Gentlemen, today I became a man... a Hobie man.

I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of the NWKA community.
Today iHop and I drove to Hood River to demo a Revo 13 and a Outback. Derek at the Kayak Shed spent almost the entire day with us while I demoed the Revo, then the Outback. Then the Revo, then back to the Outback... talk about a patient guy!
It was the PERFECT day to demo. Sunny and calm for the first part of the morning, then 20 knot winds and 2 foot swells. This gave me a great idea how each Hobie handled in each weather condition.

The Revo was fast. Super fast. With the Turbo fins it felt like a rocket. It handled the swells very well if taking them head on. However, IMO the Revo was quite squirlly. After almost tossing me (6'3 and 230 lbs) on 3 separate occasions, I had to really pay attention while peddling in the surf.

The Outback was not quite as fast as the Revo, but with the Turbo Fins it wasn't slow either. I got some nice speed even while peddling against the swells. Unlike the Revo the Outback skipped over the swells instead of cutting through them. To me, the stability the Outback offered was what pushed me into the Outback's corner. You have to really try hard to get her to tip over. It was a very comfortable ride and you sit a bit higher than in the Revo making for a dryer ride. The storage in the Outback is more than ample.

In conclusion I'd like to send a HUGE thank you to Derek at the Kayak Shed for the SMOKIN' deal. Also a very warm thank you to iHop for spending the day with me and being there to give me a second opinion. I blame him for my newfound addiction

Anyway, here she is everyone! She doesn't have a name yet but I'm sure one will somehow stick (my wife suggested "The Other Woman" hahahaha).


To fish is human. To throw back is Devine.

Right on! 
Now you get to poke holes in that "other woman".   
Do her proud. 

Beautiful boat.  Now it is time to scratch it up and get it bloody.  You will love the Outback. 

You made the right decision..... outbacks are better then revos!!! Your boat looks awesome.

Congrats on the New boat, she  is a beauty.

Congrats! That yellow does look a lot better with some red mixed into it

Congrats! That yellow does look a lot better with some red mixed into it

+1

Right on man! It doesn't matter to us which Hobie Mirage kayak you buy - because you're always getting a good fishing rig - it only matters to you. I'm glad you found what you want. 

And it looks like we are blessed to have not one, but two great Hobie dealers in the general area. I really like how The Kayak Shed and Next Adventure support each other on this forum, it makes it a better place.

Nice! Ill have your outbacks brother at my house here in a couple of weeks. Im getting one from Derek too. He has been awesome to deal with.

The Mirage drive is phenomenal. I'm addicted. Now to mix some red in with that beautiful yellow.

Sweet ride!!! 

You're going to love it Redneck. Hobie's rock. ENJOY!!

Thanks everyone.

"Gentlemen, today I became a man... a Hobie man."

'bout time! I'm still waiting for that puberty thing to kick in myself...

True

 Both the Revo and the Outback are great yaks.... have Outback and it's great on the water.
Start fishing and enjoy the fun..