Hobie once again distances themselves from the competition. So, for those fishermen looking for a new advantage, their Hobie Pro Angler 360 series gives you the steering and directional capabilities you never thought possible. Yes, the features are great, but there is a considerable price increase for these new features.
Significant upgrades in quick change fin direction, sideways motion, integrated reverse of the Mirage 360 and new 8-position pedal adjustments with trigger control make the Pro Anger 360 a clear winner over the standard PA even with the $885 premium.
I will guide through my evaluation if the Pro Angler 360 is worth the price. I include 12 considerations when comparing the Hobie Pro Angler 360 vs Pro Angler so you can decide for yourself!
Don't miss the Hobie Pro Angler 360 Features Video below.
Let's start off by comparing the Mirage drives of the Pro Angler 360 and the traditional Pro Angler with the Mirage 180.
12 Hobie Pro Angler 360 vs Pro Angler Considerations
#1: Mirage 360 Drive improves steering experience
I'll start with the biggest improvement, the Mirage 360 drive itself. The head of the drive spins 360 degrees. This feature coupled with the rudder makes extremely tight turns. There is a red arrow that points the direction of the fins.
The Mirage 180 drive is a fixed drive and does not aid with turning.
Forward Fin Direction
Right Turn Fin Direction
#2: Separate Knob Handle To Turn Fin Direction
The Pro Angler 360 has a separate knob handle (left side) to turn fin direction beneath the rudder control. This gives a choice between a sharp turn or a more gradual one.
Turns are solely dependent on the rudder system for the Pro Angler.
Fin Knob With Reverse
#3: Parallel Park Using Fin Direction
Have you ever pedaled past the perfect spot to stop and cast? How about drifting into the marsh?
With the new Mirage 360 drive, you can pedal in a sideways pedal motion to position your kayak in the perfect direction.
This new feature is not available for the Mirage 180 and the Pro Angler.
Forward Fin Direction
Turning Fin Direction
#4: Reverse Has Been Integrated With The Steering Control
Reverse has become integrated with turning from left to right for the 360. The red arrow also indicates when fins are in reverse direction. Simply turn the knob handle to rotate the fin direction until the red arrow points down towards you.
The Mirage 180 has the pull tabs for change of direction. Green tab for forward and red tab for reverse to physically change the direction 180 degrees.
Red arrow shows direction including reverse
Mirage 180 uses pull tabs to change direction
#5: Improved Pedal Adjustments
This is another new feature. The Mirage 360 comes with a new 8-position pedal adjustments with trigger control. This makes changing the pedal position simple and your position more visible.
The 6-position pedal position for the Mirage 180 has traditionally been tricker to manage and see where your pedals are positioned.
#6: Mirage 360 Drive Is Not Pro Angler Compatible
Like the Mirage 360 and want to add it to your existing Pro Angler? Sorry, can't do it.
This drive will not fit into the regular Pro Angler drive reservoir and it will not have the associated gearing and cabling required.
#7: Mirage 360 Fins Are Recessed In The Bottom Of Hull
Here is another neat innovation. The Mirage 360 fins are recessed in the bottom of the new PA 360 hull. This will further protect the fins and shanks from rocks, shell beds and underwater branches.
You will have the added option of poling in extremely skinny water with the fins up.
#8: The Hatch In Rear Tankwell Is Raised
The round hatch in the rear tank well is raised to help move standing water behind the seat area.
#9: Predrilled Holes For Anchor Trolley Kit
Pre-drilled threaded holes for Hobie anchor trolley kit helps speed up installation.
#10: New Colors!
The Pro Angler 360 comes in 2 new colors: green camo and blue camo. The design themes will set you apart in the water!
I found this great video from the folks at Hobie that really show off the Mirage Drive 360 performance. The kayaks literally dance through a tight obstacle course.
#11: Price Comparison
This probably the biggest consideration: the cost of the upgrade to the Pro Angler 360. Hobie has released the following 2020 suggested retail prices.
Hobie Fishing Kayak Models and List Prices
(tap table to scroll)
Kayak Model | 2022 List Price |
|---|---|
Mirage Pro Angler 12 | $4,299 |
Mirage Pro Angler 12-360 | $5,299 |
Mirage Pro Angler 14 | $4,499 |
Mirage Pro Angler 14-360 | $5,449 |
#12: Weight Comparison
The weight difference is not so much a factor as others on this list. If you are already considering a Pro Angler and are not sure how to transport a kayak of this weight, check out The Ultimate Guide To Transporting Your Kayak.
Hobie Fishing Kayak Models and Listed Weight
(tap table to scroll)
Kayak Model | Fitted Weight | Fully Rigged Weight |
|---|---|---|
Mirage Pro Angler 12 | 105 lbs | 129 lbs |
Mirage Pro Angler 12-360 | 110 lbs | 133 lbs |
Mirage Pro Angler 14 | 121 lbs | 145 lbs |
Mirage Pro Angler 14-360 | 125 lbs | 149 lbs |
Hobie Pro Angler 360 Features Video
demonstratesThis awesome video demonstrations all the new features up close.
What Is The Same for the Hobie Pro Angler 360
- Front hatch (although, they fixed the seal problem)
- Horizontal rod storage
- Mounting plates with built-in tracking
- Center hatch with the tackle management system and removable tackle box rack and webbing pockets
- Foam deck pads
- Vantage ST seat
- Rear tank well size
- Dual handle rudder system
- Drop Down skeg
- Both have "kick-up" fins for 2020
- Hull design
- H-bar rails
- Built-in rod holders
- Pad-eyes in rear
Other Considerations
- The glut of Pro Anglers on the market for people upgrading to PA 360
- Possible first-generation problems with the drive
- Does it improve your fishing experience?
- How much of a pain is the pull-tab reverse gear
Summary
- Mirage 360 Drive improves the steering experience
- Pro Angler 360 has a separate knob handle to turn the fin direction
- You can parallel park your kayak using fin direction with the Pro Angler 360
- Pro Angler 360 integrates the reverse direction with the steering control
- The Mirage 360 comes with new 8-position pedal adjustments with trigger control
- Mirage 360 drive is not Pro Angler compatible
- The Mirage 360 fins are recessed in the bottom of the new PA 360 hull
- The round hatch in the rear tank well is raised to help move standing water behind the seating area
- Pre-drilled threaded holes the for Hobie anchor trolley kit helps speed up the installation
- The Pro Angler 360 comes in 2 new colors: green camo and blue cam
- The upgrade to the Pro Angler 360 averages an $885 premium
- The upgrade to the Pro Angler 360 is a 4.5-pound increase in weight
