Hobie Outback 2017 vs 2016

Looking to buy an outback.  Anyone have feedback on  new 180 mirage  drives?  Worth the extra price compared to 2016 model yak?

I plan to us it for bay and ocean fishing.

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What is the price difference?  Reverse is for those with poor planning skills. i have never needed it in bays or any other open body of water.

For years I've felt same as Craig, since getting a D180, I've found some places where it works great. Such as holding position at an oil rig or other structure without having to turn when a large fish hookup occurs. The ability to drag the fish away from barnacles is necessary, it also works well fishin and keeping a drift line, especially along a weed line and is a great way to back troll. Way easier to fish currents without the use of anchors or stake out poles. Art

My only frame of reference was someone at a HOW event showing off his detached 180 cable that snapped off. I'll wait until its been out a while longer.

Longevity of the drive unit is a concern.  Wonder if Hobie honors the warranty in those situations

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If the 2016 was $300-500 less, I would go with the 2016 and invest the savings into the new drive so I could have a spare.  I would use the new reverse one for fishing which required it, and use the 2016 for trolling and fishing the ocean.  I have multiple Hobies and so I have multiple drives. The oldest beat up V2 drive gets used when there is a significant chance of damage (ie. duck hunting and steelhead fishing shallow rocky rivers). The newest drive, which is in the best condition, goes out in the ocean and trolling B10 and other areas on the Columbia or Willamette. If I am going on a trip, I bring at least 2 drives.  At two different tournaments, I have loaned my spare out to someone in need. They seemed happy I had it. 

If the 2016 was $300-500 less, I would go with the 2016 and invest the savings into the new drive so I could have a spare.  I would use the new reverse one for fishing which required it, and use the 2016 for trolling and fishing the ocean.  I have multiple Hobies and so I have multiple drives. The oldest beat up V2 drive gets used when there is a significant chance of damage (ie. duck hunting and steelhead fishing shallow rocky rivers). The newest drive, which is in the best condition, goes out in the ocean and trolling B10 and other areas on the Columbia or Willamette. If I am going on a trip, I bring at least 2 drives.  At two different tournaments, I have loaned my spare out to someone in need. They seemed happy I had it. 

The old one works great, tape and all.

The tape is a feature.  It is abrasion resistance and an identifying feature for when you were to lose it--as I expected.

I currently have a Revo 13, so I already have one drive unit.    I'm buying the Outback so I have a second Kayak for my son and friends when needed.   If I buy a 2017 Outback, I will have a drive unit of each type.  That is the way I'm leaning.

The tape is a feature.  It is abrasion resistance and an identifying feature for when you were to lose it--as I expected.

Sure is nice weather we're having.