Hobie Compass Gets MirageDrive 180 Upgrade and More

Popular cross-over kayak now more versatile than ever for fishing, touring, exploring and fun.

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (April 21, 2021) – Kayak fans who want to add more versatility and fun to their outings are sure to love the latest round of upgrades to the ever-popular Hobie Mirage Compass kayak series. Hobie, the leading manufacturer of premium kayaks and watersport products, upgraded the series late last year to incorporate enhanced versions of its signature MirageDrive, the original, patented, kayak pedal propulsion system.

The entire Mirage Compass line, one of the most versatile hulls in the Hobie lineup, now features the MirageDrive 180 propulsion system, allowing the kayak to move both forward and backwards with full power. The upgrade provides better access to tight pocket waters holding big fish plus improved, instantaneous boat control and positioning for a quieter approach. It also allows for more efficient lure presentation and gives anglers an added edge when hauling hawgs from sticky places.

Aside from being the original pedal driven system with decades of innovation and reliability backing their product, Hobie has several additional patented features which give the MirageDrive 180 a significant edge over any other pedal drive. First is the unique ST fin design and shape that makes Hobie fins the most efficient through the water and helps to shed debris such as grass. Second is the Kick-Up feature which allows the fins to break away upon contacting an underwater obstacle such as a rock or tree stump and pivot back into position with the stroke of the pedal crank. Third, is the ARC cranks which offer user-friendly leg adjustment with a convenient push button. Finally, covered in the patents, is the 180 technology which provides instantaneous full-power reverse with the pull of a lever. All of these combine to make the MirageDrive the most efficient, easy-to-use, durable and robust pedal drive to withstand the abuse from any waterway.

Additionally, the Camo colorway of the Mirage Compass will exclusively feature Hobie’s premium Turbo Fins, which incorporate a longer fin template to deliver increased speed, heightened responsiveness, and improved propulsion efficiency. The Mirage Compass offers maximum stability with an oversized cockpit and flat deck for standing. Its sharp turning radius makes it nimble in tight quarters while remaining quick across the open stretches.

Hobie’s Mirage Compass Duo, the highly customizable tandem kayak with two separate pedal drives, will also be enhanced to include one MirageDrive 180 and one MirageDrive GT, offering unprecedented dual maneuverability and smoother forward-and-backward capabilities. The combination will allow both users to enjoy Kick-Up Fin technology and give the aft user ultimate control when getting in and out of snug spots. For anglers, that means both kayakers can enjoy working a fishing area to its fullest potential.

All models in the Hobie Mirage Compass series include molded-in rod holders, H-Track accessory mounts, plus a transducer cavity ready for installation of Lowrance® and other brands of fish finders. They also come with a paddle. To get in a good upper body workout – or squeeze into extremely shallow water – simply remove the MirageDrive, insert the plug, and paddle along.

“The Hobie Mirage Compass is a great platform for those who include both fishing and general recreation in their kayak lifestyle,” says Morgan Promnitz, Director of Fishing Business Development for Hobie. “It’s lightweight, easy to launch, quick and responsive on the water, and incredibly stable. It’s a tremendous choice whether you are a serious angler or simply looking to tour and explore. This series really offers the best of all worlds.”

Starting at $2,349 ($2,499 for camo), Hobie’s newly upgraded Mirage Compass series offers an affordable entry price for those looking to join the fun and experience the great outdoors in all its glory. To purchase, consumers can use the dealer locator feature at www.hobie.com to find the authorized Hobie dealer closest to their location.