Hobie Vs. Old Town

Kayaking is undoubtedly one of the most exciting outdoor activities to undertake. The sport is so diverse that people can ride kayaks to compete in dodging boulders in rough rivers.

Furthermore, kayaking is a more fun way of fishing, touring a water body, or as means of transportation.

Choosing an incredible kayak for the job is one of the most viable ways of improving your kayaking experience. An efficient vessel will be safe and have better performance.

This article helps you with the decision by specifically Hobie Vs. Old town kayaks. Please read it carefully to distinguish the kayaks from the two companies and make an informed choice whenever you decide to get a kayak.

Hobie Vs. Old Town

Hobie and Old town kayaks have distinguished themselves from their competitors in the market. Users have proved the vessels from both companies to be worth the money, owing to their exceptional functionality and safety.

Still, this article aims to present several distinct differences between the kayaks.

The article will employ factors such as price, durability, pedal drive system, Versatility, resale price, accessories available, and warranty.

1. Price

Hobie kayaks cost relatively higher than their competitors, including those from Old Town. Their relatively high prices can be attributed to several crucial factors. Hobie kayaks adopt advanced technology, more so in their pedal drive system in their pedal vessels and fins.

In addition, most Hobie vessels are manufactured using high-density polyethylene with incredibly superior quality, a good load capacity, unquestionable performance, and various valuable accessories.

On the other hand, Old Town kayaks are relatively cheaper compared to their Hobie counterparts. Its kayak models are fairly innovative because they efficiently blend technology with tradition. This technology adds to their stability and performance in the water.

In addition, Old Town Kayaks are made of wood, canvas, or polyethylene. These materials coupled up with technology reinforce their utility, originality, design, and aesthetics.

Undoubtedly, both Hobie and Old Town vessels cost higher than their competitors. This fact can be attributed to their efforts in investing in the research and development of their kayaks.

Their high prices are thus justifiable. However, if you have a tight budget to buy a kayak, Od Town kayaks are the option to go between the two.

2. Durability

Hobie kayaks are made from high-density polyethylene. This material is considered one of the most durable in the kayak-making world. Therefore, Hobie kayaks are pretty high-quality and, therefore incredibly durable.

Multiple users have agreed on the possibility of using these kayaks for more than ten years while still using them in difficult conditions such as rough rivers.

Despite their strength and durability, some clients have experienced some problems with the Hobie kayaks. For example, some report some issues with the functionality of the pedal drive system and some cracks in the hull. However, such complaints are from a reasonably small percentage of clients.

Old Town kayaks are astonishingly solid and durable. In addition, they are more resistant to wear. As earlier said, their manufacturers use wood and canvas, which are high-quality materials in making them. Furthermore, these kayaks are often made of high-density polyethylene material.

Some kayaks are made with single-layer polyethylene, while others are made with more robust triple-layer polyethylene.

Both Hobie and Old Town kayaks are durable compared to their counterparts made from fiberglass and thermoformed plastics. You can trust both because of the high-quality material and technology used to make them.

However, if you decide to select between the two, consider other additional factors.

3. The Pedal Drive System

Hobie built its first pedal-powered vessel in 1997 and has been improving the system. The latest Hobie kayak models, including the Hobie’s Mirage, have a more robust pedal drive system that provides better propulsion.

The system’s custom-built fins aid the propulsion. Furthermore, the fins enable the user to pedal in reverse, a rare feature with other kayaks. However, the kayaker must engage a level before they pedal reverse.

Old Town kayaks use the pedal drive system too. Note that the system employs a propeller structure to steer the forward and backward kayak. The pedal system enables the user to navigate the waters comfortably while performing other fishing activities.

Remember, using the Old Town kayak pedal system; you can easily change from pedaling forward to pedaling reverse.

Although the two pedal drive systems are pretty efficient, the Old Town pedal system has the upper hand. This is because of the absence of levels needed to transition from forward to pedaling backward.

4. Versatility

Hobie kayaks are pretty versatile in terms of the functions they can perform. For example, kayaks are used for fishing, recreational purposes, launching, racing in rolling tournaments, and surfing. Kayaks for various responsibilities vary in size and weight, stability, load capacities, and other specific features.

On the other hand, Old Town Kayaks are also best suited for several functions. For example, one can use them for kayak fishing, touring, and recreational purposes. Old Town makes six recreational kayak models, top of the features being stability and smooth mobility. Similarly, its fishing kayaks have a larger cockpit to provide a better room for storage.

Undoubtedly, both Hobie and Old Town kayaks are significantly diverse in terms of the functions they can perform.

Both manufacturers equip their kayaks with efficient specified features to make them suitable for their individual purposes.

5. Resale Price

It is worth noting that Hobie kayaks have an incredible reputation amongst their users because of their high quality.

Due to this reputation, the kayaks fetch a good resale value when their owners sell them to upgrade to better models. Therefore, Hobie kayaks are good investment options. Furthermore, they find new buyers quickly.

Old Town kayaks also have a respectable resale value but are not as good as their Hobie counterparts. Multiple physical and online shops deal with second-hand Old Town kayaks. If you wish to buy a used Old Town vessel, hire it first to test its features and performance before deciding to purchase it.

Although both Hobie and Old Town kayaks have pretty good resale value, second-hand Old Town vessels fetch less money than their counterparts. This fact makes them a less investment option compared to the Hobie kayaks.

6. Accessories Available

Often, there is a need for a kayaker to customize their vessel after buying it to suit their individual needs. Therefore, such a user can purchase additional accessories to complement the existing ones.

Hobie kayaks are efficient in providing their clients with a broad array of proprietary accessories. Therefore, whether the kayaker intends to fish, tour, surf, or recreate, they can get the accessories that will maximize their kayaking experiences and enjoy more.

The downside of Hobie accessories, however, is their prices. Multiple clients complain that the branded accessories are expensive, considering that Hobie kayaks are also expensive.

Old Town also provides its clients with proprietary accessories to suit their needs. However, the company also recommends other accessories from other reputable companies for clients to use with their kayaks. These partnerships lower the prices of these accessories so that they retail at pretty fair prices.

Undoubtedly, both companies provide their clients with accessories to complement the existing ones. The accessories are of high quality too, and, therefore, reliable.

However, since Old Town-offered accessories are cheaper than their Hobie counterparts, they are more preferred.

7. Warranty

Hobie offers different warranties on their kayaks if they encounter various defects in the hands of their new owners. They offer a two-year warranty on all models, down from a three-year warranty in earlier years.

These warranties cover problems that may arise from the company’s mistakes in design, manufacturing process, or the material used. However, Hobie does not cover defects arising from improper storage or convectional wear and tear.

On the other hand, Old Town offers good kayak warranties. For example, they provide a five-year cover for all their pedal system kayaks and a two-year warranty for their motorized kayaks. Furthermore, Old Town offers a lifetime cover for all their models that use the deck and the hull.

If warranty is a significant factor for you when purchasing a kayak, the Old Town kayaks are the ones you should consider. This is because you will be better positioned to safeguard your investment against unavoidable defects.

Conclusion

This article comparing Hobie vs. Old Town provides sufficient information to make a better decision if you purchase any of the two brands.

Therefore, utilize the knowledge and avoid mistakes when making the purchase. Good luck with both making the purchase and your kayaking journey.