I RECENTLY had the opportunity to field test the new Hobie Mirage Compass kayak and came away pleasantly surprised by the new direction Hobie has taken with the latest addition to its pedal kayak range.
The Compass will definitely be of interest to recreational anglers as it’s very competitively priced at MRRP $2790 (single 12′), and has a light fitted hull weight of about 31 kg, making it an ideal craft to be putting on the roof racks of a vehicle when compared to other models in the Hobie range.
I’ve owned a number of Hobie kayaks over the years including the Outback, Revolution 13 and Pro Angler 12 and feel that the new Compass is something of a hybrid of these models that combines many of their positive attributes in a fresh new craft. The Compass is very stable and the craft’s flat deck meant that I had no trouble standing up to fish the flats during this field test. Another big positive with the Compass is its vastly improved steering; this is easily the most manoeuvrable Hobie kayak I’ve ever fished from which will be a tremendous advantage fishing tight waterways such as those sneaky little bass creeks that keen lure and fly fishos love to get into. The sharper Revo style bow on this craft means that it accelerates quickly and is comparatively fast through the water.
The Compass comes standard with the Mirage Drive system that features the new Glide Technology. I found the breathable mesh seat to be very comfortable with the seat height ideally suited to closed water fishing situations such as those found in our coastal estuaries and freshwater rivers and streams. Personally, when I’m offshore kayak fishing I prefer to be sitting in a lower position such as that in my Hobie Revolution 13 kayak which features an adjustable seat which can be lowered for improved stability in rough water conditions.
From a fishing view point the Hobie Mirage Compass comes fitted with two moulded-in rod holders, H-Track accessory mounts and the Lowrance Ready System for easy installation of a transducer for your Lowrance fish finder. Knowing the innovative nature of many Hobie fishos I’m sure there will be plenty of guys looking to trick up their Compasses with after-market accessories such as H Rail kits, livewells and various hatch modifications. Storage areas include a mesh covered bow storage area, stern storage area behind the seat and an 8 inch round Twist and Seal cockpit hatch.
The new Hobie Mirage Compass is constructed from super tough, roto-moulded polyethylene and is 3.66 metres long and 86 cm wide. It only has a fitted hull weight of 31 kg and fully rigged weight of 39 kg. It has a capacity of 181 kg and is available in two colours, slate blue and sea grass green. My test craft was kindly supplied by Hunter Water Sports at Belmont NSW (Ph. 02 49 477 899).
I was very impressed with the new Hobie Mirage Compass, particularly from a fishing viewpoint. It really takes the best features of the most popular Hobie models and combines them in a very affordable, simplified craft. It’s very stable, much like the famed Pro-Angler series, but cuts through the water like the sleeker Revo range. I would definitely recommend that any prospective kayak fisho go for a test drive of the new Hobie Mirage Compass at a local dealer.
It’s relatively light weight should see it become a popular car topper and it’s priced right, especially for those fishos looking to purchase their first serious fishing kayak.
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HERE.
