Hobie advice please.....
 

Sorry if this is a repost, but looking for advice on purchase of Hobie with mirage drive system. Pro's/cons from those of you with experience.

Me: 195 lbs- 6'
Purpose- fishing (inshore and offshore)
Current yak - stealth 12 loaded.
Cost is not a concern.

Not quite sure I want a PA-14, but don't want to sell myself short! Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Go with a PA. You won't regret it.

I agree, I'm the same height and weight. I have an outback. I spent 12 hours on the water yesterday...that was 12 hours wishing I was on a PA.

Only reason you would probably not want the PA is if you are doing surf launches outside of LJ shores. Not to say it cant be done just makes it a little difficult coming in.

If cost isnt a concern....Go with the PA if you dont like it i will trade you stright up for my outback :)

just depends what kind of fishing youll be doing the most. surf launch? harbor? lakes?

PROS:

-using both hands for fishing

-being able to constantly peddle against the current and staying in one position to fish docks

-being able to rig up while peddling to your fishing destination

-fishing in mild wind is do-able without being blown in circles

-being able to set up a nice drift wit your rudder

-im able to stand up in my outback

-in emergency situations i feel that my arms would give out before my legs so foot power works best for me


CONS:

-Weight

2015 Outback all the way ... I have never surf launched or landed on it so I really cannot say much on this topic. If weight and money is not a concern then go with the PA. I am sure in a few years I will go this route.

PA all the way!!

Go demo some Hobie's in Mission Bay. You will probably lean toward the PA14 with your size. Ton's of storage room, stable, you can piss standing up, and weight is not much more than the 12.
If cost is not a concern, go with the Glide Technology, or just upgrade a V2 drive.

You might want to look at the Revolution 16.
This thing is super fast and great for LJ.
there is an article about it on this page.

Go with a outback. You won't regret it.

Definitely go w/ mirage drive. I would recommend the new (2015) outback (or revo- I own and like both) since they now have the comfortof a pro-A like seat without the added expense, weight, storage, and transportation issues of the Pro-A. I just throw the outback or revo in the back of my SUV for shorter trips or lift it (by myself) on the overhead rack for longer trips.

If you want versatility and good all around kayak the outback is my first choice followed by the revo.. Can load and store easily, have plenty of space especially with square hatch. Best part is when the bite is happening at areas where surf launch is required you can actually make it out the first time.

PA are great once on the water except it will be more tiring on your legs than on other kayaks.

Test Drive
 

You can get all the advice in the world, but test driving will solve all your problems. Go to OEX sunset beach and test drive.

If you join us for Asuncion/Abreojos this year you will beach launch there. Had no problems with my outback, and Sven seemed ok with his PA 12.

I owned both an outback and a PA for awhile. Used both, traded the outback for another PA. The outback was a lot more cramped for space than a PA. No room for poles, gear or fish and felt confined. I am 6'2 and weigh roughly 225.

Get a PA and a revo

Thanks for all the information!! A lot if mixed opinions, so I guess a demo is in order!!