2014 vs 2015 Hobie "Outback"

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Friday, 05 December 2014 00:00

2014 vs 2015 Hobie "Outback" - A comparison

Written by Richard Ofner

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The Hobie “Outback” was the company's first kayak aimed directly for the kayak fishing market. It continues to be their top-selling fishing kayak to date. Because of its continued success, Hobie has left a great design alone sticking with the mantra: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. – until the 2015 model.

Hobie upgraded the seat, moving from the classic sit-on-top style seat to the “Vantage CT” seat. The framed Vantage CT seat is a modified version of the “Pro Angler” Vantage seat that was first introduced on the 2012 “PA 12”. The updated seat is a vast improvement over the original keeping the kayak angler out of the water and fully supporting their back and rear.It weighs 6lbs and has a capacity of 275lbs, with four points where adjustments can be made:

• Seat back

• Seat bottom

• Lumbar support

• High position

The 2015 Outback's cockpit has been almost totally redesigned. Hobie listened to the kayak fishing community and implemented many of the additions they have been requesting for years:

• Flattened deck to make it easier to stand

• Molded in foot rests have been moved forward slightly

• The single mesh pocket was removed and replaced with side mesh pockets

• The two handles have been repositioned in the cockpit

• The cupholder now drains

Hobie decided to leave the hull below the waterline alone, so you will not find any changes here. What Hobie did do was add the all- new Mirage Drive, with ST Blue Fins and glide technology and roller bearings. Hobie took their top-selling fishing kayak and made it even better for 2015.

Read 15365 times Last modified on Tuesday, 13 January 2015 14:29

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Richard Ofner

Richard Ofner started fishing in the fall of 2008 from a kayak, targeting all freshwater species. He has fished all over the Great Lakes Region from Lake Michigan, Lake Superior to the French River, and Bay of Quinte in Eastern Ontario. Taking advantage of all the opportunities Southwestern Ontario has to offer, Richard seeks out trophy Muskie, Walleye and Bass which can all be caught minutes away from where he lives. The last few years Richard has ventured into Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas participating in several Kayak Fishing Tournaments.

He has organized the Border City Classic, in Windsor, Ontario which has grown to become one of the Great Lakes Region’s largest Kayak Fishing Events. It is also one of the Hobie World Qualifiers since 2014.

During the winter months where he can't get on the water he will do seminars, work fishing and boat shows, and write for blogs to help promote the areas vast resource of fishing opportunities and helping others to discover the sport of kayak fishing. Taking videos and pictures on the water of other people fishing in kayaks has also expanded into his kayak fishing experience.
As a Hobie Fishing Team Member you may see Richard out in one of his Mirage Driven Kayaks mainly targeting Walleye, Bass, and Muskie, and will travel a few hours to target Salmon, Trout, and Sturgeon.

Website: greaterontariokayakangling.com

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Comments

+1 # Robert Field 2014-12-05 11:17

How could you forget the cup holders now drain? That's the biggest upgrade in my opinion!

# YakSushi 2014-12-05 12:28

Quoting Robert Field:

How could you forget the cup holders now drain? That's the biggest upgrade in my opinion!

Ahhhh! Updated! Thanks Robert!

# ack-yak 2014-12-16 18:30

My buddy and 3 thousand pre 2015 outback owners want to know if Hobie intends to retrofit the new seat to their older outbacks?? Huge market to make loads of $$$.........Are there any plans to help out your outback fleet?

ack-yak

# Ken W. 2014-12-18 16:52

I just bought my first kayak which is the 2015 Hobie Outback. I had previously tested the 2014 model. The seat in the 2015 is much more comfortable and I use the new Turbo fins.

The 2015 is a pleasure to pedal and I am fishing the Bay side in the Florida Keys. I am extremely happy with my purchase and I will use it to fish lakes up north as well as use it in the Keys.

# charles hutcheson 2016-03-14 16:16

Owned my Hobie 6 years now, and yes I would like a more comfortable seat. When you get to be almost 70 every little advantage helps

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