Some advice needed...

Hey, I need some advice... I have been researching the PA and following this forum for a while. I have been waiting for nearly a month on a PA to arrive at a dealer that has an on-site pool to demo kayaks. Unfortunately, both PA's on the truck sold the same day they arrived (today). My area for advice, is should I order one without demoing it? I have limited experience with kayaks, but have been fishing for a while. I have a bass boat, but often times I have no way of transporting it. Would it be crazy for me to order one without demoing it? Did all of you demo one before buying? After spending hours on this website, and others, I do not see a way I could be unhappy with a PA. They seem to be amazing... I figured this would be the best place to get some sound advise. Thanks for any help.
-Mitch

just buy it!, but remember it is heavy to handle by your self so a set of wheels is a must!

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I knew I wanted one before I had a chance to try one out. I actually tried one out, hoping that it would allow me to think...in my head...that all the hype was not worth the money. I was soooooooooooooo wrong. After I tried one out I became hooked and determined to get one. I started fueling my fantasies of the PA by researching almost all the youtube videos, various forums, rigging strategies and so forth.

I purchased one a couples of weeks ago and I have to tell you...I love this boat. I say this having paddled and owned different kayaks since 2005. I would never buy a boat w/o trying one out, especially if you have nothing to compare it to. With that said, I am certain you will find nothing on the PA that will make you think...Dang I shouldn't have bought this.

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2011 HPA
2006 Wildy Ride 135
2019 Hobie Compass
2020 Hobie Outback

I had a number reasons I was unable to test the various models or even the PA. I knew I was getting a kayak , so I evaluated what I wanted from a kayak, for me it was stability and comfort (62yrs). Also how much are you going to get out of test drive. I read everything I could on Hobies and decided to go with the PA. Plus you can't get hurt to bad if it's not for you, they have great resale value.

The only negative of the PA is what makes it a good kayak for my needs, it is big and it is heavy. I purchased a used jet ski trailer prior to getting the PA and was happy I did, makes it so much easier. Also where are you going to use it, my expectation prior to purchase was 90 percent back water and it's been 100 percent. Also a good read is Jon Sheins, Kayak Fishing which addresses kayaks, clothing, safety and fishing.

With my limited exposure to other kayaks, I can only comment on mine. The learning curve was about 30 minutes. It was very easy to peddle and amazingly responsive. Any questions don't hesitate to ask.

I plan on mostly using it in ponds and lakes. No ocean voyages in the near future. Thanks for the replies, you guys work fast. Lol

Get It!! If you really LOVE fishing then this is the "boat" to get. For access to the water; any body of water...you can't beat it.

In the summer of 09 when I was looking at Hobies there were no Pro Anglers anywhere that I could find to try out so I bought one when I found a dealer that had one in stock. I did demo the Hobie Sport, Outback, and Revolution for my son, we ended up with a OB for him.

I knew I wanted one before I took mine out for a demo. I went out on a demo and after the first 20yrds I had to have one. It's a awesome ride.

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http://www.kayakbassfishing.com Pro Staff
http://www.yakattack.us Pro Staff
http://www.mariner-sails.com
http://www.TFOrods.com

If you try the Pro Angler, you will buy the Pro Angler. So, don't fret skipping the demonstration. All that said, I concur with others that you should be prepared for transporting, and storing, your PA. It's worth the time to review the variety of options folks have shared on this site (I've previously posted descriptions and pics of the storage lift in my garage and the Yakima rack system on my vehicle) and going to some effort and expense to make it easy to transport and put your PA to bed. If it's not easy to store and move, then you won't use it as often as you should, and that would be a darn shame.

Good luck!

TDK

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Anonymous - "The gods do not subtract from the alloted span of men's lives the hours spent fishing."

I tried and used most every kayak with paddles that I could and was unhappy with the performance - I am big at 300# and 6'2" my little wife at 105# had her skinny and very fast kayak - I was always miles behind her on the water. After trying out the PA I was able to stay along side her without any effort really and actually have to slow down in wind and waves for her to keep up now. I love that no paddle wash lands in your boat or on your lap. I love the use of my hands when fishing and I can wear gloves in late season and not get my hands wet or even cold. The PA is by far the best investment ever. I have a full size fish finder, GPS on board, rod holders and I use a trailer to transport. Hobie has a cradle system specifically designed for the PA - I would highly recommend getting them and also a good scupper cart. Other than that - you just simply can't go wrong. I chose a lighter color so I could be seen on the water too. Buy it and have fun.

Thanks everyone for your help, if the dealer can not work something out for me then i will just order one off the internet. I look forward to being part of the Hobie family soon.

Mitch,
All kayaks are a compromise in something. I have 2 Native Ultimate 14.5's which I love. When I go to Arkansas and ride rocky streams fishing for smallmouth, they are perfect. When I am in bigger water, lakes, ponds, salt water, long distances,etc. the PA is a much better choice. I am a relatively new PA owner and am still learning, but so far I love the PA. There is no perfect kayak, but the PA is a very good option for many reasons.

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The enemy of "GOOD" is "BETTER"

The pro angler was the first kayak i had ever fished from and did not regret the purchase. I fish saltwater and the PA handles a lot while being easy to operate and keeping dry. I demoed only to satisfy my wife, but knew it was a done deal.

In summary, do it!!

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Mhamaker

2012 Hobie Pro Angler
Ivory Dune

Mate just buy it, it's an investment u won't regret, sure it's big, sure it's heavy, but owe what a yak, I went out the other day in mine and well blown away by all things it is PERFECT, I never had a try before u buy cause for me there was nothing else that comes anywhere near a pro angler. U will not regret it.

Cheers
Rick

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Pro Angler 2012 (Olive)

Here is another post for "just buy it." If you have a way to transport it, you are going to love it! I researched and looked at YouTube videos and knew it was for me. No regrets!

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Kayak Corpsman, 2012 Hobie Pro Angler