Hobie Pro Angler 360 vs Pro Angler Considerations

Are you ready to get blown away? Hobie decided to once again distance 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. We break down the Hobie Pro Angler 360 Vs Pro Angler and you can decide which one is for you.

This article will give you all the information you will need to evaluate if the upgrade to the Pro Angler 360 is worth the additional cost.

Don’t miss the Hobie Pro Angler 360 Features Video below.

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Let’s start off by comparing the Mirage drives of the Pro Angler 360 and the traditional Pro Angler with the Mirage 180.

12 Considerations When Comparing the Hobie Pro Angler 360 vs Pro Angler

#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.

#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.

#3: Parallel Park Using Fin Direction

Have you ever pedalled 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.

#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.

#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.

#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 Pro Angler 360 Features Video

This 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

1. Mirage 360 Drive improves steering experience
2. Pro Angler 360 has separate knob handle to turn fin direction
3. You can parallel park your kayak using fin direction with the Pro Angler 360
4. Pro Angler 360 integrates the reverse direction with the steering control
5. The Mirage 360 comes with a new 8-position pedal adjustments with trigger control
6. Mirage 360 drive is not Pro Angler compatible
7. The Mirage 360 fins are recessed in the bottom of the new PA 360 hull
8. The round hatch in the rear tank well is raised to help move standing water behind the seat area
9. Pre-drilled threaded holes for Hobie anchor trolley kit helps speed up installation
10. The Pro Angler 360 comes in 2 new colors: green camo and blue cam
11. The upgrade to the Pro Angler 360 averages an $885 premium
12. The upgrade to the Pro Angler 360 is a 4.5 pound increase to the weight