se a new model car- that was 10+ years prior of R&D and testing before it's released. Reverse drive is no different. Takes a lot of time. A bike pedal with a chain or belt drive to a propeller is not rocket science. Mirage drive is a lot more complex and unique.

I'm an industrial designer and he is correct. Companies are not holding back on things to screw the customer, it's a matter of development time and resource implementation. For example building an injection molding tool of moderate complexity takes about 6-10 weeks, followed by sampling usually 2 weeks to dial the tool in, followed by any needed redesign a week usually, then tooling rework 2-4 weeks then at least 6 months of field, UV, cycle and materials testing each of which can yield another design change and start the whole cycle over again. Then you have to schedule production and assemble. Now imagine this for every single new component of any product and things can still fail in unusual usage or with poor maintenance. Then the current and old products have to be serviced and maintained by the engineering team so they don't have as much time to develop new product.
Just a quick glimpse into how it works and that doesn't even include the concept, design, prototype and approval phases which can be significantly longer than the build phase.

[TJones]

Nice Lobsters!

if you ain't catching. :biggrinjester: . don't worry Stan, we gonna turn these Sewer boys inside out this weekend. :wsb:.:sifone:.

[TJones]

Mr No BS :D great, thorough review! :luxhello:



always exceptions for special customers. :D

:cheers1:

[makobob]

DREAM BIG, then go out and make it happen.


if you ain't catching. :biggrinjester: . don't worry Stan, we gonna turn these Sewer boys inside out this weekend. :wsb:.:sifone:.

[TJones]

:luxhello:. one day i will catch a 65 lb tanker, but since it has been awhile since the sweet white flesh has rolled off my tongue, a barely legal will be sufficient. this weekend i am gonna make it happen.

[ultimatejay]

Mikes too nice of a guy to comment back. He's been yak finishing LJ for almost 20 years. The roof on his car is almost completely rusted threw because of the amounts of days he puts int. I been in the riper currents and wind with him. Mikes one of the best guys out there.

So 20 years of kayak fishing and he has never needed to back up? lol I've only been kayak fishing for 2 weeks and I already saw the need right away. It just seemed an arrogant response from him..... at least that's how I read it.

[ful-rac]

So 20 years of kayak fishing and he has never needed to back up? lol I've only been kayak fishing for 2 weeks and I already saw the need right away. It just seemed an arrogant response from him..... at least that's how I read it.



It's a pedal paddle thing...die hard paddle guys don't particularly like hobies or the people that own them...:eek:

So any chance they get to knock hobie down a notch, they don't waste it;)

Another thing you gotta watch out for is spelling...Pedal, peddle...you gotta get that right...otherwise your just askn for it! :cheers1:

[Geno Machino]

Impressive catch there Tony!

Great Work!!

Great review, also.

Geno

[King Saba]

It's a pedal paddle thing...die hard paddle guys don't particularly like hobies or the people that own them...:eek:

So any chance they get to knock hobie down a notch, they don't waste it;)

Another thing you gotta watch out for is spelling...Pedal, peddle...you gotta get that right...otherwise your just askn for it! :cheers1:
I mean you could peddle your new 180 drive to me. I'll take it for a discount. :D

[GTboosted]

Hey fulrac did you have green "grease" coming out the drive after your first use?

A few dudes on fb said it was normal for new drives but just checking again. On saturday I was pushing the drive at 5mph throughout the day with 15mph headwinds.

[ful-rac]

Dont worry about it, it's normal. Your gonna have to eventually tear the drive down and clean and re-grease everything, just like any other mechanical device.

[ultimatejay]

It's a pedal paddle thing...die hard paddle guys don't particularly like hobies or the people that own them...:eek:

So any chance they get to knock hobie down a notch, they don't waste it;)

Another thing you gotta watch out for is spelling...Pedal, peddle...you gotta get that right...otherwise your just askn for it! :cheers1:

Really? What, are we in high school? Who gives a rats ass if someone has a pedal or paddle kayak? You're not going to like someone because they pedal? LMAO- that's the most stupid thing I ever heard! If you're like that, get over yourselves Geez. I have the upmost respect for all kayakers pedal or paddle!

[Mr. NiceGuy]

Really? What, are we in high school? Who gives a rats ass if someone has a pedal or paddle kayak? You're not going to like someone because they pedal? LMAO- that's the most stupid thing I ever heard! If you're like that, get over yourselves Geez. I have the upmost respect for all kayakers pedal or paddle!

LOL. Sad, but true.

In any case I'm still going to vote for Donald Trump, no matter what they say :P

[paddle man]

Really? What, are we in high school? Who gives a rats ass if someone has a pedal or paddle kayak? You're not going to like someone because they pedal? LMAO- that's the most stupid thing I ever heard! If you're like that, get over yourselves Geez. I have the upmost respect for all kayakers pedal or paddle!


WELL SAID :cheers1:

[makobob]

Some pedal, some paddle, some do both but we all piddle. Tight Lines.

[cabojohn]

Paddle or peddle...ITS ALL GOOD!
Both are here to stay.
Personal preference...use whatever you like.
NO disrespect here.
:cheers1:

[roby]

Seeing Tony use the new mirage drive, I had a bit of envy. It does seem useful at times for making minor adjustments on the water and for actual fishing. As of now, I'll save my $$$ and just use my paddle when I want to go backwards and make minor adjustments.

[Dannynguyen]

Tony......It's very nice ....I wanna get a migrate 180' only but I called southwind kayak store they said they are available in March,2018:the_finger:

[Dave Legacy]

I have the upmost respect for all kayakers pedal or paddle!

With all due respect I'm having a hard time believing that you respect anyone (possibly including yourself) based on your comments in this thread.

[ful-rac]

Tony......It's very nice ....I wanna get a migrate 180' only but I called southwind kayak store they said they are available in March,2018:the_finger:

When you buy...just make sure you buy at OEX! :luxhello:

[Iceman]

Quote:
<table width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="6" border="0"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset"> Available now at your local OEX...but only with the purchase of a new kayak. Otherwise you have to wait until next year to purchase one. </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
always exceptions for special customers. :D

Tony got the only pair of Turbo fins I was willing to part with, Bob got ST fins, I will part with 1 or 2 more of those, but having to wait until March myself, I do not want to get caught short. The Turbo fin upgrade kit may not be available until March as well. Turbo fins only come stock with the PAs and the camo Outback.

[ultimatejay]

With all due respect I'm having a hard time believing that you respect anyone (possibly including yourself) based on your comments in this thread.

lol, like what comments?

[jruiz]

How long will spare parts be available for V2 GT mirage drives?

[Iceman]

How long will spare parts be available for V2 GT mirage drives?

I am sure these will be around for at least the next 5 years or more.

[makobob]

Thank you Andy, the st 180 drive arrived yesterday less than 48 hours from order to delivery. Great service, the new drive with st fins LOOKS SMALL, I mean the FINS look small. Let now know how they work when I get back from Baja. Tight Lines.

[defjack]

I use turbos and ST S and like both but use the ST most of the time.

[Bigal]

The 180 sounds awesome! If you replace your original with the 180 and want to sell your old one, I am super interested. I left my mirage drive on the beach in LJ during March and did't realize it until my next trip in April. My Revo isn't much fun with a paddle and an open slot between my legs!:):blush5:

[CrazzyGar]

So I was lucky enough to get my hands on a new Mirage Drive 180 recently. $$$ Not cheap, but an amazing advantage that I'm willing to bet on. My initial impression of the drive is...that it's kinda goofy looking. The fins are shaped differently and not swept back like the regular drive, the fins are perfectly straight so they can pivot forward and backward. All this leading me to think that there might be some change in the thrust or overall feel while peddling...But after having used them, they are very similar if no different than the GT drive, also smooth and slick like the GT.



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/EF1114FE-724D-4D81-B9BB-19E6500813BB_zpsg6ntbykw.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/EF1114FE-724D-4D81-B9BB-19E6500813BB_zpsg6ntbykw.jpg.html)



The new Drive feels much heavier than the regular GT drive. So I decided to weigh them to find out how much heavier.



Mirage Drive 180

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/96289DCE-2C63-48D6-89A3-1C0016F4D310_zpsrfgiz1pl.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/96289DCE-2C63-48D6-89A3-1C0016F4D310_zpsrfgiz1pl.jpg.html)



GT Drive

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/B6A7E28E-E491-4C0B-9011-21D0B531FDDB_zpseyktnwo3.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/B6A7E28E-E491-4C0B-9011-21D0B531FDDB_zpseyktnwo3.jpg.html)



So the 180 is approximately 6 oz heavier than the standard GT drive...it sure feels like it's more but it's not.



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/05C3B01D-E4DC-425B-937A-DF4F0CCD4521_zpskt0nmqwy.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/05C3B01D-E4DC-425B-937A-DF4F0CCD4521_zpskt0nmqwy.jpg.html)

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/C7A36FFA-A1CC-4AE2-9F69-F70A111A5250_zpsbnegaszg.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/C7A36FFA-A1CC-4AE2-9F69-F70A111A5250_zpsbnegaszg.jpg.html)



The Shifting mechanism:



Now if there's one thing that feels like it could break on this new drive it's going to be the shift levers. I found that when you pedal, sometimes your foot hits it. I guess time will tell how sturdy the plastic parts are. So far they seem to work just fine...but then again I've only used them for a day.



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/590921A9-0F3F-4D89-9C7E-11466A78D2F5_zpsmztvamvi.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/590921A9-0F3F-4D89-9C7E-11466A78D2F5_zpsmztvamvi.jpg.html)



As far as shifting from forward to reverse with the new drive, you have to give it a good solid pull in order for it to engage. It doesn't seem possible for the drive to accidentally go into reverse while your peddling. I found that switching from forward to reverse is very difficult while moving faster than 2 knots, probably because the fins have to go sideways for a second, and you have to overcome the resistance of the water against the fins.



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/130E8733-19C2-4240-B7B7-2B5287A13A32_zpsbdky5udb.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/130E8733-19C2-4240-B7B7-2B5287A13A32_zpsbdky5udb.jpg.html)



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/8A92BC68-BC57-4BC8-B4C1-541FFC7F0741_zpssx9epnyn.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/8A92BC68-BC57-4BC8-B4C1-541FFC7F0741_zpssx9epnyn.jpg.html)



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/C40C83B5-874E-44AB-A131-4E006C773398_zpswrgbz64s.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/C40C83B5-874E-44AB-A131-4E006C773398_zpswrgbz64s.jpg.html)





Fishing with the new Drive.



So while looking for a halibut this weekend I snagged some rope and pulled up a still usable ambush hoop net...I got some cleaning to do...:eek: ! Oh and by the way I did catch a halibut as well if you didn't notice. ;)



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/B1C10D2E-CFA9-445E-AAB5-C0E830A5B6F4_zpsn3fijrzn.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/B1C10D2E-CFA9-445E-AAB5-C0E830A5B6F4_zpsn3fijrzn.jpg.html)



The ability to go into reverse is just awesome. You now have an incredible amount of control with the new drive. I knew from the first announcement of the new drive that it would be great for hooping lobster. So on my first lobster trip with the new drive later on that night, I decided to test out that theory...it did not disappoint! With wind and current blowing me around, it just made every operation faster and more efficient. Instead of having to grab my paddle or having to circle around to retrieve, deploy or set my gear, I could just back up quickly easily and hands free. For me, this reason alone justifies the cost of the new drive.



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/CE030ECB-E54E-4626-8035-14A4F891E9F7_zpsnryb6isn.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/CE030ECB-E54E-4626-8035-14A4F891E9F7_zpsnryb6isn.jpg.html)



So not a bad maiden voyage with the new drive. Nice Halibut and a limit of lobster to go along with it...?! Did I need it to catch what I caught..? No...but it sure made it alot easier and alot more fun. So watch out for the new Mirage Drive 180! Available now at your local OEX...but only with the purchase of a new kayak. Otherwise you have to wait until next year to purchase one. :cheers1:



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/4A550157-4F81-42E5-ADFC-34BDB0783785_zpsdstgsfxh.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/4A550157-4F81-42E5-ADFC-34BDB0783785_zpsdstgsfxh.jpg.html)



Thx Tony for letting me check out your 180's Friday night after you went hooping. I think I'll wait for awhile before I buy the 180's. The increased cadence didn't appeal to me to maintain my same speed. I'll wait for Hobie to come out with bigger fins for the 180's.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TJones]

Thx Tony for letting me check out your 180's Friday night after you went hooping. I think I'll wait for awhile before I buy the 180's. The increased cadence didn't appeal to me to maintain my same speed. I'll wait for Hobie to come out with bigger fins for the 180's.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

good counter. for someone who is moving a small boat, definitely worth considering. really not sure why hobie did not try and improve the speed? that would have been a deal maker for those who are trying to get a fin bait up to 4 mph cruising speed. and yes i know that there are users here that can get the pro angler , up to 12 mph on water .

[ful-rac]

After having used the drive for a couple of weeks now...it's not just awesome to have reverse...it's really awesome to have reverse! As far as speed goes...I really don't think you get more speed, as in max speed out of this drive, but you definitely get lighter pedals out of it, which translates into being able to maintain a higher average speed. Also you are able to maintain that higher average speed for much longer periods.

[Sheephead]

Mako shark fishing :D

Why in the heck would anyone need to peddle in reverse??:eek:
Seriously?

ME thinks Hobie screwed the pooch here...

Marketing gimmick? If yes, brilliant! :p