Hobie Mirage Compass Review

The Hobie Mirage Compass is 12 feet long and weighs 83 pounds. It is a sit-on-top dual-mechanism boat with foot pedals, a rudder, and a two-piece break-down paddle with a spot to store it by your side. The seat is removable, which is nice for sitting on the beach or making a pit stop, and out of all the kayaks we tested, we found this to be one of the most comfortable options for longer days.

Performance Comparison

Glide and Tracking

The wide hull design of the Mirage Compass adds more surface area and, therefore, resistance, hindering the natural paddle-powered glide of this kayak. However, with the assistance of pedal power, it is possible to get the Mirage flying at quite some speed.

The opportunity to switch between paddling and pedaling also allows kayakers to keep moving for longer, as they can interchange between propulsion methods to give their limbs a rest as needed.

Once the kayak is up to speed, the hand-controlled rudder allows you to keep this kayak tracking straight for a long period, even once you've stopped exerting energy. Only the narrowest kayaks outperformed the much wider (and more comfortable) Mirage in terms of tracking.

Stability

The large, wide, flat hull gives this kayak an exceptionally stable foundation. We were comfortable standing up in the Mirage Compass and think it could be a suitable fishing platform for a mid-sized person. Even on moving water, this boat remains balanced.

The pedal system adds to this kayak's stability. Testers were initially concerned that knocking the fins on underwater objects would set the paddler off balance. However, after our testing period, we were impressed that the kick-up system worked much better than anticipated.

Maneuverability

The steering control on the kayak requires some short assembly before first use. We suggest leaving yourself some time to set this up before your first excursion. Once assembled, you can control the rudder using a palm-sized dial next to the kayak seat. We appreciated having the option to control the kayak with one hand, however when navigating tight turns downstream, getting our paddle in the water to achieve the control we needed was usually the better option.

Given this kayak's size, we were impressed with its maneuverability. Compared to other large-volume kayaks, we consider the Mirage Compass to be more maneuverable. In addition, it has the unique option to engage reverse pedal propulsion, further expanding the maneuverability of this craft in tight spaces.

Ease of Transport

Winning no awards for portability, the Mirage Compass is one of the heaviest we tested, floating in at a whopping 86 pounds. Some of this extra weight comes from the pedal mechanism (which can be removed and carried separately). Despite this option, it's just a heavy kayak overall.

Designed to be moved by two people (or a cart), the handles at either end of the Mirage are slightly padded and ergonomically molded. But, as the kayak is really heavy, carrying it is still an uncomfortable experience for anything but the very shortest of walks. There are handles on the sides that should be useful for extra helping hands to carry or maneuver, but the shallow depth of these handles made them pretty useless when lugging around such a hefty weight.

There isn't a skid plate on this kayak, so you better not drag it more than a few yards (and from the back due to the rudder). To transport this kayak, you need a friend or, better still, a wheeled cart.

Comfort

With numerous features specifically designed around the paddler's comfort, the Mirage Compass excelled in this metric, surpassing almost all the other kayaks we tested.

The mesh seat is adjustable, ensuring you can get decent airflow and the back support you need. If you plan on an extended break on your journey, you can take the comfort of the Mirage Compass with you. Simply unhook the two bungee secure clips, and you can pop the chair off the kayak and carry it to the perfect shady picnic spot on the beach.

The open, flat deck pad allows you to stretch your legs or stand up. In addition, there are multiple storage spots, including two open compartments (with bungee secures) and one closed dry hatch. The inside storage compartment has a narrow, circular access point but opens up to the full hull space of the kayak. Paddlers should be careful, as it can be difficult to fit large items in the space, but easy to lose small items inside.

Construction Quality

The engineering behind the pedal assist system is impressive, not only for its effective forward and reverse propulsion but also for its ability to self-protect by kicking back into the kayak if it hits an obstacle. While navigating down gentle rivers, we were very cautious about getting knocked off course by hitting objects or damaging the mechanism. However, testers were pleasantly surprised at how effectively this system works to protect itself from damage.

This kayak has many moving parts, which increases the chances of something breaking on you. In particular, the pedal mechanism benefits from regular attention and maintenance to ensure it does not get clogged with river debris.

Should You Buy the Hobie Mirage Compass?

Those looking for a high-quality craft will appreciate the Mirage. It is packed full of features and also has numerous additional extras you can choose to add should you wish. If your stability is key and you want to pedal on your journey, this may be your kayak.

What Other Kayaks Should You Consider?

If speed and cruising distance is your main goal, and you don't plan to lounge around, the Dagger Stratos 12.5 S has a narrower profile, offering less resistance and more performance. If you are looking for a stable kayak that has fewer bells and whistles than the Mirage at a lower cost, opt for the Perception Hangtime or Jackson Staxx, both of which come in under half the price, but also provide a flat, stable platform that you can cast a line from.