[Jeff_D.]

Are there any folks that have owned, or have experience in running, both a Storm and a Mini Max?

I'm interested in a 10.5 raft to run 60/40 as an oar-rig and paddle-raft, respectively. I'll be using it 50/50 for day runs and also for short, 3-4 day outings. I'm an intermediate boater and am usually running OR/WA rivers (Deschutes, Wenatchee, Snoqualmie, GR, JD, etc.) and limit myself & crew to III+ (max). Further, I do not have a trailer and am cramming this thing into a crossover.

From what I've read, it appears that the RMR might track a little better and be less prone to flipping due to its shape and construction, whereas the Hyside might be more maneuverable yet more susceptible to being thrown around. I would also imagine that the weight and materials difference would make the Hyside easier to transport... especially for one person.

FWIW, I'm familiar the costs and benefits when comparing PVC and hypalon (upgraded from a RMR SB120 to a Hyside Pro 13 last season)... sooooooo:

1) What are peoples' experience with regard to how these feel in the water, both as an oar-rig and paddle-raft?
2) Is the difference in transport negligible or is it something I should weight more into the decision making?

Any other constructive feedback is appreciated... TIA \m/

 

[coult45]

Rolling up and transporting will be easier with the mini max no doubt, not to mention weight savings.

I cannot comment on the performance comparison. I’ve been in both, but it was years apart and I was a passenger not on the guide stick.

 

[jbri51]

Own a mini max. Never paddled a Storm. Rolling and transporting alone would push me enough towards the Max.

 

[Electric-Mayhem]

I would say the RMR is marginally more stable since the tubes diminish less... but everything else about the Mini-Max is superior. Materials, weight, build and usability are all gonna be better in the MIni-Max. It is gonna be more expensive over the RMR....but it is also going to hold its value more too. Used Mini-Max's sell really quick in my experience. I sold mine right at the beggining of 2020 and I had someone buy it within 24 hours and another two or three people showing interest ready to come have a look.

IMHO...worth the extra $1200 all day long.

 

[RFM137]

I have one on Craig's List in Denver if you are in Colorado.

 

[nervouswater]

Hyside will be definitely be easier to haul and roll. If you are looking for stable, get an RMR Phat Cat and put the costs savings towards a frame. The Phat Cat will be lighter than either of the rafts too.

 

[Bertiemang]

Hyside will be definitely be easier to haul and roll. If you are looking for stable, get an RMR Phat Cat and put the costs savings towards a frame. The Phat Cat will be lighter than either of the rafts too.

The Phatcat really needs it's floors raised before I'd recommend it out to anyone. I've used it dozens of times and that is what really holds it back.

 

[Therealjohnjohnmiller]

I have a 9.5' RMR and i like it alot - although like everyone else said the hyside is lighter and easier to roll up but at 9.5' my RMR is light enough for me to carry etc. I want to say the hyside is like 30lbs and my RMR is like 60-70 or something..

 

[Randaddy]

Hyside for the win. That said, once after the deepest, slowest hit ever at Lower Mash on the Gauley in a Storm, my friend and I agreed we would have flipped in a Mini Max.

I own the Max 12 and think it's the best one-raft quiver for most uses and runs.

 

[jbri51]

Hyside for the win. That said, once after the deepest, slowest hit ever at Lower Mash on the Gauley in a Storm, my friend and I agreed we would have flipped in a Mini Max.

I own the Max 12 and think it's the best one-raft quiver for most uses and runs.

I've run Gauley at high water in my mini max multiple times with no flips... I will now for saying that ha! As well as other steep class V drops. My point being, I believe the tippyness of the Mini Max to be overstated. Now the Mini-Me (pickle) is a whole different story 🙃

 

[BGillespie]

Now the Mini-Me (pickle) is a whole different story 🙃

Ha, rowing one is a blast.

 

[protechie]

Go with the Hyside if you can afford it. You will either A-have spent less than $100 per year more for much easier rolling and transport if you keep it long term, or B-get your money's worth when you sell it due to the better resale value percentage. I know several people who have to Storm and its a great little boat if you're on a budget, but all of them would have gotten the Mini-Max if they had the funds.

 

[Randaddy]

I've run Gauley at high water in my mini max multiple times with no flips... I will now for saying that ha! As well as other steep class V drops. My point being, I believe the tippyness of the Mini Max to be overstated. Now the Mini-Me (pickle) is a whole different story 🙃

I ran an outfitter in WV and can tell you that over and over, the heavier and stiffer RMR boats in our fleet would take the hits in Insig, Iron Ring, and Sweets, that would normally flip our 16' hypalon NRS boats. I believe the same to be true of the 20% heavier, 20% stiffer Storm, compared to the Mini Max. In the moment, on the water, it might actually be a better boat. But because I expect it to last half as long, and it's hard to store, I buy rubber and think that it's worth the sacrifice.

 

[Blade&Shaft]

Max, no brainer

 

[k2andcannoli]

Had a buddy get pretty banged up on Gore this year, we deflated his Storm, tried to roll it but it just sorted folded up. Granted we did this on some rocks in a canyon but that thing was huge! We r3'd out with the Storm in my 12' Otter's bow. I could see envy when I rolled my NRS into a nice burrito and carried it solo to the truck.

Get the rubber.

 

[billhoblitzell]

Have run both in CO and WV. I think the Max is easier to flip in pushy water due to its more-rockered side lines compared to the RMR's. If you spend a lot of time R2ing with a partner who doesn't understand angles well, doesn't understand anticipating weight shifts at important moments, or is more reliant on being guided by you than 'mind-melding' it and making those last minute unstated angle corrections as you hit the hole, the RMR will probably save your bacon in some occasionaly situations that the Hyside will put you in a swim. If you don't R2 with inexperienced partners a ton, and/or you don't run a bunch of bigger water where punching a sizeable hole or breaking wave is a required part of the line (versus being able to skirt bigger features), then the Hyside is definitely a lot easier to throw around off the river.

 

[skiergirl]

If you can afford it get the max 12! Get a Hyside ! I’m on my second a 2017 minimax. I think the max 12 might be the sweet spot but I think my husband will divorce me if I buy one. Get one and report back!!

 

[skiergirl]

Have run both in CO and WV. I think the Max is easier to flip in pushy water due to its more-rockered side lines compared to the RMR's. If you spend a lot of time R2ing with a partner who doesn't understand angles well, doesn't understand anticipating weight shifts at important moments, or is more reliant on being guided by you than 'mind-melding' it and making those last minute unstated angle corrections as you hit the hole, the RMR will probably save your bacon in some occasionaly situations that the Hyside will put you in a swim. If you don't R2 with inexperienced partners a ton, and/or you don't run a bunch of bigger water where punching a sizeable hole or breaking wave is a required part of the line (versus being able to skirt bigger features), then the Hyside is definitely a lot easier to throw around off the river.

Well said!!

 

[skiergirl]

I have a 9.5' RMR and i like it alot - although like everyone else said the hyside is lighter and easier to roll up but at 9.5' my RMR is light enough for me to carry etc. I want to say the hyside is like 30lbs and my RMR is like 60-70 or something..

I think the minimax is about 63ish pounds I recall my minime was 49lbs

 

[Randaddy]

If you can afford it get the max 12! Get a Hyside ! I’m on my second a 2017 minimax. I think the max 12 might be the sweet spot but I think my husband will divorce me if I buy one. Get one and report back!!

An ironic twist, because if he divorces you, I'd be trying to slide into your DMs, but I already have a Max 12!

It's nice to see the love for the Mini series! They have changed whitewater boating.