Cool watertoys alert: Hobie Cat has two new models in its ever-increasing lineup of kayaks, with one of the two also winning a prestigious award.
The Mirage Revolution 11 (pictured) and Quest 11, each about 11 feet long and 2’5” wide, are aimed at sportfishing enthusiasts who like to stalk their fish in the shallows, but even non-angling kayakers can appreciate their benefits. For example, fishermen who use kayaks as their preferred platform favor compact and light craft, and definitely maneuverable ones. Straight-up kayakers have the same priorities. The Mirage Revolution 11 and Quest 11 each fit the bill. In fact, the Mirage Revolution 11 garnered a New Product Showcase Best of Show award at the recent ICAST show, which is the world’s largest sportfishing trade show.
There are subtle differences between the two. The Quest 11 is a pure paddle model. The Mirage Revolution 11, meanwhile, employs Hobie Cat’s famous MirageDrive pedal system. In brief, the system features foot pedals attached to underwater flippers (picture a penguin’s wings), which propel the craft. No need for hand paddles; Hobie Cat says you can actually cruise faster with the MirageDrive, too, since you’re using your leg muscles, more numerous than your arm muscles.
Otherwise, the Mirage Revolution 11 and the Quest 11 have similar features. There’s a hatch in the cockpit area for stowing gear. The seatbacks on both models are padded and provide lumbar support. Each kayak also features molded-in mid-boat carrying grips, making it easy to carry the craft down a beach or lift back onboard a yacht. Anglers among you will appreciate the two molded-in rod holders and an optional livewell. Both can bear a total weight load of 300 pounds. And both come in a handful of colors, like blue, red, and ivory.
The suggested retail price for the Mirage Revolution 11 is $1,749; it’s $949 for the Quest 11. Both kayaks are made in the United States.
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