The Mini X is more of a dedicated fishing machine whereas the OK Frenzy is mainly an all around do it all and play kayak with less standard features that are fisherman friendly.

Either one you will get your monies worth, and both are good solid kayaks.

Interested in what you end up getting I am in the same boat right now debating which one I would like. Mini-X seems like the better option for camping trips.

I'll tell y'all right now, if you can afford it, there is no better fishing ride than a Hobie. Right now I have the sport but I will upgrade to a larger model one day. The Mini-X and the Sport are about the same length, and you're correct, they are great for camping trips. I made a rack that fits across the bed of my truck I could carry both on, or strap them to the top of the pop up camper, and a family camping trip was a combination fishing trip.

I agree that Hobies are awesome. We have a Quest 11 and I know it is not a mirage drive but it is very high quality.

Love the mini-x! Great fishing yak, light weight, not too expensive, very stable, will easily fit in the back of your truck. I have a quad cab dakota and stack 2 minis in the bed, secure with 3 straps, attach flag and head to the lake.

I have a mini-x that I might be interested in selling.

PM me if interested.

I would recommend getting at least a 12ft kayak. I can throw a 12 ft kayak in my truck bed just as quickly and easily as a mini x or any other small kayak.

I plan to upgrade to a longer yak in the future, but want something I can get on the water AND not break the bank! I have 4 kids and want something they can play in also - so that is why I was leaning toward the Mini X or Frenzy (2 birds 1 stone - wife stays happy!)
Wish we had a Moken dealer close by - would really like to see the Feel Free 10 - has some really good reviews but the closest dealer I could find was Austin. I have also looked at the Jackson Riviera - seems like it would be a good yak to start with and be able let the kids use it. Money being tight I have to be sure I can get multiple uses from the yak - so cannot start with a dedicated fishing yak - that will come!

Regardless of what brand you buy, I would recommend that you wait a little longer and save up for what you really want. You always get what you pay for and believe it or not, your wait will save you money in the long run. Way too many people quickly bargain buy something just to get on the water and sadly realize that they are not happy with their choice. Most likely, you will then decide to sell (at a loss) and will end up buying what you wanted in the first place. Look at Craigslist, etc., they are always loaded with those bargain boats that can hardly be given away.

While you are saving, go out and do your research for your dream kayak. Our store and many other dealers are more than happy to talk and counsel with you as well as offering free demo opportunities. Also, there are numerous splash days coming up as well as the upcoming big Texas Paddlesports Festival on May 12th at Grapevine Lake. We will have factory representatives from both Hobie and Wilderness Systems in attendance with their armadas. If not already up, we will have a link to the Festival very soon. Last but not least, come out to any of the TFF activities and see fully tricked out fishing platforms of all shapes, brands, and sizes. Most of these friendly guys will be happy to talk with you and most likely let you go you for a test paddle.

I am off today but would be more than happy talk with you tomorrow (either by phone or in person) to objectively answer any questions and maybe make several recommendations. I do have several budgetary (but very good) models from Perception that will run circles around the big box basics.

Mike,
I really appreciate your insight.
What I am doing is trying to get a couple of kayaks that will be good for my kids to play in as well as me to fish from in small water for now. My plan is to upgrade someday - but for now these will be double duty yaks.
I will be going with the Mini X for now - but I do plan to take you up on the offer of demoing some yaks in the future. Really like what the yak industry is doing for fishing!

Thanks!

and buy used if you can!! save lots of dough and usually rigged up nicely. a few scrapes on the bottom is worth it. you can buy a great used yak at a good price and sell it for more 2 years later. ive done it twice now. a new one loses its value right out of the store. i bought a hobie outback for 1100 and sold it for 1300 2 years later. or a pescador is more quality than 95 percent of the yaks out there. its the old 2008 tarpon model which used to sell for about $1000 for 500 now. academy and west marine has some pescadors and pompanos. check them out

...

Well - I did it!
Thanks to District Paddle and Reelfisherman - I am now the proud owner of 2 New to Me Mini X's.


Now need to get paddles and PFD's - then we will give them some test runs to see what else I want/need to add.

I am pretty minimalist when it comes to fishing - if I have too much stuff I am always thinking I need to change instead of working what I have.

Will add a FF soon - will read through the posts to see what people are using. I used a Fishing Buddy with the Float tubes - but will got to a mounted model on the yak.

BTW - anyone need a float tube? Have a Fish Cat 4 and a Uboat 2000 I will be parting with!

Congrats!! Great looking yaks.

I have always been impressed with Malibu's ability to put so much into this small a platform. Of all the yaks out there of this size, I don't think that there is anything that compares to the Mini-X's large tankwell and center hatch.

You are gonna love 'em!!