Pedal Boards: Is Hobie Pedal Paddle Board Worth Their Price Tag?

Inventive that's the best way to describe the Hobie Mirage Eclipse pedal paddleboard. 

This stand-up paddleboard takes SUP to a new level with its integrated pedals. It's understandable if you're not convinced that the Mirage Eclipse is worth your money, but it's an expensive device whether it's revolutionary or not.

We've put together this ultimate review to help you decide if the Hobie Eclipse is the suitable stand-up pedalboard for you. We'll walk you through the basics of this bicycle paddleboard so you can spend more time on the water instead of researching your gear.

What You Need to Know About the Hobie Mirage Eclipse Pedal Board

The Hobie Eclipse Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) is the next evolution in paddleboarding, as it can be propelled by paddling like a conventional SUP and by pedaling using the Mirage Drive system. You move forward by stepping on two pedal pads on the board, which in turn drives two fins underneath the board in a side-to-side motion, allowing you to go ahead with excellent efficacy and speed... yes, the Hobie Eclipse board does let you walk on water. How about some wind, waves, and wake? No issue. This board is more stable than a typical standup paddleboard because of its width, hull design, and handlebars. This high-performance board is made from an ACX advanced composite, which helps to keep it light.

The controls for the steering are conveniently located on the handlebars in the form of hand levers similar to those seen on bicycles. Pull to the right and go to the right. Squeeze left, go left. The Mirage Eclipse can turn more precisely than any other plane because it has a full rudder. Lock the rudder into position as a tracking skeg and paddle the board like a traditional standup paddleboard. The handlebar is made of aluminum alloy and can be removed in seconds.

Extremely stable, all you have to do is hop on and start moving with the help of Mirage Drive® leg power. Soon, you'll be able to fly through the air at breakneck speeds and make sharp turns with the steering controls right at your fingertips. Because minimal setup is involved, you can get out on the lake and start having fun quickly. It will only take a few minutes to get to the water from your vehicle, the dock, or your boat. You can go by yourself, with your significant other, or with a group, and there is room for a youngster or a dog to come along for the ride.

The Mirage Eclipse is a fitness program that takes workouts outdoors, onto the lake, and into the sunlight. The paddle board is both lightweight and robust, and it is packed with features that were designed with consideration, such as gear tie-downs and a carefree kick-up rudder. The Mirage Eclipse introduces an entirely new dimension to standup paddleboarding. With the cutting-edge Eclipse Stand-Up Paddleboard, you'll be the object of everyone else's jealousy.

Specs to consider

• Dimensions: 12 feet (3.66m)
• Weight: 58.9 pounds (26.72 kilograms)
• Height: 35 inches (88.9 cm)
• Maximum weight capacity: 275 pounds (124.75 kilograms)
• Made of Advanced Composite Epoxy
• Displacement Hull

Pedal paddleboards might not be part of your everyday vocabulary, even if you've been paddleboarding. It's pretty understandable, though, because the Mirage Eclipse is the world's first watercraft that combines the ease of pedal boats with the joy of paddleboarding.

With the Mirage Eclipse, you can paddle the board just like a paddleboard, but instead of using the paddle, you use an elliptical-style pedal to propel it. The unique design of this boat makes it exceptionally stable and provides more control and power on the water.

Reliability

Epoxy composite is an ultra-durable material similar to fiberglass used in the Hobie Eclipse. A unique feature of this material is that it is a laminate of thousands of tiny, solid fibers. As a result, these fibers offer a tremendous strength-to-weight ratio, which means they are as durable as plastic alternatives while weighing a fraction of the weight. 

Stability

Mirage Eclipse's stability is one of its best features. The Hobie Pedal Board has a width of 35 inches (89cm). Most stand-up paddleboards have 32-34 inches (81.3-86.4cm).

As a result of this extra width, the Mirage Eclipse is very stable in flat and slightly choppy conditions. New paddlers or those not confident in their balancing abilities will find this board a great fit. Moreover, the board's integrated handlebars give paddlers extra confidence and support on the water.

Easy to use

Hobie Eclipse is suitable for new watersports enthusiasts since it uses elliptical pedals for propulsion. As a result of the integrated pedals, the perfect paddling technique is unnecessary, making it easy to use for people of all skill levels.

On the water, tracking ability/control.

Rather than riding on top of the water, this pedal SUP features a displacement hull that enables it to push through the water. Because of this design, the Mirage Eclipse can be used at any speed, unlike a planning watercraft, which is most efficient at high rates. 

A board with a pointed bow can also slice better through the water when cruising at a fast clip. In addition to the integrated breaks for better speed control on the water, the Mirage Eclipse's handlebar provides an intuitive and easy-to-use steering system.

Providing comfort

In addition to being broad and stable, the Hobie Pedal Board makes stand-up paddling much more comfortable for someone who is just getting started. Plus, the board's handlebars can be adjusted to the right height for you to adapt them to fit your needs.

In addition to the high-grip EVA foam deck pad, Hobie designed this board with superb cushioning underfoot. In addition, the grippy surface of these deck pads reduces the possibility of slipping. 

Gear Storage

Most paddleboards lack integrated gear storage, which is a significant drawback. Have a place to store your water bottle and snacks, even if you're going out for a few hours.

A small bungee-corded gear tie-down area on the Mirage Eclipse allows you to store your most essential gear. 

Versatility

With the handlebars removed and the rudder locked down, the Mirage Eclipse can easily be converted into a standard paddleboard. The board can be customized to meet your needs with that in mind.

Transport & Storage

As one of the heavier paddleboards on the market today, the Hobie Eclipse tips the scales at 58.9lbs (26.72kg). The added weight of all those boards can be a bit concerning for people who aren't sure they will be able to lift such a heavy board onto their car at the end of the day.

The board has handles at the bow and the stern, so transporting and lifting it from your vehicle to the water is more manageable. You can transport the board easily to and from your car with Hobie's carts and dollies. 

Additionally, since the handlebars and pedals can be removed, the Mirage Eclipse can be transported on a roof rack like any other paddleboard.

How Does The Hobie Mirage Eclipse Work?

The Mirage Eclipse is an excellent board for a new stand-up paddler who wants to pedal or paddle on the water. A unique design makes this board a good choice for those who want a full-body workout on the water.

In addition, paddleboards are an excellent option for people with injuries to their upper bodies that prevent them from using traditional paddleboards. The Mirage Eclipse is also a popular choice among newcomers to the sport who are nervous about balancing on a stand-up board.

Questions and Answers about Hobie Mirage Eclipse Pedal Paddle Boards

The following are some of your most frequently asked questions about the Hobie Mirage:

What is the Maximum Speed of the Hobie Mirage Eclipse?

It is difficult to tell you exactly how fast your Mirage Eclipse can go because it depends on how fast you paddle. It is almost always quicker to pedal with your legs than to paddle with your upper body. 

When moving at a comfortable pace, you can expect to cover at least 5 knots (5.8mph) on the Mirage Eclipse. Your only option for moving faster is to pedal harder!

Pedal Paddleboards backward on the Hobie Mirage Eclipse?

You bet! Due to its elliptical-shaped pedals, the Mirage Eclipse can be pedaled backward by moving your feet back.

Summary

Hobie Mirage Eclipse is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy, fun way to get on the water. It's also a good choice for people who want a single board for water-based activities since it can be paddled or pedaled. 

The pedal paddleboard is a bit pricier and heavier than a standard SUP but offers unmatched versatility. The Mirage Eclipse is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, whether pedal or paddle!