Hobie Mirage Drive speed comparisons

[King Saba]

Hey Hobie yakkers. I want to hear your take on the speed of different mirage drives for those of you that have used the generations of drives after the V2. I currently own a V2, have used it for 2 years now. It's dependable and durable, but I feel the speed I get is sorely lacking even though I cruise on an adventure.

For those of you that own the GT and reverse drive, do you guys notice any speed difference with consideration to the amount of effort and energy used while pedaling?

Cheers

[Iceman]

There are variables to consider. First turbo fins are a must to maximize efficiency and slow your cadence. I found the GT to be noticeably smoother with less resistance. This is only if they are maintained with proper chain lube and seasonal rebuild to clean and re-apply fresh grease. Keeping chains from getting too slack is very important The MD are a stiffer fin so, smaller surface area, a little more resistance with less flex getting up to speed but right there along the GT once up and moving.

[cris]

Hey Andy,

how much faster do you estimate the turbo fins (180) to be over the standard fins (180)?

thanks,

chris

[Iceman]

I always tell people it compares to shifting to a higher gear. Not so much faster but more speed when needed and a slower cadence on the sweet spot when pedaling

[steve999]

I can tell you from experience, when your friend upgrades to a turbo drive, and you still have standard, he's pedaling easily, and you're just barely able to keep up. Turbo of any type is much faster.

As far as the bearings vs. no bearings go, I didn't notice any difference. There may have been some, but it wasn't readily obvious. One thing I can say for bearings, however, is that it sure makes it harder to replace a cable. I think you could replace a non bearing drive cable on the water. But no way if it had bearings.

[King Saba]

Thanks for the info fellas. Guess it's not worth upgrading for the time being then.