How much is reverse really used with mirage 180

Newbie here, looking at new Pro Angler 12 with reverse, but have opportunity to buy a 2015 model with no reverse at decent saving over new.

However, my only concern with 2015 is not having the new Mirage 180 with reverse capability. It seems people were fine with kayaks before reverse came around, so how often do people who fish with the Mirage 180 actually use the reverse feature?

I can probably save 500-700 over new, but if Mirage 180 is THAT useful maybe I'll just get new?

Thanks in advance.

I fish from a Hobie Sport that has reverse. I keep my boat on a lift in a dock on a lake. Reverse makes it easier to maneuver around the dock. It makes fishing easier because I don't have to put up the pole and net to unleash the paddle. If I get too close to shore, I just put it in reverse and back up. I think it will reduce wear and tear on my drive. I feel much safer with it, and I'm glad I paid the extra to get a boat that has it. To me it is well worth the extra cost.

I've only used my reverse less than the fingers on one of my hands.

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We have only older tandem Hobies without the 180 drive. When we are in harbors we turn one of the drives around so we have reverse if needed. The only other time I have used reverse is when we were diving next to huge rocks near shore and had to set the anchor with the boat 15 ft from shore, worked nicely, I would have liked the 180 drives that dayv very dangerous, we would have broke up on the rocks I'm sure.
FE

So one for one so far. #fish, to put in reverse and back don't you need two free hands? Does pulling cords get in way of anything?

Some people will find a use for them, some wont. You can always upgrade to one later if you like. A new boat will also come with full warranty so theres that to add into the value difference.

If you're fishing it's really nice to have reverse and definitely worth paying more. I've been fishing off Hobie Kayaks for 8 years and now that I have reverse I wouldn't be without it. Useful for both fresh & saltwater fishing.

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2016 Hobie i11s
2017 Hobie Revo 13

We have a modified TI that is around 20 ft long (with bow sprit), and over 12ft wide (widened), with the stock tiny rudder so it's not the most maneuverable boat in tight places like harbors. Plus we always have the tramps on so it's pretty hard to use the paddle. Also with 3 masts (even when furled the sails catch a little wind) moving around in harbors can be challenging when it's windy, I would think the mirage 180 drives would be a very useful addition. When I order our next TI (#4) it will definately have the 180 drives, I'm lookin forward to that.
Also when just in kayak mode (without the sails and ama's) the TI ( or any tandem yak) is a pretty large boat to be running down mild rapids and skinny rivers so having the 180 drives I think would be a big plus.
FE

If you can hold a rod in one hand for about 2 seconds, you can use one finger from either hand to reverse the Drive. It's pretty seamless once you've done it.

How useful reverse us to you depends a lot on what kind of fishing you do. If you fish near kelp beds, jetties, or structure, it's nice to be able to keep you and your fish clear. If you fish for larger fish, it's nice not to be hauled out of the area. If you fish in currents, it helps hold your position against moving water. While it's not necessary by any means, it's a useful tool. For non-fishing, it comes in handy, especially in tight areas or there is no room to swing a paddle. Regardless of it's utility, I enjoy the heck out of just using it.

dead end


no paddle room here

Thanks all. Tough decision, I do think it will be useful, I quess it will come down to savings on the 2015 I am looking at vs. a new one, if savings large enough maybe, if not I'll get new.

As OP, I wanted to come back and say I went new, and purchased a 2017 PA 12 today. Did demo today, liked reverse option but loved stability when standing, no problems what so ever. Pick up end of next week so can't wait to get out on water.

Thanks all.

I use the reverse a lot when fishing tight waters. I'm glad I have it and cannot imagine not having it.

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2017 Hobie Outback Papaya

Even if the 2015 had reverse(it doesn't). With only saving $500 to $700 over new, I would still buy new. First because its NEW, but mainly because it has warranty!!

I hope you all want the newer 2017 model with the new mirage 180 drive. Makes the older models far more affordable. Picked up a new 2014 Sport today for $1100, full warranty. Thank you

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Mark
Tandem Island- 2013
2 - Sports - 2014

Picked up 2017 PA 12 yesterday and put it on water today. Loved it, great fishing machine. And I am happy I got reverse, I almost went used but decided to stay with new. I actually used reverse a lot today. Would go forward into coves with current, then reversed out slowly all the while fishing hands free.....way cool.

Put Bonnedox on last night and what a nightmare, not an easy install at all.