Good points throughout your presentation, thanks! I got the Hobie Lynx for its easy cartopping, along with its surprising performance and stability. The iTrek takes the Lynx's portability up another whole notch, without a lot of downside. I solo kayak around Vermont, the Adirondacks, and western NH, just exploring lakes and rivers that appeal to me. It's the icing on my retirement cake.
I have the i11s, and mine has the 180 drive. I upgraded to Turbo fins, as well as the rudder upgrade, like what you have on that one. The rudder was a bigger performance changer than the fins, but the fins are easier to maintain speed longer, rather than much faster. I have travelled with mine overseas, and the new iTrek looks good with the lesser weight, so will likely upgrade one day. For the pump, I bought a Red Paddle Co pump, and it is basically half the time to pump up compared to the original Hobie one. For those wondering, these are capable of open blue water, I take mine out into the deep water all the time. My concern is I dont like going anywhere where it is 'pointy', so avoid places with oysters etc. If you wouldnt walk barefoot in the area, I wont kayak there basically. I took mine down a river and with poor visibility, and current, I was hitting lots of submerged branches etc, so kick up fins will be good. While mine has 180, I very rarely use it, so used to going forward, and using a paddle if needed. Reversing is weird steering as well by the way.
The rudder upgrade is definitely huge! I do understand that later year models of the i11s came standard with 180 drives, I just wish Hobie would have continued that into this model. That said, this boat is incredibly easy to reverse or simply slow down or change direction with just a paddle. 180 Kick Ups would be nice though at the price point. As far as reverse with this rudder, I did it in the Lynx and it was amazing, I know it's a slightly different platform but that rudder performed flawlessly in reverse on the Lynx. Read my reply to Joey above about the weight, let me know your thoughts. I appreciate your input!
@@JakeHarshman I would actually prefer a plain old one direction drive, if it was lighter. Maybe an option could be 180, 360, kick up etc, you choose. As long as the base is the same, could swap the drives out etc. I tow mine behind my bike, and any weight savings is good, and any extra space in the bag also. Thats why I like the look of the new one, with the rudder being how it is.
Great comparison. I didn't know about the weight difference. It's hard to find an iTrek 11in this area right now. I almost bought my friends i11s, but end up getting a iTrek 9 for more portability. I wanted something that would be easier to take on a plane. It just arrived, so I can't wait to pick it up and get on the water. I look forward to seeing how you like after a season of use.
Yeah the weight difference is because they use a less thick material for the iTrek. I also opted to wait for the 11 versus the 9 so that I had the three chambers versus one chamber. I fish around quite a bit of rocks and it just gives me a little piece of mind knowing that if I poke a hole in one chamber I'm still going to float. I appreciate your comment, I'm a pretty big fan of your channel.
@@JakeHarshman that's another thing I didn't consider. I would have never thought about the chambers. I would primarily be using my itrek 9 for travel and fishing remote areas. I'll be taking it on a plane next month to fish in Florida. Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate the support. You have a new fan now.
Must say on my own experience after a year the i11 (older one) is better. The adjustability and durability of the seat appear to be better, the rudder system/steering is smoother, and the mirage pro is unbeatable. And I have no problem @all to take the extra pounds as these come with sturdier material being used.
Great comparison. The iTrek is very intriguing to me as I primarily fish shallow/skinny water. I still have reservations about spending 3k on an inflatable though. I would be interested to know how well these hold up over time.
I understand those apprehensions and the nice thing is, there's used options that will soon be available, if you wanted to go that route to save a little money.
I bought mine in 2017 I think, still good now. I use mine almost exclusively in saltwater, and gets a basic wash down (I wash down the drive etc, but the main body gets basic wash down, due to not having easy access to a hose. Best part is the ease of storage and transport. Once on the water it behaves like most other kayaks (I have owned a Pro Angler, heavy, slow, hard to store and hard to transport)
Thank you Jake for all the information. I have the 2020 i11s (or 2021?) and I`m lucky it come with 180 kick-up fins. About the pump I suggest a electric pump with the power from car cig lighter, I never use the manual pump after it. The rudder on i11s is really bad but there is ITREK11 RUDDER KIT for i11s coming out already and I want to upgrade. It is tooooo difficult to put the i11s back to the bag(maybe easier with the rudder changing) . I wonder how does the itrek do cause my friend is thinking of buying it.
This boat comes with a hand pump and electric pump but, neither blow my mind with performance/output. I'd like to see better quality pumps for the price, mainly a better quality hand pump and let people make a choice to buy an electric pump vs. including a cheap one. You have a 2020 i11s because they stopped making it that year. It is my understanding that the later year models of the i11s did come with 180 drives, I wish Hobie would have continued that into the iTrek 11 at the current price point. I think you will love, absolutely LOVE the rudder upgrade for sure. With the lighter weight of the iTrek, it leads me to believe they changed the material a bit to obtain that decrease in pounds. So in theory that should make the iTrek easier to pack but the downside is durability. The verdict is still out on how long and how well the iTrek material will hold up. I'm skeptical but not completely concerned about that aspect. I will be aware of dragging it for sure because of that.
@@JakeHarshman yup my 2019 came with 180, non kick up. I just purchased the i11s rudder update kit. (same style as the itrek/lynx). Should be getting it Friday
Well I cant use it, but of I win I have 5 guys who kayak and I'll give to 1 of them. I had the boat out on Thursday in the 60° weather and then it got nasty. We'll get there soon.
How about rod holders? I mean rod holders for trolling. Like with Scotty mount systems. Have you figured out a way to attach them? Maybe to the seat? If attached to the box behind the seat they'd be hard to get to. What do you think? Great video! Mark, the salmon killer, in Oregon
Great video, love the comparison. when your talking about cushions you use for seats. I noticed yours was an inflatable donut, is that more for comfort or for your hemorrhoids? J/k....cant wait to see the on the water review.
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Appreciate the video. I just picked up my long awaited Itrek11 , and have been a little confused with the differences. What type of paddle did you get with the itrek11? Mine came with a kayak type paddle and I was kinda hoping for a SUP type paddle. Not sure it will make a big difference ? Looking forward to your review out on the water.
Mine came with the kayak paddle as well. I think that it's probably a better option too because of how well this thing paddles. I'm sure a SUP paddle would have it's place but, for what I do, I am glad it came with a standard kayak paddle.
@@Nicole-ct4ro I think a sup paddle would be sufficient if you were only using it in a recreational sense but with fishing I feel like a double-ended paddle makes more sense
So I use the Hobie Protectant, I think it's called 302 or something like that. Basically like sunscreen for my boat. I apply it about once a month. I don't think the drive would rust as long as it's cared for appropriately after salt use. Hobie drives are well used in Salt applications historically.
@JakeHarshman, if you're interested, we can trade- I'll take your itrek11 and you can have my i11s. I just bought it, and it's in immaculate condition. Lmk
Do you have a link or brand from where to get such seat cushions maybe?! Didn’t arrive yet to Europe actually kayak fishing is fairly new here for Europe! Would be nice to get some infos there with some experienced background.
This company is the ones who make this product. If you can't order from them, try this dealer... www.innovativesportsman.com/store/p150/Kayak_Kushion.html#/
How do you feel about the non reverse itrek pedal? Can you get used to it? Could you substitute with 180 pedal on itrek? Heard it's not a simple swap .... Thanks!
You forgot to mention one thing. The i11s was made of 1000 denier PVC. The itrek 11 is made out if 500 denier PVC. The 1000 denier PVC is stronger than 500. That's probably also why the i11s is heavier than the itrek. Oh also, the i11s only pumps up to 6 psi, and I believe the itrek pumps up to 10 psi?
@@JakeHarshman hmm I was under the impression that at 10 psi, it would feel more ridgid. For example, the BOTE paddle boards/kayaks go up to around 15 psi and they feel like a rigid hull.
Somebody send me a seat cushion!... I've fished a lot of platforms from Jackson to Hobie and have no idea what the seat comfortably is all about. lol. Apparently I've been missing something.
Good points throughout your presentation, thanks! I got the Hobie Lynx for its easy cartopping, along with its surprising performance and stability. The iTrek takes the Lynx's portability up another whole notch, without a lot of downside. I solo kayak around Vermont, the Adirondacks, and western NH, just exploring lakes and rivers that appeal to me. It's the icing on my retirement cake.
Glad it helped!
Yoooo what a time to be alive... Book an air BNB next to a launch... Get a flight booked... Bag up your hobie .. and go to town... These are awesome
that ain't no lie!!! The bag it flies in is compact as hell for what you're packing in it too!
Can’t wait to watch more of your bass videos this year. You’re my recommendation to watch whenever someone asks me about the susky
Man... That's one of the nicest comments I've ever gotten! Thank you!
I have the i11s, and mine has the 180 drive. I upgraded to Turbo fins, as well as the rudder upgrade, like what you have on that one. The rudder was a bigger performance changer than the fins, but the fins are easier to maintain speed longer, rather than much faster.
I have travelled with mine overseas, and the new iTrek looks good with the lesser weight, so will likely upgrade one day. For the pump, I bought a Red Paddle Co pump, and it is basically half the time to pump up compared to the original Hobie one. For those wondering, these are capable of open blue water, I take mine out into the deep water all the time. My concern is I dont like going anywhere where it is 'pointy', so avoid places with oysters etc. If you wouldnt walk barefoot in the area, I wont kayak there basically. I took mine down a river and with poor visibility, and current, I was hitting lots of submerged branches etc, so kick up fins will be good. While mine has 180, I very rarely use it, so used to going forward, and using a paddle if needed. Reversing is weird steering as well by the way.
The rudder upgrade is definitely huge! I do understand that later year models of the i11s came standard with 180 drives, I just wish Hobie would have continued that into this model. That said, this boat is incredibly easy to reverse or simply slow down or change direction with just a paddle.
180 Kick Ups would be nice though at the price point.
As far as reverse with this rudder, I did it in the Lynx and it was amazing, I know it's a slightly different platform but that rudder performed flawlessly in reverse on the Lynx.
Read my reply to Joey above about the weight, let me know your thoughts.
I appreciate your input!
@@JakeHarshman I would actually prefer a plain old one direction drive, if it was lighter. Maybe an option could be 180, 360, kick up etc, you choose. As long as the base is the same, could swap the drives out etc.
I tow mine behind my bike, and any weight savings is good, and any extra space in the bag also. Thats why I like the look of the new one, with the rudder being how it is.
@@stephencooper9753 that makes complete sense too
So glad we got to see those pretty eyes at the end of the video!
I did that special for you boo!
I took my Itrek out today for the first time. I loved it.
it's such a fun and cool platform!
Good job Jake! Look forward to seeing you at Susky!
Thanks man!
Excellent review! Just what I was looking for as I am in the market for a new inflatable. Thanks Jake.
Glad it was helpful! I'm selling my iTrek due to durability.
Great comparison. I didn't know about the weight difference. It's hard to find an iTrek 11in this area right now. I almost bought my friends i11s, but end up getting a iTrek 9 for more portability. I wanted something that would be easier to take on a plane. It just arrived, so I can't wait to pick it up and get on the water. I look forward to seeing how you like after a season of use.
Yeah the weight difference is because they use a less thick material for the iTrek. I also opted to wait for the 11 versus the 9 so that I had the three chambers versus one chamber. I fish around quite a bit of rocks and it just gives me a little piece of mind knowing that if I poke a hole in one chamber I'm still going to float.
I appreciate your comment, I'm a pretty big fan of your channel.
@@JakeHarshman that's another thing I didn't consider. I would have never thought about the chambers. I would primarily be using my itrek 9 for travel and fishing remote areas. I'll be taking it on a plane next month to fish in Florida. Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate the support. You have a new fan now.
@@TomyTekOutdoors I appreciate yuh man! I just crossed over the 1k sub mark today! I hope you were the one!
Nice review! I wait for the next video to testing and see the difference in water!!
I'm going to try and make it happen as soon as possible!
Must say on my own experience after a year the i11 (older one) is better.
The adjustability and durability of the seat appear to be better, the rudder system/steering is smoother, and the mirage pro is unbeatable.
And I have no problem @all to take the extra pounds as these come with sturdier material being used.
I concur with that assessment completely
@@JakeHarshman u may
Thanks for the thorough comparison ! It helps me understand the I-Trek11 a lot better!
Glad to hear it! I wish they had kept the construction of the i11s while upgrading the rudder and seat.
Looking forward to seeing it on the water !
I'm hoping tomorrow I can't find a spot...
just bought the itrek 11 to accompany my lynx! so excited! 😊
Both platforms are awesome in their own ways! You're lucky to have been able to find and buy them both.
Excited to see the iTreck on the river!
Me too!
Great video as always Jake.
thanks man!
Nice video. Just wondering ... what do they charge to upgrade to a 180 drive? Do you have to completely by a second drive?
Yes you do
Great video. Very useful. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
this video was super helpful, thank you.
I'm so glad! You're welcome sir!
Thanks for the review!
My pleasure!
Great video bro! Keep em coming!
thank you!
Great comparison. The iTrek is very intriguing to me as I primarily fish shallow/skinny water. I still have reservations about spending 3k on an inflatable though. I would be interested to know how well these hold up over time.
I understand those apprehensions and the nice thing is, there's used options that will soon be available, if you wanted to go that route to save a little money.
I bought mine in 2017 I think, still good now. I use mine almost exclusively in saltwater, and gets a basic wash down (I wash down the drive etc, but the main body gets basic wash down, due to not having easy access to a hose.
Best part is the ease of storage and transport. Once on the water it behaves like most other kayaks (I have owned a Pro Angler, heavy, slow, hard to store and hard to transport)
Nice comparison jake
Thank you!
Thank you Jake for all the information. I have the 2020 i11s (or 2021?) and I`m lucky it come with 180 kick-up fins. About the pump I suggest a electric pump with the power from car cig lighter, I never use the manual pump after it. The rudder on i11s is really bad but there is ITREK11 RUDDER KIT for i11s coming out already and I want to upgrade. It is tooooo difficult to put the i11s back to the bag(maybe easier with the rudder changing) . I wonder how does the itrek do cause my friend is thinking of buying it.
This boat comes with a hand pump and electric pump but, neither blow my mind with performance/output. I'd like to see better quality pumps for the price, mainly a better quality hand pump and let people make a choice to buy an electric pump vs. including a cheap one. You have a 2020 i11s because they stopped making it that year. It is my understanding that the later year models of the i11s did come with 180 drives, I wish Hobie would have continued that into the iTrek 11 at the current price point.
I think you will love, absolutely LOVE the rudder upgrade for sure.
With the lighter weight of the iTrek, it leads me to believe they changed the material a bit to obtain that decrease in pounds. So in theory that should make the iTrek easier to pack but the downside is durability. The verdict is still out on how long and how well the iTrek material will hold up. I'm skeptical but not completely concerned about that aspect. I will be aware of dragging it for sure because of that.
@@JakeHarshman yup my 2019 came with 180, non kick up. I just purchased the i11s rudder update kit. (same style as the itrek/lynx). Should be getting it Friday
Great review!!!!
Thank you!
Well I cant use it, but of I win I have 5 guys who kayak and I'll give to 1 of them. I had the boat out on Thursday in the 60° weather and then it got nasty. We'll get there soon.
yeah we are in the sprinter season of Pennsylvania now (spring-winter)
Great video!
Thanks!
How about rod holders? I mean rod holders for trolling. Like with Scotty mount systems. Have you figured out a way to attach them? Maybe to the seat? If attached to the box behind the seat they'd be hard to get to. What do you think? Great video! Mark, the salmon killer, in Oregon
I' have not considered attaching rod holders capable of trolling. It's not a method of fishing that I ever do.
Great video, love the comparison. when your talking about cushions you use for seats. I noticed yours was an inflatable donut, is that more for comfort or for your hemorrhoids? J/k....cant wait to see the on the water review.
hahahahahahahaha... The donut is the best!
Sir!!! Your comment was selected for the free giveaway! Contact me via IG or Facebook if you follow me on either of those and I can get er shipped out to the West Coast for yuh! Congrats!
@@JakeHarshman awesome!!! Thank you!!
Appreciate the video. I just picked up my long awaited Itrek11 , and have been a little confused with the differences. What type of paddle did you get with the itrek11? Mine came with a kayak type paddle and I was kinda hoping for a SUP type paddle. Not sure it will make a big difference ? Looking forward to your review out on the water.
Mine came with the kayak paddle as well. I think that it's probably a better option too because of how well this thing paddles. I'm sure a SUP paddle would have it's place but, for what I do, I am glad it came with a standard kayak paddle.
I use SUP paddle because I enjoy standing up and paddleboarding with it :)
@@Nicole-ct4ro I think a sup paddle would be sufficient if you were only using it in a recreational sense but with fishing I feel like a double-ended paddle makes more sense
What about uv damage and delamination issues? How does the drive handle salt water over time? rust?
So I use the Hobie Protectant, I think it's called 302 or something like that. Basically like sunscreen for my boat. I apply it about once a month. I don't think the drive would rust as long as it's cared for appropriately after salt use. Hobie drives are well used in Salt applications historically.
@@JakeHarshman Thanks for the tip
Winner of the Giveaway is Socal Fishing!
Great video
Thanks!
Thank you
I want to buy one and i confuse between 9,11,11s
I need to take it on plane
If you can find an i11s used in good shape, I'd buy one of those and get a rudder upgrade kit. The iTrek is not worth the money I paid for it
@@JakeHarshman thanks final I bought the 9 i will upgrade it
@JakeHarshman, if you're interested, we can trade- I'll take your itrek11 and you can have my i11s. I just bought it, and it's in immaculate condition. Lmk
Do you have a link or brand from where to get such seat cushions maybe?! Didn’t arrive yet to Europe actually kayak fishing is fairly new here for Europe! Would be nice to get some infos there with some experienced background.
www.kushionkompany.com/shop/fulton-cycle-yww57
This company is the ones who make this product. If you can't order from them, try this dealer...
www.innovativesportsman.com/store/p150/Kayak_Kushion.html#/
@@JakeHarshman Ooooh thanks a lot! Very helpful :)
@@weisswurstfruhstuck8523 bitte
@@JakeHarshman heheh danke ! 😂👍🏻👌🏻
How do you feel about the non reverse itrek pedal? Can you get used to it? Could you substitute with 180 pedal on itrek? Heard it's not a simple swap ....
Thanks!
Not at all, You can plug and play a 180 drive super easy. The iTrek is so easy to paddle, you don't absolutely need a 180 drive though.
Good one. How long does it take you to inflate the kayake?
About 10-15 minutes
You forgot to mention one thing.
The i11s was made of 1000 denier PVC.
The itrek 11 is made out if 500 denier PVC.
The 1000 denier PVC is stronger than 500. That's probably also why the i11s is heavier than the itrek.
Oh also, the i11s only pumps up to 6 psi, and I believe the itrek pumps up to 10 psi?
You are correct in this observation!
@@JakeHarshman question. Does the itrek feel a lot more ridgid than the i11s.
@@1221Ralph I'd say they feel identical
@@JakeHarshman hmm I was under the impression that at 10 psi, it would feel more ridgid. For example, the BOTE paddle boards/kayaks go up to around 15 psi and they feel like a rigid hull.
I think they needed the higher PSI due to that material difference. I know the seams and seals certainly seem better than the i11s
I got the 180 drive with my Hobie i11s ?
The iTrek11 comes standard with the GT Drive, not the 180
Somebody send me a seat cushion!... I've fished a lot of platforms from Jackson to Hobie and have no idea what the seat comfortably is all about. lol. Apparently I've been missing something.
The Dugout Bait & Tackle has them on their website. The kayak kushion will change your life!
Here is kind of my goal to do with the Hobie iTrek 11.
ruclips.net/video/uXr_xc3fViA/видео.html