Sport, Outback, or Revo. Which one??

Hi Lisa! Bought myself a Revo tonight! It's being delivered tomorrow morning...I can't wait! Hope your demo went well. - Darin

Well, I got rained out again. We rescheduled for this Wednesday. It's raining again now, so hopefully I can catch a break next week. Congrats on the Revo, what color did you get? I'm jealous. Lisa

I wanted blue but all they had in stock was the Ivory Dune. The neutral color is really growing on me and I'm kinda glad now as I don't have to worry about it fading. Took it out yesterday with the whole family taking turns. Great fun and the kids riding in the back went very well except when they kept dragging their feet in the water(really slows you down!) Wanted to go out again today but it's raining here in NY too. The Revo seems pretty fast even with the standard fins. The dealer suggested using the Turbos but I wanted to try the basic ones first to get a feel for the difference. I had to return one of the life vests I bought from him for store credit so I'll probably use that to upgrade. I also bought the Trax wheels. They worked great on the rocks as well as the softer sand on this particular beach. The boat was very stable I even took it through some 2-3 foot wakes from the passing boats. Never even felt close to tipping over! Plenty of storage onboard and everything stayed dry. It was funny there were several other Hobie owners out at this beach and we all instantly bonded and had fun talking about our boats and where to go. I feel like a member of the exclusive Hobie Club! Good luck and Good Shopping!!! -Darin

I bought the Outback without testing any of the three kayaks. Why? I do a lot of trolling with my boat and I like the idea of having the rod holders in front of me rather than behind as they would be in the Rev. and Sport. I also like the easy of turning when I go out on the rivers. I also bought the turbo fins and I can keep up with most other line of the Hobie Kayaks around. In fact, the turbo fins made a remarkable difference in my boat. I also bought a Sport for my daughter and I have tried that out as well. It is nice but it does seem to be quite tippy, and the boat rocks side to side on each pedal stroke. As a 230 lb adult, I would not buy a Sport for myself.

Gurkman,
The reason the Sport might be quite tippy is it is rated at 225 lbs. The Outback is 400 lbs with the Revo at 350 lbs.
My wife has a Sport and at 250 lbs it doesn't work for me. I have a Revo and love it. However, fishing is secondary for me.

Bruce

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Everything before 60 is just a rehearsal!

Well, the rain held out and I finnaly got to test drive the Sport, and the Revo. I tried every senerio with each of them. I peddled, paddled, stood on each one, and carried one of my sons with me also. I decided on the Revo. I liked the speed, manuverability, and stability of the Revo. Plus, I tried my 60 lb. son on the back with no problem, and then dropped him off and had my 35 lb son sit in the front hatch. They had a ball. Funny thing is while I was on the Revo, my 9 year old took out the Sport and loved it. So, were looking into buying both now. I do think the upgraded turbo fins would be worth it, and I was impressed with the turning radius of the standard rudder, but will conside the larger rudder in the future. Looking forward to our up coming camping trip to take it out for a longer spin, and do some fishing. Thanks for everyone's advice, this is a great forum! Happy Hobieing!! Lisa

Congrats Lisa! Good luck with your new Revolution! A fine choice. I had my 7 year old twins out this morning taking turns peddling my Revo on their own. I paddled beside them with the other kid in my neighbor's Kona. They really did well! What color did you choose? Let me know how you like the Turbo Fins. I'm still thinking about upgrading. Best, Darin

I got the yellow. The sport they have in stock is dune, and my son's really want a red one, so we might have to wait and see for them. Maybe Santa can bring some upgrades.(fins,rudder,ff)

Thanks for the clarification, Bruce. I was not putting the Sport down. In fact, I was quite impressed by the Sport's handling. I just meant that it is not the right kayak for me because of my size.

Congrats on your new Revolution Lisa !!! Hats off for getting the kids in involved !!

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2008 Revo Fish
Sailing Rudder
ST Fins
Hobie Rod Extensions
Eagle Cuda 168 FF
Up/Down Line/Cleat Rudder Upgrade

I just bought a PA for fishing. I want to get another Hobie for my son who is around 6'1" and 180 lbs. we have tried the Sport and Outback but not the Revolution. we swapped the turbo fins from my PA with the OB and the OB will fly with them!
we felt very stable in the OB, but how will the Revo compare? is it just as stable or more tippy? I do not like the Sport, too tippy and cramped for me (6'3" and 205 lbs.).
thanks for any first hand experience.

My suggestion is to try the Revolution. I have a Revo & my wife a Sport. The Revo is quieter & a little faster. I is fun to sail & your son might enjoy that as an added feature. The Outback has a little more room for fishing gear so it really is a judgment call on your end. People seem to like the Revo as its versatile. But others like the Outback.
Now you are really confused, right?

Bruce

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Everything before 60 is just a rehearsal!

Whereas the beamier Outback is more stable, the Revolution has excellent stability. You have to make a deliberate effort to capsize it. Here's some guy standing up on his for some reason.


The Sport has a smaller cockpit than the other Hobie kayaks. About 180# and 5' 10" are near the upper limits of its comfort zone for most people so it's not surprising that you felt it to be a little confining.

By the rudder it is the best and cheapest option Hobie offers!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Again, Just picked up my Revo today, and hubby and I took the kids out for a few hours. First run, I had my 6 year old in the front hatch, and my 9 year old on the back. What a blast. Now, of course they wanted to switch seats, so over to the dock we go. My older one stood up and jumped right onto the dock, as my little one soon followed. The kayak is very stable and not at any point was I concerned about dumping one of them. Now, it was dad's turn. He took the older one for a farther spin around the lake, then came back and we let our 9 year old (who can swim) take it out alone right in front of the dock. He was flying. The kayak, life vest, wheel cart, just under 2k. The smiles on my boys faces. PRICELESS!!
Thanks Hobie, for a great product. Maybe tomorrow we can bring a rod or two Lisa