Almost a decade ago Greg Ketterman’s skunk works kayak project created the very first Mirage Classic pedaling kayak. Back then no one could have known that the Mirage pedal mechanism would grow into what it is today. From one model to twelve models in multiple lines, the Hobie Mirage line-up has evolved beyond just another brand of kayaks to an entire new sporting goods category. Just like Jake Burtons first snowboard wasn’t a different kind of ski, Mirage pedaling kayaks aren’t even close to being just another kind of kayak.
There are three things that jump out at you the first time you hop into a Mirage kayak. First, the kayaks are much faster than you think they should be. It’s hard to explain but it feels like the boats are going faster than the amount of effort you put into pedaling. Yeah, it sounds a little spacey but everyone is impressed with how quick these boats are.
Second, the kayaks are noticeably more stable than a like sized paddling kayak. When the kayak is stationary in the water it feels as stable or as tippy as any other kayak. Once you start pedaling though, the Mirage hydro sails back and forth motion under the kayak have a tremendous stabilizing effect over the kayak. Even people that aren’t necessarily comfortable in kayaks will agree that as long as you keep pedaling, Mirage kayaks are incredibly stable.
Third, your hands are free! For traditional kayakers it’s a strange feeling. Mirage kayaks have a super neat rudder and steering control lever that is ergonomically located so your hand naturally falls right to the lever when you’re sitting in the seat. Point the lever in the direction you want to go and the rudder immediately responds and turns the boat. Fisher-people are in heaven because for the first time they don’t have to hold a paddle. Photographers have a super silent sneak-up boat that can get them into the closest hard-to-get shots. And regular folks can eat, read, work the GPS or just cruise around without having to hold a paddle. |
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As the Hobie line has evolved, it can be best understood by grouping the 9 models into three categories; SUV, Touring and Adventure Touring.
SUV Group-
The SUV group of Mirage kayaks are our most stable boats. They’re a tad wider and a bit more boxier in their design than our touring kayaks. Whether you’re landing that lunker fish or you’re looking for the most stable platform on the water, the SUV kayaks are the right kayaks for you.
• Hobie Mirage i9S Inflatable
• Hobie Mirage i12S Inflatable
• Hobie Mirage i14T Inflatable Tandem
• Hobie Mirage Sport
• Hobie Mirage Outback
• Hobie Mirage Outfitter
Touring Group- The Touring group kayaks are our best paddling, Mirage kayaks. They have the sleekest lines and are quite noticeably the fastest boats in our line. Whether you’re looking for the most efficient boat to cover long distances or the easiest boat to circumnavigate the neighborhood pond the Touring group boats are the fastest, most efficient Mirage kayaks in the line.
• Hobie Mirage Revolution
• Hobie Mirage Adventure
• Hobie Mirage Oasis
Specialty Group- Just like the first snowboard was way more than just a wide ski, the Mirage Adventure Island and the Mirage Pro Angler models are much more thant “regular” kayaks. The Adventure Island has become one of our most popular Mirage models because it can be set up as three different kayaks. With the sails and outriggers it’s our fastest sailing kayak. With the sail and outriggers removed it’s in the Adventure mode, our fastest pedaling single. With the Mirage drive removed and the drive well plugged it’s our best paddling boat.
It may sound like a cliché’ to describe the Pro Angler as the ultimate fishing machine but we think it is! Incredibly stable with room for all your rods and all your gear the Pro Angler will allow you to sneak up on the big ones in the quiet backwaters and will handle big water and waves better than any of our other fishing kayaks.
• Hobie Mirage Adventure Island
• Hobie Mirage Pro Angler
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