propel vs mirage

looking at the forum I only see one person in a native. Is there anyone in AK that can give an true comparison of the Hobie vs Native? What I mean is everyone is using Hobie and using speed or torque as an "opinion" on Native, but Native, on the net, is using steady speed and less fatigue . Who in Alaska has spent more that 2 hours in Natives? Not asking price or speed but if you are in the seat and reeling in the fish. What I am finding in researching is native is more popular in fresh water and hobie in salt with both areas giving the same answers with no more than 1 or 2 people having equal experience in both yaks.

I like my Propel. It is stable, fast and works well in the salt.

FORD vs CHEVY.....everyone has an opinion

I went with the Propel for a few reasons. 
#1 Gear Tracks EVERYWHERE
#2 Longer
#3 Has reverse
#4 More storage/Easier to access
#5 Less fatigue over an extended period of time
#6 Free shipping through REI
#7 Cheaper than the Hobie after shipping and you get your $300 REI dividend back
#8 No Hobies coming till June at the soonest


Not saying at all that the Hobie is not a great kayak, it has a lot of great features as well, and is very popular for a reason.

I have a Hobie PA since 2013 and have tested the Native Propel and each has it's advantages that the other did not.  Both are great fishing boats.  The Mirage system is chain driven and it is exposed for quick inspection, maintenance, and simple repairs. The mechanics/peddling is smooth.

The Propel is gear driven and it is enclosed system with easy access with some simple bicycle tools. Inspections will require you to open to put grease or replace worn gears.  I am a cyclist and I like the concept of actually making the bicycle peddling motion for forward/reverse.  The gears are not as smooth as your bicycle chain to sprocket.

The boat design is preference of the individual, but I did notice the Native had a quicker response when turning than the Hobie.  Either one is great and allows your hands freedom of movement to fish.  It comes down to budget. The Native cost less and if money is no problem - buy the Hobie. 

That's my $0.02 Hope I was helpfull and did not muddle your thought on which to get. 

I pedaled a native today for the first time.  Four hours in the seat and could have spent many more, winds were gusting 20-30 mph and it didn't really make it difficult to troll up and down the lake.   Reverse was used a lot.

Thanks for the input from all. I know this question is like what is the best caliber for hunting. I will say it is great finding a form that is not beating the new guy for asking dumb questions. I have lots....

Thanks for the input from all. I know this question is like what is the best caliber for hunting. I will say it is great finding a form that is not beating the new guy for asking dumb questions. I have lots....

Some people will hammer you but most are pretty helpful, that's what forums are for. Let I know what you get and keep us posted.

Thanks for the input from all. I know this question is like what is the best caliber for hunting. I will say it is great finding a form that is not beating the new guy for asking dumb questions. I have lots....

Best caliber for hunting has to be the 300 win mag.  Now back to your regular scheduled propulsion debate.

#5 Less fatigue over an extended period of time

How did you come to this conclusion?  How did you measure this?

I demo'd a Slayer Propel and had a buddy in a Revo 13 (with regular fins) next to me.  Matching cadences, he was moving faster.  And in an an all out sprint, he was moving much faster.

-Allen

I believe the Revolution is faster than the Outback and PAs, the is no direct comparison to the propel, the Outback is most likely the closest but it is shorter by a couple of feet. But back to the Chevy or Ford thing.

#5 Less fatigue over an extended period of time

How did you come to this conclusion?  How did you measure this?

I demo'd a Slayer Propel and had a buddy in a Revo 13 (with regular fins) next to me.  Matching cadences, he was moving faster.  And in an an all out sprint, he was moving much faster.

-Allen

DISCLAMER:::Like I said earlier I think both kayaks a great and they both have their positives and negatives, I just chose the one that best suited me...

I have buddies that have both kayaks and have swapped, they said for short trips the Hobie was faster but after a while the pumping motion vs the peddling motion kinda wore out the muscle in their upper leg. (Just what I was told)  Also I looked at a lot of reviews and it seemed to back up this theory.

 

I believe the Revolution is faster than the Outback and PAs, the is no direct comparison to the propel, the Outback is most likely the closest but it is shorter by a couple of feet. But back to the Chevy or Ford thing.

Yea hands down the Revo is faster than any Propel but like you said the Propel is comparable to the Outback or PA

I've only used the propel - but love it.  I would recommend if you are using reverse a lot to take off your pedals and re-apply some blue lock-tight.  in last years Bonneville bass bonanza tourney I spent most the day pedaling in reverse against the wind, casting with the gusts.  the screws that hold the pedals on are threaded for forward motion, and the constant reverse ended up backing one of the screws out, and I had to call it a day.

Thanks for the input from all. I know this question is like what is the best caliber for hunting. I will say it is great finding a form that is not beating the new guy for asking dumb questions. I have lots....

Best caliber for hunting has to be the 300 win mag.  Now back to your regular scheduled propulsion debate.

Close its really the 338 Win Mag!   

Being completely new to the Kayak game and confused as to which one was better I gave up and purchased one of each.  A Propel Slayer and a Hobie Outback.  I won't have the Hobie until June, however by the end of this summer I  hope to answer this question for myself and anyone else that wants to listen to my ramblings.  As a bike rider I see the propel helping me stay in shape for pedaling and as a hunter the action of the Outback looks perfect for climbing hills. 

Oh yeah and 225 Grain Barns TTSX Bullets.   

I was a cyclist and the propel gives me a motion that my body is programed for. I have been looking at the Revo 16, for the speed tho. I kinda Like the .300 Win Mag my self.