Gear Review: Hobie Eclipse

Value Rating: 10 Durability Rating: 9 Overall Rating: 10 Location of Test: The Willamette Duration: Demo Day Product Name: Eclipse Product Brand: Hobie Best Use: Walking on water Sizes Available/ Specs: 10.5 ft. and 12 ft. Yellow and blue available The Full Review: The Hobie Eclipse is a revolutionary new style of Stand up Paddle Board that utilizes the patented mirage drive system to propel it. You stand over the pedals and use it similar to a stair master. It appears that there are brakes, but wait, they're actually steering controls for the rudder! All one needs to do to be gliding in style is move your feet in an up and down motion and squeeze the handle on the side you want to turn to orient yourself in your desired direction The Good: This board is extremely user-friendly. I saw senior citizens with little balance hop on the Hobie Eclipse with just a few words of instruction to work with. The stability of these boards is almost unparalleled, especially with the added stability of the mirage drive more or less under your feet. By using the mirage drive, this board leaves your shoulders arms, and back un-fatigued and free to do with what you please. Legs are generally stronger than arms... and if you've got weak knees this is a low impact activity with lots of mobility. The Bad: The board has no brakes! The rider must glide to a halt, usually by turning and kind of sliding into a stop. You can bring a paddle with you, but it kind of defeats the purpose of having the mirage drive, which is the intention of the board. The Bottom Line: This board is the first of its kind and sure to be upgraded repeatedly as most Hobie products are. They start off with a new concept and then hone and hone and hone... even though the first round is always well designed. If you are someone looking for an easy way to get on the water and cruise without taxing your upper body, or just need a way to relax, this board is a great option. There is nothing else like it on the market right now and it certainly provides a demographic of people that may not generally be able to stand up paddle an opportunity to get out on the water.