Hobie has announced a series of updates for its kayak range in 2024. While these changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, they do offer some practical improvements for the Pro Angler 360s and fresh colour options for all PAs, Outback and Compass kayaks. Let’s delve into what’s new and what it means for anyone thinking about picking up a new ride in 2024.
New 360XR MirageDrive for Pro Angler 360 Models
Hobie’s introduction of the MD360XR represents a thoughtful update to their renowned 360 MirageDrive system. This new model is designed with practicality in mind, addressing some of the nuances experienced by Pro Angler 360 owners.
Forward Propulsion Lock: The MD360XR offers the ability to ‘lock’ in a forward propulsion mode. This innovation is particularly beneficial for those long transits, allowing you to better maintain a straight course and reduce ‘wandering’. This update should minimise the need for constant directional adjustments, making covering larger distances more efficient and much more enjoyable.
External Compression Tube Adjustment: Maintenance and adjustments are made more user-friendly with the MD360XR. The introduction of an external tightening knob for the compression tube is a significant improvement. This feature allows for easier access and quicker adjustments, ensuring that the drive maintains its smooth operation and reducing wear over time.
Steering Decoupling: Another innovative aspect of the XR drive is the ability to decouple the steering from the control handle. On the original MD360 drive the belt would occasionally jam making it difficult to get the drive out of the kayak because it needs to be facing forward to remove it. The added ability feature on the 360XR means that if the belt ever becomes jammed, you can quickly and conveniently decouple the steering to spin the drive manually to get it to drive straight, or remove the drive.
Compatibility: Hobie has also updated the drive well on MY2024 Pro Angler 360 kayaks to accommodate the enhanced XR drive and improve strength. These changes are mostly made to the hull of the kayak and not the drive itself. This means that updating a MY2023 or older model Pro Angler 360 kayak to have the features of the the new XR drive is not likely to be possible. We will aim to confirm this as soon as we can. If our assumptions are correct, it will mean the only way to get your hands on the improved XR drive will be to buy a MY2024 Pro Angler 360 kayak.
Availability: We’re expecting to see the new XR360 Pro Anglers in Australia around March/April 2024, Including a new red camo variant. If you’d like first dibs on the new stock as it arrives let us know and we’ll put you on the waiting list.
MY2023 PA 360: We still have plenty of current-gen Pro Angler 360 stock available at reduced prices for anyone who prefers a good deal over the latest model.
MY2023 Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 – 360
$7,890.00 – $8,790.00 inc GST
MY2023 Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 – 360
$6,990.00 inc GST
New Colourways for Pro Angler 360 Models
The MY2024 Pro Angler 360 kayaks will be available in a new ‘Campfire Camo’ (red) colour, in addition to the existing Arctic Blue Camo and Amazon Green Camo. These options will be offered for both the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 – 360 and the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 – 360 models. We expect to start seeing stock of the new Pro Angler 360 colours in Australia around March/April 2024.
New Colourways for Pro Angler (MD180) Models
MY2024 Pro Angler models with 180 drives will also see new colour additions, including ‘Dune Camo’ (grey) and Battleship Grey, alongside the existing ‘Sunrise Camo’ (orange). Some classic colours are set to be discontinued including ‘Ivory Dune’ (off-white), ‘Orange Papaya’ and the popular ‘Camo’ (green).
The new colour options will be offered for both the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 and the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 models. We expect to start seeing stock of the new Pro Angler colours in Australia around March/April 2024.
New Colourways for Outback
MY2024 Hobie Outback models will be available in the new ‘Dune Camo’ (grey) and ‘Battleship Grey’ colourways alongside the familiar ‘Sunrise Camo’ (orange), and ‘Seagrass Green’. Some classic colours are set to be discontinued including ‘Ivory Dune’ (off-white), ‘Orange Papaya’ and the popular ‘Camo’ (green).
We expect to start seeing stock of the new Outback colours in Australia around March/April 2024.
New Colourways for Compass
MY2024 Hobie Compass models will be available in the new ‘Dune Camo’ (grey) alongside the familiar ‘Glacier Blue’ and ‘Seagrass Green’. Some classic colours are set to be discontinued including ‘Orange Papaya’ and the popular ‘Camo’ (green).
We expect to start seeing stock of the new Compass colours in Australia around March/April 2024.
Hobie Fishing World Championship 2024
The 2024 Hobie Fishing World Championship is scheduled to be held at Tecumseh on Lake St. Clair, Canada, from June 25 to July 1, 2024.
We will likely see a strong Australian team heading over with the Anglers who qualified back in series 12 and 14. It’s set to be an exciting challenge for the Aussie Anglers as they fish for some larger species than they are used to in the Hobie Bream Series.
Get a Deal on MY2023 Hobie Kayaks
With the introduction of these new models and colourways, there’s an opportunity for savvy buyers to snag a deal on run-out models. With a handful of popular colourways being phased out including the popular green camo, this may be your last chance to grab the kayak you’ve been dreaming of in your preferred colour. Keep an eye on your local Hobie retailer (if you’re in NSW, that’s us!) and happy hunting!
HWS currently have some excellent deals on MY2023 Compass, Outback, Pro Angler 12, Pro Angler 14, Pro Angler 12-360 and Pro Angler 14-360. We offer free delivery to over 75% of NSW inclusive of everywhere between Canberra and the Shoalhaven area to as far north as Taree. With free installation of any accessories you purchase, HWS is here to provide you with a cracking deal and the best service. Best of all, you’ll be ready to hit the water this summer!
About the Author
James Kilpatrick founded Hunter Water Sports (HWS) in 2012 and has been its managing director ever since. With over 18 years in the marine and fishing industry and a passion for kayak fishing both recreational and competitive, James is an expert in all things Hobie kayaks.