The new drive fins show great promise in enhanced performance for the Mirage series. The potential down side will be cost and packaging options.
From what I understand, Hobie currently plans to make the system available only as an upgrade to existing drives. This makes perfect sense for those Mirage owners who just want swap out their fins and masts for the new ones.
But for those who wish to opt for the performance version in conjunction with a new Mirage purchase, there doesn't seem to be any accomodation. If one were to buy a new automobile and wanted upgraded wheels and tires, he doesn't have to buy both sets; the manufacturer only charges the difference in value. I'd like to see Hobie take the same approach so buyers don't have to purchase two sets of fins to get the upgrade (thus wasting money and materials).
In my experience, Hobie tries to be fair to its customers, so I'm hoping they'll give this issue some serious consideration.
With regard to pricing of the new fins and masts, I would agree with Apalach in being hopeful, but not confident: Hopeful that Hobie would offer a nice package discount on the upgrade, but not confident because the existing aggregate price on the standard fin/mast components is already over $60.
Hobie obviously appreciates the forum's input to its operation and products; any other suggestions?
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