As most of our customers would know by now, there have been on-going product supply issues with Hobie that have persisted for some time now. For any readers unaware, its a long story that could be summarized as a series of unfortunate events, but apparently there is light at the end of the tunnel. At the time of writing (Dec 1, 2025) its clearly apparent to us that light is not going to hit before the summer is out, however. This is grim news for anyone requiring certain consumable parts, V1, V2 & original GT MirageDrive fins and sprockets in particular.
Workaround for Replacing V1, V2 & original GT Fins
Fortunately we do have a couple of workarounds that may help get you back on the water. For example, if you need to replace a Turbo Fin for a V1, V2 & original GT MirageDrive, you could get away with a Vibe X-Drive Fin. These are the same length as a Hobie Turbo Fin, will fit straight onto a Turbo Fin Mast. So if all you need to replace are the turbo fins, this is your best bet for now:
Unfortunately, the Vibe X-Drive Fin is too long for a standard length mast, so if you need to replace standard length fins, the only way you could really use the X-Drive Fin would be to install Hobie turbo masts as well. While we do have X-Drive Fin Masts available, they are NOT compatible with Hobie sprockets (the thread is only compatible with Vibe X-Drive Sprockets). So if you require new fins and masts for a MirageDrive that currently has standard fins and you want to try Vibe X-Drive Fins, you should buy turbo masts, providing your sprockets are in good condition. If you know or suspect that you need to replace sprockets as well, keep reading for the workaround to that.
Workaround for Replacing Original GT Sprockets
If you need to replace Hobie V2 or GT MirageDrive sprockets, the chances are high that you won’t currently find genuine Hobie ones anywhere. You could use Vibe X-Drive Sprockets, but this is only going to work if you also buy X-Drive Fin Masts as well (because as previously mentioned, Hobie masts are not compatible with these sprockets). They are compatible with the Hobie MirageDrive spine, sprocket shaft and outhaul blocks. They are not supplied with sprocket guards or Outhaul blocks, but you can re-use the ones you have.
Workaround for Replacing V2 Idler Cable
Hobie have also run dry on V2 idler cables, which are another MirageDrive product that we have a workaround for. The Vibe X-Drive Idler Cable is fully compatible with V2 / GT & Arc Style MD180 MirageDrive drums. These are supplied with locking nuts and will get you out of trouble if your current idler cable looks out of shape.
