| Kayak Model | Hobie Outback | Native Watercraft Slayer Propel |
| Length | 12’ 1” | 13’ 2” |
| Width | 33" | 33" |
| Weight | 88.3 lbs | 101 lbs |
| Capacity | 400 lbs | 500 lbs |
| MSRP | $1,999.00 | $2,399.00 |
| Drive | Mirage Drive with Turbo fin upgrade (can be “fluttered” in shallow water) | Propel Drive (drive has reverse but must be removed in shallow water) |
| Drive User Height Adjustment | Mirage arms adjust | Seat slides forward or aft |
| Front Hatch | Covered front hatch (opens to entire hull) | Open front hatch (cover available, one scupper hole, sealed to the rest of the hull) |
| Other Hatches | Round center hatch, rear center hatch | Electronics console, small round hatch behind seat |
| Foot Pegs/Wells | Molded in foot wells | None |
| Seating | Classic kayak seat (butt on the deck) | Framed First Class seat (butt raised off deck) |
| Standing Surface | No "designed" standing platform (Round center hatch under your feet) | Flat standing platform (Standing area is padded) |
| Rod Holders | Four molded in (two forward, two aft) | One flush mount rod holder (opposite side of rudder control) |
| Tankwell | Large bungee tankwell with crate recess | Large bungee tankwell with bucket and crate recess |
| Rudder | Stowable rudder | Fixed rudder |
| Carry Handles | T-style rope handle bow and stern, one solid and one fabric handle in center | All solid foam-covered handles: bow, stern, and center |
| Accessory Mounting | Lowrance transducer mount ready | Electronics consoe and tracks on bow, cockpit, stern, and around console |
| Scupper Holes | Four (two under seat, two tankwell) | Nine (One bow hatch, six cockpit, two tankwell) |
| Cup Holder | Two built into hull | One on drive cover |
| Paddle Keepers | Two - bungee on each side | Available track-mount (not included) |
| Storage Tray/Accessory | Small accessory pouch on deck, recesses around cockpit | Plano tackle tray storage behind seat, recesses on drive cover |
| Sail Kit Available | Yes | No |
| Paddle Included | Yes | No |
Some things to consider after reading the features breakdown: Hobie’s Outback has been in production since 2001, while the new Slayer Propel started production in late 2013. Do you consider the Outback’s time in service an advantage or disadvantage? Is Hobie stuck in the past with the Outback’s design?
Native’s Propel drive has been in service for five years and has had three revisions, while the Mirage drive has been around since 1997 and had numerous revisions. Do sheer time in service and multiple revisions give the Hobie Mirage drive an advantage?
The Mirage drive can be operated in shallower water then the Propel drive by fluttering the drive fins instead of fully engaging them. The Propel drive allows you to go in reverse without having to remove the unit. Which is more important to you?
When everything is said and done, nothing can really help a person make up their mind better then taking both kayaks out for a test paddle/pedal. Our best recommendation would be to rent or borrow each kayak for a day of fishing. This will allow you to decide what features you like and dislike about each boat, and whether one drive is better than the other for your style of fishing. In the end, there is no perfect boat that will suit everyone.
Comments
Being slightly larger gives you a little extra room also is an advantage over the Outback.
Reverse? Without experiencing or demoing using reverse in a kayak, it isn't fair for me to comment.
Only the future will tell the tale. I did here, though the Outback is one of the oldest models for Hobie it was a top seller for them in 2013. I think the combination of price, stability, and standard features is still an attraction to a wide cross section of Kayak Anglers looking for a ready to fish, stable, and feature full kayak.
Where are you located?
Personally I prefer not having any rod holders and adding them myself. This way I can have what I want where I want.
I am looking for a Kayak that is easy to stand in and fly fish that can still be paddled in the shallows . I am afraid the Pro angler 14 is too wide to paddle and the Pro Angler 12 may be as well but no one around here has one to try. Really like the stability of the Pro Angler and if I thought the Slayer Propel was as stable to stand in I would probably buy it because of the width, anyone tried paddling both ? I currently have a Jackson Cuda.
I've paddled the PA 14 and it was not something I would want to do for long. But to be honest for the most part you can get away with flutter kicking the mirage drive and get through some pretty shallow stuff. The Slayer Propel 33" wide is very stable but is not as stable as the the PA 12 36" wide or PA 14 38" wide.
So, just out of interest, have you actually seen a Slayer or better yet paddled one? If that answer is NO, then how did you come to the decision that the Outback is far superior?
I get that you are a Hobie fan, and thats fine.
I have a Slayer propel and so far I am very impressed with its build and quality. Hope to get it in the water soon. Just a couple of things to attach..regards
I am very interested in your opinion when you get a chance to take it out, I am not interested in the outback at all and would love it if the Slayer would fit all of my needs , ability to paddle, stand, and peddle. The Hobie most people say you can only peddle I want to be able to do both and still have the stability to stand comfortably. The dealer by my home has always taken excellent care of my wife and I so would actually prefer to buy the slayer as he does not sell Hobie. Please let us know how how you like it when you get it out !
I am from RI but currently live in Maryland. Would it be possible to meet up with you come spring on the Narragansett Bay? I am new to this site; I hope you don't mind the intrusion. My email is k43098
I have been considering the Slayer Propel vs the Hobie Pro Angler 12.
I am looking for a Kayak that is easy to stand in and fly fish that can still be paddled in the shallows . I am afraid the Pro angler 14 is too wide to paddle and the Pro Angler 12 may be as well but no one around here has one to try. Really like the stability of the Pro Angler and if I thought the Slayer Propel was as stable to stand in I would probably buy it because of the width, anyone tried paddling both ? I currently have a Jackson Cuda."
Are you wanting to sell the Cuda?
Yes, make an offer I have 4 kayaks in Garage and need to make room. Send me your email if interested if thats allowed.
If you will be getting in and out of the kayak while on the water I would go with the Slayer, its a wider boat and has more initial stability. If you have the option to get an Outback or Pro Angler I would say use either one of those over the Slayer.