By Paul Lebowitz

Hobie Mirage kayaks are unique. They are built around Hobie’s remarkable pedal-powered drive mechanism, and come complete with a slick rudder system with fingertip control. As long as you don’t need to go backwards, on one of these steeds a paddle is strictly optional. Hands free kayaking? Cool! Motor, cast, and sip a cold one all at the same time. Of course such fancy gadgets come with a premium price tag.

Hobie started the Mirage line with a series of wider, shorter boats. Then in 2006 they rolled out something for those with a need for speed. The Adventure fairly sizzles, but at 16 feet long it’s too much of a good thing in tighter spaces. Enter the Revolution. At 28.5 inches wide and a bit over 13 feet long, the ‘Revo’ is a fine compromise of speed and stability equally suited to the fresh or the salt.

Standard fishing-friendly features include two molded in rod holders, a big tankwell behind the seat, a cushy backrest, two 8 inch round hatches, a pair of mesh storage pockets, a paddle keeper on each side of the ‘yak, and a larger hatch up on the bow. Good stuff, although some will find the rod holders too shallow for their peace of mind. Solution? Buy rod leashes. Weight capacity is a solid 350 pounds.

The Revolution gets lower than average marks for its deck plan, which is woefully short on space for mounting electronics or rod holders up front. Oh it can still be done, but it will test your ingenuity. On the other hand, the bow hatch couldn’t be any closer to the cockpit, making for easy access.

Here’s a plus. With more volume in the bow and stern and a higher seating position, the Revolution offers a drier ride than its longer predecessor the Adventure.

THE MIRAGE REVOLUTION BY HOBIE KAYAKS is a fine compromise of speed and stability equally suited to the fresh or the salt. Hands-free! Hang on to that fishing pole.