{"id":3325,"date":"2021-04-29T15:38:15","date_gmt":"2021-04-29T15:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/?p=3325"},"modified":"2021-09-13T21:54:44","modified_gmt":"2021-09-13T21:54:44","slug":"hobie-mirage-revolution-11-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/hobie-mirage-revolution-11-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Hobie Mirage Revolution 11 Review [2023]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Today the market is filled with durable and reliable hard-sided kayaks for recreational or fishing purposes. But what if you want to do a little bit of both and don\u2019t feel like paddling the whole time?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The California based kayak company Hobie has been fine-tuning their designs since the 50s and have recently set their sights on the world of pedal kayaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our Hobie Revolution 11 review<\/a><\/strong>, we\u2019ll break down one of these pedal kayak designs that serves as both a reliable recreational kayak<\/strong> with just enough features to satisfy that angling itch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want a portable and cheap pedaling kayak<\/strong> with a bit more versatility than some more expensive options, you may have found what you\u2019re looking for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check Availability<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Things to Consider Before Buying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Like most kayaks in this category, the Revolution 11 is a \u201csit-on-top\u201d kayak<\/strong>. These boats generally have good stability to go along with a big, open deck that gives you plenty of room to move around and are easy to get in and out of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that big open deck does mean that you\u2019re more exposed to the elements<\/strong>. If you live in a cold or rainy environment, you should be prepared to get a little cold and wet. Wear proper gear when on the water, or consider going with a \u201csit-in\u201d kayak<\/strong>. These boats are slimmer but provide more protection, especially for your legs and lower torso.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a pedal kayak, the Revolution 11 will require a bit more maintenance than a typical paddle kayak<\/strong>. All that extra hardware also means that you\u2019ll be spending a bit more for a boat like this than you\u2019d probably expect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While these boats are faster than their paddling counterparts, there\u2019s no shortage of fishing and recreational kayaks out there that can be had for cheaper<\/strong>. Consider a boat like the Sea Ghost 130<\/a> from Vibe which has tons of custom features for fishing at a lower price. The only drawback is you\u2019ll have to paddle yourself around all day.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Length<\/strong>: 11-feet, 6-inches<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Width<\/strong>: 29-inches<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/strong>: 81 pounds<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Load Capacity<\/strong>: 275 pounds<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Like virtually every other fishing and recreational kayak, the Revolution 11 is made of a sturdy and durable plastic called polyethylene<\/strong>. This material gives it great durability that is resistant to punctures or other damage. With little maintenance and a little precaution, you can expect your Revolution 11 to last a long time.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With Mirage\u2019s patented MirageDrive pedal system, the Revolution 11 has an efficient and easy-use propulsion system that should outclass more traditional paddle kayaks<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a little shorter than most pedal kayaks, and while this makes it easy to transport, it does mean that it\u2019s a bit slower too. The narrower width does help to an extent, but I\u2019d still wager that longer kayaks in this category will be able to outrun it in most conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maneuverability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Rudder<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Revolution 11 comes with a rudder<\/strong> that is controlled by a joystick installed on the left side of the seat. Once you get the hang of it, the Revolution 11 is capable of tight turns <\/strong>and navigating areas that larger pedal kayaks won\u2019t be able to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the rudder system works well, I\u2019d still recommend you bring a paddle <\/strong>along too for tighter turns or more technical maneuvers as pedal kayaks can sometimes feel too bulky in these scenarios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mirage knows that you won\u2019t appreciate a high performing kayak if you\u2019re uncomfortable the whole time. That\u2019s why they\u2019ve developed their Vantage CT Seating design which provides you with a comfortable and adjustable chair<\/strong>. The mesh covering is both flexible and breathable so it\u2019s easy to keep cool on those hot summer days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seat can be adjusted in four different directions <\/strong>(up and down, forward and back) so you\u2019re sure to find a comfortable position no longer how long your legs are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stability & Tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Revolution 11 should be a sturdy enough paddling and fishing platform for most people. It is a little narrower than a lot of similar kayaks on the market but is still more than capable of handling any of the sudden shifts in your weight<\/strong> that may occur while fishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not stable enough to stand and cast from<\/strong> though. The ability to raise your seat a little higher does allow you to still get decent distance and accuracy on your casts and helps you spot passing schools of fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shorter keel also means that the Revolution 11 won\u2019t track as well as bigger designs<\/strong>. But when you learn to incorporate the rudder properly, you shouldn\u2019t have too much trouble keeping this boat on track in anything but the most difficult of conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This isn\u2019t a challenge, but I\u2019ll be amazed if you manage to punch a hole in this boat<\/strong>. The plastic hull will absorb any accidental drops as well as any on-water bumps or collisions that will inevitably happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One drawback is the boat doesn\u2019t have a skid plate built onto the keel<\/strong>, so you\u2019ll need to be a little more careful when coming into rocky beaches. I\u2019d also avoid dragging it long distances or over rough surfaces. While this shouldn\u2019t put a hole in the boat, it will cause the plastic to scratch and peel which can diminish the boat’s speed and efficiency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For a pedal kayak, the Revolution 11 is one of the most portable kayaks out there<\/strong>. Even fully rigged with the pedal drive system, it comes in well under 100 pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eleven-foot, six-inch keel can squeeze into the bed of some larger trucks. For those with smaller vehicles, a kayak rack with the appropriate straps should be able to get it to the water with little trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For carrying the boat has two ergonomic handles on the bow and stern <\/strong>for tandem portages. While two people should be able to carry it, there\u2019s an additional carry handle in the middle<\/strong> of the boat. With a third person helping, it almost feels like it\u2019s floating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re going to be on your own a lot, it may be worth investing in a little hand cart to help you move the boat solo so you don\u2019t always have to enlist the help of another person or risk dragging it across the parking lot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features & Accessories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Revolution 11 doesn\u2019t come with any free goodies like a pedal. But this is pretty normal when you\u2019re shopping in this price range as throw-ins like a paddle are usually reserved for cheaper, entry-level boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A paddle holder has been built into the design <\/strong>however which I think every kayak should have. For a pedal kayak, it makes it much easier to bring a paddle along. I recommend always having a paddle along even if you don\u2019t plan on using it as it gives you a backup in case something happens with the pedal drive system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fishing Ease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While marketed as a fishing kayak, the Revolution 11 doesn\u2019t have the built-in custom features that some more expensive fishing kayaks<\/strong> have. Instead, this boat toes the line between recreational and angling, making it a \u201cjack of all trades\u201d and a \u201cmaster of none.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It does come with a pair of rod holders <\/strong>so transporting your fishing poles won\u2019t be a problem. But you won\u2019t find any sort of accessory track system where you can easily install a GPS or other gadgets. If you really want this, either consider buying a more specialized boat, or risk taking a drill to your boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few mesh pockets in the cockpit where you could theoretically hold spare fishing tackle or other small items you want access to while on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no transducer mount<\/strong> for a fish finder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a lot of dry storage space for a boat this size.<\/strong> A large bow storage hatch should be large enough to fit camping gear without too much trouble. A smaller stern hatch with an 8\u201d twist and seal hatch is better for smaller items and some more flexible padders may be able to reach this compartment while paddling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bungee cords have been stretched across a large portion of the deck <\/strong>giving you space for oversize items. The load capacity of the Revolution is a little small<\/strong> compared to other pedal kayaks. It\u2019s capable of carrying 275 pounds and don\u2019t forget this includes the paddler\u2019s weight too. Overloading a boat can make it unstable and more prone to capsizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Value<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With a few fishing features but lacking the stability or custom features of bigger boats, the Revolution 11 sits in a gray area between a fishing kayak and a recreational one<\/strong>. This will make it more appealing to casual kayakers who may wish to dabble with fishing but don\u2019t plan on taking it too seriously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those that lean more towards longer kayaking trips will probably prefer a faster pedal kayak with a larger load capacity. Anglers will favor more expensive boats that include custom accessory tracks and a mount for a fishfinder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you find yourself in that gray area and want to try a pedal kayak, the Revolution 11 is one of the cheapest options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check Availability<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hobie Mirage Revolution 13<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Check Availability<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

As the name suggests, the Revolution 13 has a lot of the same features and functions as its little brother<\/strong>. It\u2019s two full feet longer than the Revolution 11 and will track a little better with a faster top speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It still lacks any custom features for fishing, although the load capacity is a little bigger at 325 pounds.<\/strong> If you\u2019d prefer a slightly larger boat that can still handle both recreational and fishing outings, the Revolution 13 is a reasonable alternative, albeit at a higher price than the Revolution 11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n