I am looking to purchase a new kayak and am stuck between two. First is the Ride 115, second is the Hobie Outback. I know these aren't exactly apples to apples but I figure one may be better than the other at some things. I will mainly fish rivers and lakes. I am 6'2 and 160lbs.

Thanks for any info.

Do you plan on keeping the slayer12? If so I would go Hobie. If not the ride might better suit your needs. Or just be like Lee and buy both ;-)

I keep hearing that the Outback is still able to be paddled fairly easily, so if you do more lake than river, i would say the outback.


Just don't bring the drive and keep the rudder up in rivers IMO

Id get the Ride, and grab the high seat with it.

what river/rivers?

Mainly the brazos river. I also fish lake Whitney and Aquilla. Also some private ponds.

Do you want a kayak, or a dingy with pedals?

None of those places require a real "river boat" so either would work. It truly does come down to whether you prefer to paddle or pedal. I think the ride is a good all around boat and you have the high/lo seat option. I am hearing lots of not so good things about the outback seat but of course everyone fits differently. I would paddle/pedal both back to back if you can and let that be your decider.

Am I right in understanding you also have a slayer? If so, it seems the ride is more equivalent to the slayer so why be redundant - ie, go with the outback.

Lol I see, no I don't have a slayer, really dumb name probably not the best choice on my part.
This is going to be my first boat back in a while, I have built a kick boat that I use some but would like a yak for the longer trips and days the kick boat just won't work.

Gotcha. Then decide if you prefer to pedal or paddle. Again, suggest back to back demo if possible. I don't believe you can wrong with either one.

Ask APynckel how much he likes course correcting while trying to fish (paddling), especially while he watches someone continuously fish while course correcting (peddling)

Go demo both at the same time. If you are going to be paddling much I would lean towards the ride. If you want to stand I for sure would go with the ride. You could also look at a Slayer.

Ride! I had an outback and didnt like it.

Why don't you call me (972/241-1498) and set up a demo appointment. I can let you try both and change back and forth on the same visit.

All of the above comments and opinions are totally valid as both are the best kayaks out there. You won't go wrong on either one but you must make your own decision based on which feels best to you.

Really? The only people I've heard complain about the Outback seat are people who don't have Outbacks. I think a lot of the complaints come from people who have just seen it, because it looks like a standard strap-in seat.

Having said that, the Ride seat is undoubtedly more comfortable.

I don't think you can go wrong, although if you are really torn and they're neck-and-neck, I think the Ride would be a simple decision just due to cost difference. Unless you think you'd like the Outback significantly better, why spend the extra cash? Just my $0.02