Hobie Mirage Revolution 13 Review

Recreational kayakers often prioritize speed when selecting a vessel, but anglers also require stability when selecting a craft. This sets up a set of competing interests: Narrower crafts are generally faster than wide crafts, but a short beam reduces a craft’s stability significantly. However, some kayaks are designed to fit into a happy middle ground, that provides a fast, yet stable ride. .

The Hobie Mirage Revolution 13 is exactly this type of vessel, and it will provide exactly the combination of speed and stability that most anglers want. Additionally, the Mirage Revolution 13 is truly designed for the needs of anglers and provides a comfortable ride and plenty of storage space for all your gear.

Build Quality

Measuring 13 ½ feet long and 28.5 inches wide, the Mirage Outback is designed to hit the best possible combination of length and width to provide a good combination of speed and stability. Made from rotomolded polyethylene, the Mirage Revolution 13 is sturdy, rigid and durable, so it will handle the typical bumps and scratches that occur during typical fishing trips. It does lack a skid plate, so you’ll need to exercise care in shallow water.

Storage Capacity

Even though the Mirage Revolution 13 isn’t the largest craft, it provides a ton of storage space for your angling gear and tackle. Two round compartments with 8-inch twist-seal hatches are provided (one in the cockpit, the other at the stern) for small tools and tackle, while a large compartment is located in the bow for bigger items.

A large cargo deck is located behind the cockpit and includes bungee cords for keeping your gear secure. A paddle keeper and molded drink holder are located on the right side of the cockpit, and mesh pockets (which are great for holding commonly used tools) are placed on each side.

Comfort

The Mirage Revolution 13’s cockpit is reasonably roomy. It provides plenty of space for average-sized anglers, but large paddlers may find it a bit snug. It is a relatively long cockpit, so it provides plenty of leg room, and two foot wells are included to give you a place to put your feet when paddling.

The Vantage CT Seat is adjustable in four different ways, and it allows you to achieve a comfortable position, whether you’re paddling, pedaling or fishing. The seat is made from mesh to help keep your back cool and comfortable during long trips.

Stability

The Mirage Revolution 13’s combination of length and width make it more stable than many other crafts capable of comparable speeds, but it may be a little challenging for novices. It isn’t really wide or stable enough to stand comfortably as is, but it could be made more stable by adding an optional outrigger.

The craft is quite buoyant and boasts a 350-pound capacity, so it will accommodate larger anglers (although you may have to bring a little less equipment than you’d like to stay under the weight guidelines).

Maneuverability

The Mirage Revolution 13 is a fairly agile craft, which is easy to control and pilot, thanks to the included MirageDrive 180 pedal system and twist-and-stow rudder. It tracks well for a 13-foot-long kayak and turns adequately in tight locations.

Weighing 88 pounds when fully rigged, the Mirage Revolution 13 is a fairly heavy vessel, so you’ll probably need help loading, launching and landing it. It does, however, feature carrying handles at the bow, stern and cockpit area to make it easier to carry.

Summary

Like most other Hobie kayaks, the Mirage Revolution 13 is a well-built kayak that is built to last. It provides a nice combination of length and width to achieve a good balance of speed and stability. It provides a ton of storage space and offers a pretty comfortable ride.

The included MirageDrive 180 pedal system makes it easy to pilot the craft around larger waters, and it is seaworthy enough for nearshore fishing. It isn’t the best choice for beginners or those who like to stand while they fish, but most other anglers will find that it is a very attractive option at its price point.

Brand	Hobie
Model	Mirage Revolution 13
Price	Check on Amazon
Type	sit-on-top
Color(s)	Slate Blue, Papaya Orange, Seagrass Green, Ivory Dune, Red Hibiscous
Length (ft / cm)	13' 5" / 409cm
Width (in / cm)	28.5" / 72cm
Height (in / cm)	N/A
Kayak Weight (lbs / kg)	70.5 lbs / 32kg
Weight Capacity (lbs / kg)	350 lbs / 159kg
Cockpit Size (in / cm)	N/A
Hull Material	Rotomolded Polyethylene
Transducer Compatible	Yes
Number of People	1
Inflatable	No
Salt Water Friendly	Yes
Peddles	Yes
Tracking Enhancement	Rudder
Adjustable Seat	Yes
Rod Holders	2
Adjustable Foot Braces	Yes
Paddles Included	Yes
Other Included Items	None