First, its not exactly like riding a bike. The pedals DONT make the same motion as riding a bike. The pedals move in an IN and OUT motion, not a circular pedaling motion. The kayaks can produce twice the amount of speed more efficiently and the obvious positive is the hands free. The only negative in my opinion because Ive used both is that the MIRAGE DRIVE SYSTEM on the HOBIE YAKS makes the yak heavier and the other obvious negative is the price. You arent going to be able to find a HOBIE MIRAGE DRIVE SYSTEM for less than $1200. The most important things to have while choosing a yak IMO are comfort and storage. The seat needs to be quality and those run upwards of $100, secondly you dont want to lose or get any of your stuff wet so dry hatch storage is a must! Third, rod holders are the last essential in my book. I think the only added advantage is being able to troll with the HMDS but I never troll anyways so its a waste for me personally. There are plenty of top quality brands that produce quality kayaks for a lot less than you can get into a HOBIE. That could be the vary reason I dont see a ton of HOBIE yaks. Heres the top kayak brands, OCEAN KAYAK, MALIBU, PERCEPTION/WILDERNESS SYSTEMS, and of course HOBIE.
