I heard they've more or less fixed the front hatch leaking issue with better gaskets/sealant goop, but it's a shame they've gone and got rid of colours, I liked the blue, I'll settle for the orange though 🤣
Great review Byron. I’m currently in a PA14 and my favourite accessories are the grab handles of the vantage seat. It’s the main reason went with it over the Outback (not a young or flexible as used to be lol). That’s said, transportability is a plus for the Outback. Cheers
Awesome review of a solid kayak that is value packed. I add a YakAttack Omni Pro rod holder and H rail 1.5” ball mount to secure my Lowrance Elite 9Ti. You mention losing your load assist. I put mine in my vehicle after unloading from the cartop. Once on the wheels no further need to protect the rudder. I also stow (raise) the guardian and rudder when approaching a cement ramp. Keeps the ducer and rudder out of harms way.
Been searching everything Hobie to increase my knowledge before I make the plunge into the world of kayaks and it was so refreshing to find an Aussie with top quality content. I’m after a kayak for my wildlife photography but after watching a lot of your vids I’ve got a feeling fishing might become my new passion. Subed and looking forward to watching all your content 👍
Great in-depth review as always , well done! Is a review on ur higher end rods or the new diawa Infeet Z and EX range on the cards for a future vid ? Vids are getting better and better keep it up
Nicely done review very informative highlighting the difference from previous years I like the fact that is coming from an owner/user and the review didn't sound like is coming from a sales person at all 👏👍
Awesome review. I’m currently in the position to buy ,I wasn’t sure which to go with (PA12 -Outback). This has tipped the scale. Thanks man. Stay safe.
I bought the 2020 outback after trying both thr pa14 and outback now im buying the pa14 gain everything only loss is speed and that's only top speed cruising speed is close enough
I’ve had the outback on lakes rivers inshore and offshore. I’ve landed the outback on beaches with 8ft swells and on concrete boat ramps. It can handle anything you need it to handle. That being said the pro angler is a better boat if all your doing is flat water and is more comfortable for long trips. If your doing it all like I do though the outback is the way to go.
Not sure if I missed it but I didn’t hear you mention the fact that it’s a wetter ride in the front. Given it’s so much lower that water from waves will come over the bow. Also the earlier 2019 had issues with breaks around the seat area given the plastics and support wasn’t adequate enough. Hopefully hobie addresses that issue. Overall it’s a great yak. Btw: I mitigated the front splash with a bow fish cooler that’s about 8-9 inches thick. Definitely will help with the wetter ride.
I've had my Outback now for a few months. I love it! But I completely agree with your constructive comments about the rudder. It's a real pain when loading and unloading the kayak on the car roof. The block provided by Hobie is pretty useless as it just folds back whenever I put weight on it!
Provided you keep slightly backward pressure when lifting the nose, the loading tool can’t fold over. It also allows it to grip onto the surface and resists slippage.
The rudder can be a bit “loose” at high speeds, but ensuring the rudder lines are tensioned properly negates the issue to a huge degree. The rudder tension is affected by the hull temperature, so when I’ve adjusted mine, I do it when the temperature is sitting around what is average for that time of the year, which means that even when the hull is cooler or warmer, performance is maintained. I’ve found adjusting it twice a year, for warmer or milder weather, produces consistently good steering. It’s a really simple process. It’s a little complicated easier if you’ve got another person to hold the rudder controls square while you tension the lines, but I’ve got long monkey arms and do it by myself. Keeping both controls square and getting the lines tensioned really does make a huge difference.
Well done! Just got my '21 Outback camo last week. I looked through the comments but did not find a question related to the following: molded into all four H-Rails, there are two openings (somewhat clover shaped....looks like three circles). Is there a clever application for these holes? Or is it just a generic opening for things like a gaff or fish bat?
Thank you Byron for the 2021 review and update! I was curious if Hobie had provided any upgrades for the 2021 model. I Was hoping it would be fitted with the 360 drive like on the PA. I appreciate your thorough review of the boats design, features, improvements, and feedback on the good and not so good about the Outback. Please include me in your contest giveaway for a new 2021 Outback. I have a 2019 outback but it didn't come with kickup fins. Happy New Year too!
Hi Byron we have meet a long time ago but I've just bought a hobbie my first ever I got a pa14 it has turbo fins should I upgrade too 180 with flip ups second hand or get a new set from hws I value your support and answer.
Been tossing up for a while to sell my PA14 and get an Outback. My biggest issue with the PA is weight its a nightmare to car top by myself when going away with the family with the caravan. Might be time to pay James another visit
@@ByronTeaHill Lol how about a new compass vs a new outback? I'm super torn. If I end up spending time and money upgrading a compass it'll basically be as much an outback at that point no?
Good luck on buying a 2021. Hobie boys are at the beach sucking COVID benefits, rather than building kayaks. Can't get one in California..just around the corner from where they build them!
Appreciate the review and quite timely for me. Ticks all the boxes. How did you find on water accessibility to the rear tankwell? I imagine anything behind the livewell would be a little challenging? Keep up the good work 👍
Thanks Paul, 100% with the livewell in you can’t really use anything past it. Accessing the Livewell though is quite easy, just rotate at the hips and you’re there:)
@@ByronTeaHill thanks mate, figured as much. Not world ending by any stretch either. Hoping to pull the trigger on one in the next month, so was quite happy to see you were reviewing it.
@@paulcook6800 one of my favourite kayaks, Paul - HWS are the guys that supply my gear and keep me reviewing new kayaks. If you don’t have a place lined up, give them a call they will hook you up, no matter where in Aus you are :)
@@ByronTeaHill couple follow up questions if you don't mind mate. I ended up pulling the trigger on a 2020 Outback and have been rapt with it. I'm in the process of looking at sounders but am unsure what size unit would be appropriate vs cumbersome / intrusive. Do you recall what size unit the Outback was running? 7", 9" or larger? Did anything stick out in your mind about it's size being detrimental / cumbersome? Thanks in advance Byron.
I am most likely going to purchase the 2022 Hobie Outback. I fish structure off bridge likings fairly often. How easy is it to engage the reverse after a fish has taken your bait?
Hi I heard somewhere that with these pedal kayak I cannot paddle while the pedal drive is engaged. I have to pull it up before paddling. Why is that? Would that also be true for propeller pedal type drive as well
Yeah that isn’t true. The drive goes in and you pedal forward and backward. No random clutch thing. There’s a bunch of propeller based information out there on UA-cam bud.
Ha, your last comment that the outback wins every time from the pa12 surprised me. Can you put some more meat around that statement please. Excellent and informative vid as always.
I'd have to disagree. After having both boats, I now have a PA12. If you like to stand a good amount and transition easily from sitting to standing the PA12 is much better. The seat in the Outback is quite low compared to the PA. The cockpit area can also feel very cramped, hard to measure fish on your board. You almost have to measure it on your lap which can sometimes result in the fish jumping off the board. Lastly, the PA12 isn't that heavy or difficult to transport as I have the scupper cart and simply car top it on my sedan using a blanket on the trunk and slide it up onto the roof.
This Kayak is awesome. I really love fishing and now I think this is a better kayak to get rather than the Vibe Shearwater 125. Unfortunately, I don't have the money to buy something that expensive, but I would love to have one someday. Excellent review!
Great review. Cheers. The PA's always looked a bit big and the older outback a bit small. This model might do the job!! Just got to wait for a used one to pop up locally :)
Byron, Do you think it is possible to decrease the sensitivity of the steering by adding some friction to steering controls, it looks like they keep on wanting to centre?
Like all cos im gona get one.have 2 pedal crart 10s . They good but i like how fast it is wthout noise n just easy. Done a bit of rivers inz years ago so balance ok. Bit sometimes think the out back big shark to flip me on that,
@@ByronTeaHill it was a great distraction from work for 20mins and a well put together vid mate. I like the look and versatility of the outbacks but at my size need the PA14
"Best Value for your Money" ?????? Thousands of hard earned dollars for a kayak ? Not even "unsinkable" has no outriggers, downriggers, ? Still a seat what will cramps you up ?? No proper landing gear ? Still calling it "entry level" You truly must have plenty of cash to waste or you getting them with huge discounts. Honestly, I think is ridiculous.
Thanks for sharing your ideas - I don’t follow some of your logic but I do like how you went for the personal attack. Tight lines mate and thanks for the engagement 🤙🤙
Legends, the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Hobie Outbacks are the same, I wish there was an update but Hobie have not changed anything!!! again
I heard they've more or less fixed the front hatch leaking issue with better gaskets/sealant goop, but it's a shame they've gone and got rid of colours, I liked the blue, I'll settle for the orange though 🤣
Great review, as expected. Touched on all the points that are important in my view. Well done (again).
Much appreciated Steve!
Your video really helped me on my decision. Thanks & Cheers from Canada
Definitely going with the outback now over the linx. Just so much more boat. Thx my friend. Great review
ordered my outback 2 weeks ago and I cant wait !!!!
I ordered mine a few days ago. Waiting is the hard part right?!
Great review Byron. I’m currently in a PA14 and my favourite accessories are the grab handles of the vantage seat. It’s the main reason went with it over the Outback (not a young or flexible as used to be lol). That’s said, transportability is a plus for the Outback. Cheers
Thanks Buddy! It’s often a tough choice the outback v pa14!
Awesome review of a solid kayak that is value packed. I add a YakAttack Omni Pro rod holder and H rail 1.5” ball mount to secure my Lowrance Elite 9Ti. You mention losing your load assist. I put mine in my vehicle after unloading from the cartop. Once on the wheels no further need to protect the rudder. I also stow (raise) the guardian and rudder when approaching a cement ramp. Keeps the ducer and rudder out of harms way.
Really good tips mate, particularly about keeping it in the vehicle. That 1.5” ball is a really practical add on! Fits a lot of cool things to it.
Awesome video man .. really well put together. Hobie really is on a winner with the Outback, always have been.
Thanks G - Glad you enjoyed it, People be selling their PA12's in no time ;)
Been searching everything Hobie to increase my knowledge before I make the plunge into the world of kayaks and it was so refreshing to find an Aussie with top quality content. I’m after a kayak for my wildlife photography but after watching a lot of your vids I’ve got a feeling fishing might become my new passion. Subed and looking forward to watching all your content 👍
Great to hear! hahaha no harm in having a fishing rod sitting behind you whilst you photograph!!!!
Cheers mate. Sold me on one of these with this walkthrough!
Great in-depth review as always , well done! Is a review on ur higher end rods or the new diawa Infeet Z and EX range on the cards for a future vid ?
Vids are getting better and better keep it up
Thanks Matt! Will try and keep it sweet! Mate I think I've been prodded a couple times for the review now! hahahaha, may need to give them a go
Nicely done review very informative highlighting the difference from previous years I like the fact that is coming from an owner/user and the review didn't sound like is coming from a sales person at all 👏👍
Glad it was helpful mate! thanks for the words
Awesome review.
I’m currently in the position to buy ,I wasn’t sure which to go with (PA12 -Outback).
This has tipped the scale.
Thanks man.
Stay safe.
Valid. Admitingly I’m not a huge fan of the 12.
brilliant work as always @Byron - keep the great content coming
Thanks Ewan! Glad you’re sticking on here watching the content.
Awesome job once agin I am looking at getting one in the new year good review keep up the amazing work
Thanks Justin! Glad you enjoyed it mate!
Perfect timing! Been trying to decide on either a PA12 or Outback. Leaning more towards the Outback after watching this review.
Cannot speak more highly of the outback, as an outback, 12 and 14 owner. The outback is a much better platform than the 12
I bought the 2020 outback after trying both thr pa14 and outback now im buying the pa14 gain everything only loss is speed and that's only top speed cruising speed is close enough
Thanks for the review! Helped me decide to get the Outback from HWS instead of the PA 14.
Glad I could help!
I’ve had the outback on lakes rivers inshore and offshore. I’ve landed the outback on beaches with 8ft swells and on concrete boat ramps. It can handle anything you need it to handle. That being said the pro angler is a better boat if all your doing is flat water and is more comfortable for long trips. If your doing it all like I do though the outback is the way to go.
Not sure if I missed it but I didn’t hear you mention the fact that it’s a wetter ride in the front. Given it’s so much lower that water from waves will come over the bow. Also the earlier 2019 had issues with breaks around the seat area given the plastics and support wasn’t adequate enough. Hopefully hobie addresses that issue. Overall it’s a great yak.
Btw: I mitigated the front splash with a bow fish cooler that’s about 8-9 inches thick. Definitely will help with the wetter ride.
I've had my Outback now for a few months. I love it! But I completely agree with your constructive comments about the rudder. It's a real pain when loading and unloading the kayak on the car roof. The block provided by Hobie is pretty useless as it just folds back whenever I put weight on it!
100% dude. Glad you're enjoying the outback mate, great kayak
Provided you keep slightly backward pressure when lifting the nose, the loading tool can’t fold over. It also allows it to grip onto the surface and resists slippage.
The rudder can be a bit “loose” at high speeds, but ensuring the rudder lines are tensioned properly negates the issue to a huge degree. The rudder tension is affected by the hull temperature, so when I’ve adjusted mine, I do it when the temperature is sitting around what is average for that time of the year, which means that even when the hull is cooler or warmer, performance is maintained. I’ve found adjusting it twice a year, for warmer or milder weather, produces consistently good steering. It’s a really simple process. It’s a little complicated easier if you’ve got another person to hold the rudder controls square while you tension the lines, but I’ve got long monkey arms and do it by myself. Keeping both controls square and getting the lines tensioned really does make a huge difference.
Great review mate! Informative and entertaining as always.
Thanks Alex, always appreciate your comments buddy
Hobie Outback! the all rounder! great review
Great review thanks Byron!
My pleasure
An Exellent review mate. Really enjoyed it
Thanks Warren! Appreciate the comment mate
Love your product reviews straight forward and to the point. Any chance of doing a review of the Lowrance elite fs in the future.
Mate, thanks very much for the compliment buddy. I'd love to, but I'm not sure Lowrance are interested in my channel Paul and product costs Mullah!
Well done! Just got my '21 Outback camo last week. I looked through the comments but did not find a question related to the following: molded into all four H-Rails, there are two openings (somewhat clover shaped....looks like three circles). Is there a clever application for these holes? Or is it just a generic opening for things like a gaff or fish bat?
If you’re talking about where I think you are, I drop my pliers into those holes.
Really nice review I was into getting one and now I’m really convinced! Great channel just subbed!
Awesome! Thank you!
Whats best for inshore fishing? Outback or PA14?
Thank you Byron for the 2021 review and update! I was curious if Hobie had provided any upgrades for the 2021 model. I Was hoping it would be fitted with the 360 drive like on the PA. I appreciate your thorough review of the boats design, features, improvements, and feedback on the good and not so good about the Outback. Please include me in your contest giveaway for a new 2021 Outback. I have a 2019 outback but it didn't come with kickup fins. Happy New Year too!
Glad I could help
Awesome review man 👍🏼
Thanks Jared!
Great review. And another awesome video.. Well done.
Thanks Peter! Thanks for being a legend and leaving a comment!
Hi Byron we have meet a long time ago but I've just bought a hobbie my first ever I got a pa14 it has turbo fins should I upgrade too 180 with flip ups second hand or get a new set from hws I value your support and answer.
Hey mate, If you can definitely. 180 with kick up if you can. kick up will stop those bent masts!
Great review mate, really helpful
Glad to hear it!
Been tossing up for a while to sell my PA14 and get an Outback. My biggest issue with the PA is weight its a nightmare to car top by myself when going away with the family with the caravan. Might be time to pay James another visit
Kayak loading systems are what you want brother! I mean I dont want to take a sale away from James, but if you buy a loader that will be easy as pie!
Which would you choose between 2016 outback or a brand new compass? They're about the same price for me right now.
New compass! Definitely!!
@@ByronTeaHill awesome thanks! Can't wait to get startes
@@ByronTeaHill Lol how about a new compass vs a new outback? I'm super torn. If I end up spending time and money upgrading a compass it'll basically be as much an outback at that point no?
Your vids are very informative, what do you do for a living ? I'm pretty sure yoy may have mentioned that in vid maybe
Hey! That’s really nice of you to Joyce! I work in aviation :)
what life jacket is that? I just saw you pull your cell phone out of a pocket. I looked forever for one with a pocket and couldnt find one
Is there any difference between the 2020 and 2021 other than the 2021 being $200 more expensive?
Good luck on buying a 2021. Hobie boys are at the beach sucking COVID benefits, rather than building kayaks. Can't get one in California..just around the corner from where they build them!
Appreciate the review and quite timely for me. Ticks all the boxes. How did you find on water accessibility to the rear tankwell? I imagine anything behind the livewell would be a little challenging?
Keep up the good work 👍
Thanks Paul, 100% with the livewell in you can’t really use anything past it.
Accessing the Livewell though is quite easy, just rotate at the hips and you’re there:)
@@ByronTeaHill thanks mate, figured as much. Not world ending by any stretch either. Hoping to pull the trigger on one in the next month, so was quite happy to see you were reviewing it.
@@paulcook6800 one of my favourite kayaks, Paul - HWS are the guys that supply my gear and keep me reviewing new kayaks. If you don’t have a place lined up, give them a call they will hook you up, no matter where in Aus you are :)
@@ByronTeaHill thanks mate - will keep that in mind.
@@ByronTeaHill couple follow up questions if you don't mind mate. I ended up pulling the trigger on a 2020 Outback and have been rapt with it. I'm in the process of looking at sounders but am unsure what size unit would be appropriate vs cumbersome / intrusive. Do you recall what size unit the Outback was running? 7", 9" or larger? Did anything stick out in your mind about it's size being detrimental / cumbersome?
Thanks in advance Byron.
I am most likely going to purchase the 2022 Hobie Outback. I fish structure off bridge likings fairly often. How easy is it to engage the reverse after a fish has taken your bait?
Just as easy as it was before the fish had taken your bait??
Hi I heard somewhere that with these pedal kayak I cannot paddle while the pedal drive is engaged. I have to pull it up before paddling. Why is that? Would that also be true for propeller pedal type drive as well
Yeah that isn’t true.
The drive goes in and you pedal forward and backward. No random clutch thing.
There’s a bunch of propeller based information out there on UA-cam bud.
@@ByronTeaHill so can I paddle with my arms and pedal with my leg to go super fast?
Hey mate,
What do u dont like about PA12 compared to the Outback?
Great review and presentation of the facts
Hi Michael thanks for the feedback buddy
Another great video!! This is the one that I want!!
Thanks Matt! It’s a bloody good one hey. I often think about how I would like one of these as well as the PA
What do you think of the older model outback 17-18?
It works :)
Ha, your last comment that the outback wins every time from the pa12 surprised me. Can you put some more meat around that statement please. Excellent and informative vid as always.
Thanks Filip, I’m thinking about making that a video. I talk positively about so much. Constructively, I’d like to place that pa12 under scrutiny. 🤙
I'd have to disagree. After having both boats, I now have a PA12. If you like to stand a good amount and transition easily from sitting to standing the PA12 is much better. The seat in the Outback is quite low compared to the PA. The cockpit area can also feel very cramped, hard to measure fish on your board. You almost have to measure it on your lap which can sometimes result in the fish jumping off the board. Lastly, the PA12 isn't that heavy or difficult to transport as I have the scupper cart and simply car top it on my sedan using a blanket on the trunk and slide it up onto the roof.
This Kayak is awesome. I really love fishing and now I think this is a better kayak to get rather than the Vibe Shearwater 125. Unfortunately, I don't have the money to buy something that expensive, but I would love to have one someday. Excellent review!
Shearwater. Thin thin plastic and made in china
Do you install the drive leash at the 2 screws in the forward area of the cockpit or are those for something else?
does the rudder tension knob not help improve tracking issue when it’s tightened all the way?
Great review. Cheers. The PA's always looked a bit big and the older outback a bit small. This model might do the job!! Just got to wait for a used one to pop up locally :)
Right on
Byron, Do you think it is possible to decrease the sensitivity of the steering by adding some friction to steering controls, it looks like they keep on wanting to centre?
I'd say they keep wanting to depart. opposite to centering. Not sure about the friction, may be worth a go?
@@ByronTeaHill Mine is yet to arrive, hoping in the next couple of weeks. I'll experiment and feedback....
Really wish they offered the pa12 180 and Outback in the Amazon green
Great review thanks
My pleasure James!
I'm sold on getting an outback, curious if anyone knows when hobie does releases for the new year. I wonder if there will be any bigger upgrades in 23
Cheers Mate!
no worries
I ordered one and its supposed to ship the 29th this month.
Do you know if the 22 model will have any changes? I know they are going up in price 10%
I've been told, they don't have any changes mate.
11:20 in the video is that bemm river?
Best I be getting an outback now mate 🤙🏼.
Do it! Haha it’s a bloody good yak.
Great video. Any chance you could do one on the Revo?
Possibly! but didnt have any plans to be honest. if I find myself in one ill do some testing for you
What is different on the camo version Except the price????
different mirage drive fins (longer), colour, deck padding is also different
I think thats it.. maybe something i missed?
@@ByronTeaHill longer fins ?
Hmm why don’t hobie have any info on that ?
A shopkeeper told me only the print was different.
Aside from kick up fins, is there any difference from the 2019?
thats in the video!
@@ByronTeaHill apparently I wasn’t paying close enough attention? I’ll have to watch again lol
Did he say you can or can’t add the mirage 360 drive??
You cannot.
@@ByronTeaHill thanks 🙏🏼
Like all cos im gona get one.have 2 pedal crart 10s . They good but i like how fast it is wthout noise n just easy. Done a bit of rivers inz years ago so balance ok. Bit sometimes think the out back big shark to flip me on that,
Nice mate 👌🏽
Thanks Johnathon, hope you got something out of it
@@ByronTeaHill it was a great distraction from work for 20mins and a well put together vid mate. I like the look and versatility of the outbacks but at my size need the PA14
@@johnathonLawrence my #2 kayak
@@johnathonLawrence my #2 kayak
Just i want a solid yak. Speed ok, more stability for me. Cheers all thos ghat cut throw waves on revo bit not me.
I ordered one two months ago and I still don't have it... I cry
Yeah, there’s been some limitation with Covid and production in the states. We here in Australia have had to play second fiddle. Understandable.
Yip scared for revo 13. Its way better than me.
Is the giveaway still going on?
There isn’t any currently running mate, they’ve all been announced
@@ByronTeaHill damn maybe next time
@@ByronTeaHill was it even open to the Bahamas?
Certainly was!
"Best Value for your Money" ??????
Thousands of hard earned dollars for a kayak ? Not even "unsinkable" has no outriggers, downriggers, ? Still a seat what will cramps you up ?? No proper landing gear ?
Still calling it "entry level"
You truly must have plenty of cash to waste or you getting them with huge discounts.
Honestly, I think is ridiculous.
Thanks for sharing your ideas - I don’t follow some of your logic but I do like how you went for the personal attack. Tight lines mate and thanks for the engagement 🤙🤙
Good job mate another great review
Glad you enjoyed it