Hobie Revo vs. Outback - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

habanero · 09-22-2009, 02:27 PM

Don't listen to those monkeys. They said the same thing when man started using his legs to get around with his hands free.

I've had both and each has an advantage over the other. Most people pick the Revo because it takes less energy to move through the water but if you don't mind a little more calorie burning, you can keep up with a revo. Remember, you can pedal and paddle at the same time. If your a big person or enjoy super stability, storage and working area, the Outback does better. If you plan on trolling a lot while fishing and would rather travel lite, the revo is better. They both over lap enough in capability so you won't be left out of the task at hand.
I don't like the hull slap of the Outback when charging through rough water or moving fast.
I don't like the instability in rough water while maneuvering around the Revolution.
If plan on fishing when the bite is on, no matter the conditions, defiantly get a Hobie! You can keep a position while rigging, fishing, eating...

Billy V · 09-22-2009, 02:52 PM

I like the Revo best.
If Hobie would make a 16ft. Revo I'd be all over it.

Geoffkoop · 09-22-2009, 03:14 PM

If you are getting one used go with whatever you can get the best deal on. I was struggling with the same delemma. I have tried both back to back and the Outback seems a little more stable, a little slower and definitely has more hull slap. I ended up with a Revo and love it.

Three3Divine · 09-22-2009, 03:54 PM

hey guys thanks for the info yeah paddling is for suckers im still not sure which one i want yet but i think there both bad ass and i like the stablity of the outback so i might just have to go with that

fishinkid2010 · 09-22-2009, 04:20 PM

My advice is to go with the Revo. It is plenty stable (granted, the outback wins that area hands down), and cuts through the water unlike the outback. I have taken mine out to fish the Point Loma kelp, and played around with the waves that break out there off the point. I never really felt like I was going to tip even when I went up some pretty large swells. I've tried both, and have ended up owning two Revos. (Don't forget, you will become more comfortable with the stability over time as you use the kayak, you won't be able to make it faster though) You can load it down with tons of gear and a full bait tank, and still haul ass. Definitely get the Turbo Fin upgrade no matter which kayak you choose.

As with any kayak you should test it before you buy it, don't just take our word for it.

The guys at Fastlane are really helpful and will point you in the right direction.

dsafety · 09-22-2009, 08:19 PM

I ride a Revo and have been very pleased with its performance. I tried the Outback and was also very pleased but in my opinion, the Outback is better suited for those situations when you want to have the most stable platform while sacrificing speed and agilitiy. I think the Outback is best suited for smaller water venues.

For fishing the local kelp beds, I think the Revo is the best choice. It is not as fast as a sleek paddle kayak but is considerably faster than an outback when you have to travel long distances to the fishing grounds. I am comfortable with a little less stability and a little more speed.

While not as stable as the Outback, the Revo has never felt unstable to me. The other day however, when I had a big fish on and was seated side saddle, a wise fishing partner reminded me that if that fish came unglued, I would probably end up in the water after flipping my Revo. Would this happen with an Outback? Not sure, but it might be a consideration.

On the other hand, you could just limit your side saddle usage to making bait or fishing for bass and everything would be just fine.

Bob

kq · 09-23-2009, 05:04 AM

i have an outback and love it. have not tried the revo. so a couple of recommendations if you go with the outback. get the optional larger rudder, steers much better then the stock one. the paddles that come with the mirage drive kayaks are very poorly designed. the blades break off! so if you need to use a paddle getting in and out of the surf buy a decent quality one.

09-22-2009, 02:52 PM	#2
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	I like the Revo best. If Hobie would make a 16ft. Revo I'd be all over it. Last edited by Billy V; 09-22-2009 at 09:29 PM.

09-22-2009, 04:20 PM	#5
fishinkid2010 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: La Mesa Posts: 386	My advice is to go with the Revo. It is plenty stable (granted, the outback wins that area hands down), and cuts through the water unlike the outback. I have taken mine out to fish the Point Loma kelp, and played around with the waves that break out there off the point. I never really felt like I was going to tip even when I went up some pretty large swells. I've tried both, and have ended up owning two Revos. (Don't forget, you will become more comfortable with the stability over time as you use the kayak, you won't be able to make it faster though) You can load it down with tons of gear and a full bait tank, and still haul ass. Definitely get the Turbo Fin upgrade no matter which kayak you choose. As with any kayak you should test it before you buy it, don't just take our word for it. The guys at Fastlane are really helpful and will point you in the right direction. __________________ Need a custom rod wrapped? PM me! http://s686.photobucket.com/albums/vv222/fishinkid2010/Sample%20Rod%20Wrapping/?albumview=slideshow

09-22-2009, 08:19 PM	#6
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,123	I ride a Revo and have been very pleased with its performance. I tried the Outback and was also very pleased but in my opinion, the Outback is better suited for those situations when you want to have the most stable platform while sacrificing speed and agilitiy. I think the Outback is best suited for smaller water venues. For fishing the local kelp beds, I think the Revo is the best choice. It is not as fast as a sleek paddle kayak but is considerably faster than an outback when you have to travel long distances to the fishing grounds. I am comfortable with a little less stability and a little more speed. While not as stable as the Outback, the Revo has never felt unstable to me. The other day however, when I had a big fish on and was seated side saddle, a wise fishing partner reminded me that if that fish came unglued, I would probably end up in the water after flipping my Revo. Would this happen with an Outback? Not sure, but it might be a consideration. On the other hand, you could just limit your side saddle usage to making bait or fishing for bass and everything would be just fine. Bob Last edited by dsafety; 09-22-2009 at 09:18 PM.

09-22-2009, 02:27 PM	#1
habanero Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SD Posts: 133	Don't listen to those monkeys. They said the same thing when man started using his legs to get around with his hands free. I've had both and each has an advantage over the other. Most people pick the Revo because it takes less energy to move through the water but if you don't mind a little more calorie burning, you can keep up with a revo. Remember, you can pedal and paddle at the same time. If your a big person or enjoy super stability, storage and working area, the Outback does better. If you plan on trolling a lot while fishing and would rather travel lite, the revo is better. They both over lap enough in capability so you won't be left out of the task at hand. I don't like the hull slap of the Outback when charging through rough water or moving fast. I don't like the instability in rough water while maneuvering around the Revolution. If plan on fishing when the bite is on, no matter the conditions, defiantly get a Hobie! You can keep a position while rigging, fishing, eating...

09-22-2009, 03:14 PM	#3
Geoffkoop Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: So. Orange County Posts: 302	If you are getting one used go with whatever you can get the best deal on. I was struggling with the same delemma. I have tried both back to back and the Outback seems a little more stable, a little slower and definitely has more hull slap. I ended up with a Revo and love it.

09-22-2009, 03:54 PM	#4
Three3Divine Junior Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 29	hey guys thanks for the info yeah paddling is for suckers im still not sure which one i want yet but i think there both bad ass and i like the stablity of the outback so i might just have to go with that

09-23-2009, 05:04 AM	#7
kq Junior Join Date: May 2009 Location: bahia asuncion baja ca. sur Posts: 14	i have an outback and love it. have not tried the revo. so a couple of recommendations if you go with the outback. get the optional larger rudder, steers much better then the stock one. the paddles that come with the mirage drive kayaks are very poorly designed. the blades break off! so if you need to use a paddle getting in and out of the surf buy a decent quality one.