Super Puma vs Mini Max

Hi

I own both the Hyside Mini Max and Paddlecat.

Both are awsome R2 boats.

The Paddlecat is signficantly lighter and rolls signifcantly smaller.

The Mini Max ROCKS as a R2 boat, even better than the paddlecat.

The Mini Max is now my goto R2 class IV-V boat, but the paddlecat rocks class V very well to.

Aire makes great boats too. The Pumas are great R2 boats as well. I have owned 2 Aire Force IK and I was very happy with them.

A handling debate between the Aire and Hyside can be had, but to me it is like debating the handling difference of a high end sports car, they all rock !

Both Aire and Hyside are quality companies that make high quality high performace R2 boats that rock.

BUT for me the lighter weight and more compact roll of the Hyside Hypalon and Neo boats over the Aire boats are important factors

My Paddlecat is small and light enough to fly commercial in a duffel bag meets standard luggage size weight rules.

Fly to Costa Rica and rent paddles there.
Fun fun

I would buy the Hyside product again without hesitation.

Hope that helps.

Paddle on

Shredder Scott

wow I just posted a huge reply and accidently deleted it. sweet.

if it were me id be thinking in terms of:

what is the best compliment boat to the one you all ready own.

and what would you change about the puma? what would make it more ideal? maybe that will shed light on what you want from a new boat.

I own a mini max. I think its major pros are:
relatively cheap
very light 67 lbs
rolls up very nice and tight
can be stored rolled up anywhere
ie. great for people with small vehicles and limited storage.

it is a great boat though. and I think it handles technical water very well. requires good paddling and ACTIVE high siding.

id say its weaknesses are:
big water , it gets flippy
eddy lines are very grabby especially in big water ( ie eddy lines in Shoshone at big water can flip the mini max) .

just 2c. to kick it off. look forward to more comparisons.