Hey Gang....I have been chatting with WadeMaster offline via PMs for a few days and since I had done this comparison for people here in JAX, I thought that I might as well post it here, based on the last few posts.
ReelPure was right on about the "reverse capability" of the new Hobie Mirage Drive....good input!!
Here is my PM to WadeMaster a couple of days ago:
Wademaster: I just want one that's reliable. The reverse is helpful i think. I could really care less about brand name.
LOL!!!
JOHN: Well, since I can sell ALL OF THESE, I have NO vested interest since I get paid for any of them!! LOL!!!
(1) HOBIE MIRAGE DRIVE KAYAKS by far have the most experience since they introduced their Mirage Drives (pedals) in 1997 on the Hobie Mirage kayaks. They are HQ and built in Oceanside, CA. They came out with the Outback model in 2001, and it remains their biggest seller....not TOO heavy at 82# without the pedals and seat, 12' 1" length, and wide enuff to be stable at 33", and has a wt. capacity of 400#. Open water and even the ocean is fine for them too!!
(I have the Revolution 11 that I won for a $20 raffle ticket in the JKF Classic tourney...11' 6" long, 29" wide, 64#, and a 275# capacity. They make a Revolution 13 which is slightly longer, bigger, etc.) I have been timed at 7.2 MPH in mine and I was not sprinting...but running from a thunderstorm gives you extra energy!!
The Pro Angler 12' and 14' models are the top of the line...bigger, heavier and more $$$.
(2) NATIVE SLAYER with PROPEL DRIVES: Build up in NC and have used the Propel (propeller) Drive that pedals like a bicycle...and has Reverse!! (The Hobie added Reverse this year in the 2017 models).
Native is now owned by Hurricane Kayaks also in NC...the did a "merger" last year since neither company was doing well financially. The Propel Drives have been out for probably 7-8 years. In the Slayer models, they can only go 4.5 mph based on their hull design. They require ALOT more care and maintenance and lubing since water (SALTWATER down here) can get inside their "sealed" covers. They weigh 18-19# compared to the Hobie Drive which weighs 6.6#.
They require approx. 18-19" of water in which to operate, or you removed them....the Hobie fins only require 3-4" of water and they can still operate, altho not full speed, in water that shallow.
On the Hobie Mirage Drives, all gears and parts and chains, etc. are stainless and they only need to be rinsed thoroughly after use, and spritzed with WD-40. The Native Slayers cost almost exactly what a Hobie of equal dimensions and size costs.
3. PERCEPTION AND WILDERNESS SYSTEMS PEDAL KAYAKS....are sister kayaks built up in South Carolina, and the Perception is always less expensive than Wildy....more cost efficient you might say!! They are "announced" products, since ICAST last summer, and have not started shipping yet. There will be several models eventually, and they appear to cost $300 - $500 less than Hobie or Native. They will use a pedal and propeller drive system similar to the Native Slayers.....since Hobie has a World Wide Patent on the Mirage Drives.
Wademaster: What's the best value for the money? Thanks!
If you could find a GOOD, USED Hobie from someone you know and trust...I would grab it!!! Only the NEW 2017 Hobies have the reverse, but later next year....2017....the Reverse Mirage will be available as a "replacement" for previous models, which may create a good used market for buyers like you!!
I would NOT buy a Used one without a test pedal on open water...like a lake or large pond.....
PRICING: We cannot quote discounts on new Kayaks since that violates our Dealer Agreement.
However, we can discount older models, even if they are still brand new, like any of the 2016 models. We can discount even deeper our Demo Models that are in our showroom....which is 12 steps from our dock on a 22 acre spring fed F/W lake!!!
That's about it I think...more questions are welcome of course. I am NOT trying to compete with the NC kayak dealers...just providing information for you. I wish that you were closer and could test pedal both Hobie and Native Slayer products, and YOU would see the differences!!! Take care....John