CONFLICTED, Hobie Outback LE #236

[Salty Dog]

So OK, after posting about my Cuda 14 and loving the purity of the paddle, I just brought home a Hobie Outback LE #236 that I pre-ordered and purchased from Delaware Paddle Sports. Before I start talking about why, I first would like to STATE, this shop and these guys are awesome. Cudos to Brian, Chris, John, Allen and the rest of the crew for allowing me to make my decision with absolutely no pressure throughout the year, and just answering my questions. I have found my home shop for Kayak Fishing.

Now for the why, I have fished with a few outback owners and notice how the outback allowed them full access to fishing without having to paddle. I still plan on paddling and at this time do not plan on selling my Cuda 14, which I really enjoy on the water. I tried a few demos this past year of the outback and my only concern was a bad knee, that did not bother me during my demo time. When I started to push hard on the mirage drive, i noticed some discomfort, but also notice the discomfort disappeared when I did not push so hard.

Thanks to the post from Snagged Liners, I am thinking Cowpokey and probably others, (if you can climb steps without discomfort, you can use a mirage drive)

In closing for the Hobie gang, you will have another on the water, for the purist of the paddle, you might still see me depending on the situation on the water.

Most important of my choice for the Outback LE is my favorite color (Orange). After adding all the add ons from the standard outback package, the color the LE swayed my decision.

Hobie Outback LE #236 in the World.

NOW FOR THE RIGGING!

[dasher]

DPS is really awesome & goes the extra mile! Welcome to the world of peddlers!

[Shady]

Congrats, thats a nice yak. But, where's the conflicted part?

[Cowpokey]

I've only heard good things about Delaware Paddle Sports.

Congrats on the new Outback! Can't wait to see you on the water again, but with the new boat!

You shouldn't need to do much drilling while rigging, just find a place for the fish finder base (ehhemm, cup holder, RAM mount 1" ball).

From what I hear/read, one of the best updates Hobie did for the 2016 kayaks is a new wire passthrough that will take all three wires for a Lowrance Elite series, that's a win. That center hatch for the LE is a sweet factory upgrade too. If they made a Lime Green with all that, I would buy another new Outback.

[Cowpokey]

Thanks to the post from Snagged Liners, I am thinking Cowpokey and probably others, (if you can climb steps without discomfort, you can use a mirage drive)

It will take some getting used to. You'll need to find the sweet spot for your pedal adjustment. You want your knees to still have a slight bend at full extension of the pedal stroke. Don't set it so your knee(s) reach full extension, to the point they would lock if standing. It is not a cyclist "stroke" (circles), but it is a cyclist "thing" when it comes to the mechanics of the human knee. You want to adjust the pedals so you just miss hitting full extension with your legs, or shorter if that is more comfortable for you.

Edit add: don't bottom out the pedals with the fins hitting the hull every stroke, that will be hard on the mirage drive. Edit end.

Hope I didn't repeat myself too much in attempting to convey the thought. Welcome to the dark side!

[Salty Dog]

Congrats, thats a nice yak. But, where's the conflicted part?

Paddle verses peddle

[Salty Dog]

Congrats, thats a nice yak. But, where's the conflicted part?

Paddle verses peddle

[Salty Dog]

It will take some getting used to. You'll need to find the sweet spot for your pedal adjustment. You want your knees to still have a slight bend at full extension of the pedal stroke. Don't set it so your knee(s) reach full extension, to the point they would lock if standing. It is not a cyclist "stroke" (circles), but it is a cyclist "thing" when it comes to the mechanics of the human knee. You want to adjust the pedals so you just miss hitting full extension with your legs, or shorter if that is more comfortable for you.

Edit add: don't bottom out the pedals with the fins hitting the hull every stroke, that will be hard on the mirage drive. Edit end.

Hope I didn't repeat myself too much in attempting to convey the thought. Welcome to the dark side!

Thanks for the advice, Giving it a go on friday on the flats.

[mebe007]

It will take some getting used to. You'll need to find the sweet spot for your pedal adjustment. You want your knees to still have a slight bend at full extension of the pedal stroke. Don't set it so your knee(s) reach full extension, to the point they would lock if standing. It is not a cyclist "stroke" (circles), but it is a cyclist "thing" when it comes to the mechanics of the human knee. You want to adjust the pedals so you just miss hitting full extension with your legs, or shorter if that is more comfortable for you.

Edit add: don't bottom out the pedals with the fins hitting the hull every stroke, that will be hard on the mirage drive. Edit end.

Hope I didn't repeat myself too much in attempting to convey the thought. Welcome to the dark side!

I was told by Matt Miller from hobie (in person convo) to set the mirage drive so your leg is at full extension. He said at full extension you do not want to hit the hull.

[Mark]

Freddie,

You’re probably going to ding the fins a bit on rocks, stumps and perhaps bottom out a few times until you get familiar with them. The good news is that the Mirage Drive is amazingly durable and forgiving during your learning curve. After a while it will become second nature for you to know when to feather the fins to protect them from obstructions.

Congrats on your purchase.

[Salty Dog]

Freddie,

You’re probably going to ding the fins a bit on rocks, stumps and perhaps bottom out a few times until you get familiar with them. The good news is that the Mirage Drive is amazingly durable and forgiving during your learning curve. After a while it will become second nature for you to know when to feather the fins to protect them from obstructions.

Congrats on your purchase.

Thanks for the advice, depending on the weather I gona start on the learning curve on Friday.

[Cowpokey]

I was told by Matt Miller from hobie (in person convo) to set the mirage drive so your leg is at full extension. He said at full extension you do not want to hit the hull.

I don't know who Matt Miller is. My opinion and suggestions are based solely on personal experience. I'm still new to the Hobie life, just wrapping up my second season...maybe 500-600 hours, somewhere in the 1,000-1,200 mile range total; if I had to guess...maybe less. I honestly don't know. Miles pedaled per fish caught (dinks count ) I have a pretty high average, compared to what the community fishermen (aka liars) are willing to post. LOL

[dasher]

Matt Miller is a technical hobie rep who monitors the hobie forums. He is pretty sharp.

[Delaware Paddlesports]

Thanks for the Kind words Freddy T. Enjoy that new outback!

[Salty Dog]

I don't know who Matt Miller is. My opinion and suggestions are based solely on personal experience. I'm still new to the Hobie life, just wrapping up my second season...maybe 500-600 hours, somewhere in the 1,000-1,200 mile range total; if I had to guess...maybe less. I honestly don't know. Miles pedaled per fish caught (dinks count ) I have a pretty high average, compared to what the community fishermen (aka liars) are willing to post. LOL

Between the seat adjustments and pedal adjustments I am sure I will spend most of my time trying to find the most comfortable position without too much pain. Thanks for all the help.