Photo: Hobie
A sit-on-top kayak angler test out the new Hobie Mirage 180 pedal drive with a reverse mode.

Everyone was waiting for big news from Hobie and they unleashed the new MirageDrive 180 with reverse. Anglers have been asking for improved manoeuvrability and Hobie delivered at the 2016 ICAST tradeshow. The new MirageDrive features narrower fins than the current MirageDrive without sacrificing performance or speed. Pull a cord, and the MirageDrive flips 180 degrees to go in reverse. Hobie promises that the new drive goes just as fast backwards as forwards with no increase in noise or turbulencce. The new MirageDrive will fit in existing boats. Price on the MirageDrive 180 is still being calculated. Expect it to hit stores in 2017. We’re also stoked to see a new camo color pattern on the PA12 for a unique look or to hide the boat on backwater birding trips.

Hobie Mirage Drive 180

 

For exlusive video on the Hobie Mirage 180 from ICAST 2016, visit our Facebook page here.

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“Thank God my dad wasn’t a podiatrist,” Ric jokes about following in the footsteps of a famous outdoor writer. After graduating from Radford University and serving two years in Russia with the Peace Corps, Ric returned to Virginia Beach and started writing for The Fisherman magazine, where his dad was editor. When the kayak fishing scene exploded, Ric was among the first to get onboard. His 2007 book, The Complete Kayak Fisherman is one of the first how-to books to introduce anglers to paddle fishing. In 2010, Ric took on the role of editor at Kayak Angler magazine where he covered the latest trends in kayak fishing tactics, tackle, gear and destinations. A ravenous angler, Ric fishes from the mountain to the sea chasing everything from smallmouth bass to striped bass.

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