MirageDrive GT is supplied. Kick-Up Fins provide the power to charge through the water as never before. Logs, kelp, shallows, rocks, no problem.
April 30, 2021
By Florida Sportsman
Kayak fishing has boomed in popularity over the past few years, and with this growth spurt has come a lot of advances in new hull designs, integrated rod and tackle storage, electronics integration, plus developments in seating comfort and overall boat utility. Perhaps the most meaningful introductions have centered around kayak propulsion – beyond the traditional two-bladed paddle.
All of the newer MirageDrive systems feature the new Kick-Up Fins, which ensures your fins won't get damaged by structure lurking beneath the surface.
In terms of the human-powered options, no single introduction has been arguably as significant as Hobie's 1997 launch of the MirageDrive, the first leg-powered, pedal-driven power plant, with a unique fin propulsion system. This advancement heralded the way for improved hull designs for pure fishing applications, while freeing the angler's hands for rod manipulation, lure presentation, and for fighting fish.
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The MirageDrive GT with Glide Technology features legendary bioengineered performance. For reverse gear, see Hobie's other kayak lines with the MirageDrive 180 .
Hobie has made many improvements to the original MirageDrive since its launch nearly a quarter century ago. Advancements include more efficient fin designs, Glide Technology – where all moveable surfaces of the drive were put on bearings, followed by the MirageDrive 180, which allowed for the first time the drive to be rotated 180 degrees with the pull of a lever for forward and reverse operation.
The MirageDrive 180 with KickUp Turbo fins offers responsive propulsion, and a quick tug of a pull cord will reverse the fin array for backing up.
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Today we have the pinnacle of paddle craft control – the MirageDrive 360 – which allows the boat to be moved not only in forward or reverse, but in any other direction as well, diagonally, sideways, crab-walked, even spun on its axis for getting out of and into tight spots. The 360 Drive is as nimble as it is powerful, making it exciting to weave through obstacles and easy to stay on top of fish.
Diagonally, sideways, crab-walked, even spun on its axis for getting out of and into tight spots, you name it, the 360 does it.
For the kayak fisher, boat control can often be the defining factor of success, and no other human-powered propulsion system offers more precision, versatility and control than Hobie's new MirageDrive 360.
Flick of the wrist steers the MirageDrive360.
Available exclusively on the Pro Angler 12 and Pro Angler 14 360 Series . You've never seen a kayak move like this before.
While trying out anything new comes with a learning curve, the Hobie 360 series wants to help. On the top of the pedal drive sits a directional guide arrow for easier navigation. Adjust the pedal distance down here while your at it.
For more info on the MirageDrive 360 check out this video:
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Want more kayak content? Be sure to pick up a copy of Kayak Fishing Fun magazine available on newsstands now.
