Native Watercraft Propel Reviews? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

HatterasCast · 07-25-2012, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yakin

I have an opportunity to get one at an amazing price.

How much?

Yakin · 07-25-2012, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HatterasCast

How much?

Amazing, from a friend of the family, the price of a used mini x

PAL · 07-25-2012, 08:43 PM

^The drive alone is worth that much. Overbuilt, completely solid. They work in reverse!

But, the drive is much heavier and rigid enough in testing in shallow water we grounded one hard enough to impale the skeg in the mud. And they draft more water than the competition.

Also, Native dialed back the gear ratio a year or more back. The original is more like a turbo version - the new one is easier to get going.

What do you have to lose at such a price?

PE.rider · 07-26-2012, 12:26 AM

I tried my cousin's Ultimate 12 propel in North Carolina waters. I liked the natural 'pedalling-on-a-bike' feeling that reminded me of cycling on dry land; but to be honest, I didn't like doing so on my back at such a low angle. Then again, that's the same reason why I don't like the Hobie pedals. I'm a paddle control freak that likes to sit upright and avoid juggling my gonads in that fashion.

I would advise you to take a pass on the Ultimate pedal models, as the yak is akin to a canoe, and therefore, like a sit-in. The Mariner models are more similar to the SOTs that we use out here on the West Coast.

If it's a inside connection. you should ask to borrow it for a weekend and take it out to your favorite waters. There's no substitution for personal use.

Good Luck!

jorluivil · 07-26-2012, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAL

^The drive alone is worth that much. Overbuilt, completely solid. They work in reverse!

But, the drive is much heavier and rigid enough in testing in shallow water we grounded one hard enough to impale the skeg in the mud. And they draft more water than the competition.

Also, Native dialed back the gear ratio a year or more back. The original is more like a turbo version - the new one is easier to get going.

What do you have to lose at such a price?

I think the overall design is a good idea but its going to take some HUGE innovation to keep kayakers from buying a Hobie. Here's what I usually look at before dropping some Benjamins on a new product

Customer Service
Parts availabilty
Local support
Product Reviews

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...749#post126749

The above thread shows that the manafacturer failed on all four of the items that I mentioned.

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ht=revo&page=3

Guess what this one shows on a five year old Hobie?

Not trying to promote Hobie specifically, there are other kayak manufacturers that provide 'above and beyond' service and it appears that Native eventually did the right thing and helped a customer get back on the water. However, it was only done because of the bad publicity and nothing else.

07-25-2012, 08:43 PM	#3
PAL Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 754	^The drive alone is worth that much. Overbuilt, completely solid. They work in reverse! But, the drive is much heavier and rigid enough in testing in shallow water we grounded one hard enough to impale the skeg in the mud. And they draft more water than the competition. Also, Native dialed back the gear ratio a year or more back. The original is more like a turbo version - the new one is easier to get going. What do you have to lose at such a price?

07-26-2012, 12:26 AM	#4
PE.rider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: OC, CA Posts: 234	I tried my cousin's Ultimate 12 propel in North Carolina waters. I liked the natural 'pedalling-on-a-bike' feeling that reminded me of cycling on dry land; but to be honest, I didn't like doing so on my back at such a low angle. Then again, that's the same reason why I don't like the Hobie pedals. I'm a paddle control freak that likes to sit upright and avoid juggling my gonads in that fashion. I would advise you to take a pass on the Ultimate pedal models, as the yak is akin to a canoe, and therefore, like a sit-in. The Mariner models are more similar to the SOTs that we use out here on the West Coast. If it's a inside connection. you should ask to borrow it for a weekend and take it out to your favorite waters. There's no substitution for personal use. Good Luck!