Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
- richg99
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Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
I am in need of a very short kayak (around 9 feet and a couple of inches....no room for error.) These two very similar yaks seem to fit the bill.
Any owners of either want to pipe in as to the differences?
I can't find much, though it seems that the Mini-X won't accommodate a rudder??
Help please. richg99
Any owners of either want to pipe in as to the differences?
I can't find much, though it seems that the Mini-X won't accommodate a rudder??
Help please. richg99
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Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
I owned both and paddled the Mini-X for over three years. Also enjoyed my time as Mailbu Kayak Pro Staff a couple of years ago. Can't think of much wrong with either as they are basically the same, hull wise. Extremely flexible and stable vessels. If you like fishing with live bait the Stealth has that live well which also doubles as semi wet storage. It's also easier to stand on as the live well makes a pretty good platform. Can't imagine why you would need a rudder on either one as they steer just fine without one. If I was looking at either of those I'd probably go with the Stealth as it is a bit newer in design and has the side pockets and live well but it's really a toss up pending your personal preferences. They paddle the same and are an excellent value. Invest in a carbon fiber paddle but not a rudder.
Hope I helped.
Hope I helped.
- richg99
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Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
Thanks,.....I wondered if the hull shape was different. The pictures don't give a good shot of the Stealth, but the Mini-X shape is clearer on their adv.
Normally, I would like the "nothing added" version, since I like to tinker by myself. rich
Normally, I would like the "nothing added" version, since I like to tinker by myself. rich
Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
After having been through several under 10 foot yaks, my choice for my next yak will be my third Mini-x. The only downside to it in my experiences is that in a 20 mph wind and up it is like paddling a beach ball. Directional stability suffers noticeably. Each of the short boats I have had were like that. Every little wind shift causes serious direction changes. Never ever in several stupid circumstances did I feel the mini-x was anywhere close to marginally safe. Three foot breaking waves on Falcon Lake were a so what from a safety stand put no matter which way they hit the yak. I am 210 pounds and 5'-8".
- richg99
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Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
"Never ever in several stupid circumstances did I feel the mini-x was anywhere close to marginally safe".....
Hope you meant UNSAFE ???
Richg99
Hope you meant UNSAFE ???
Richg99
Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
I mean that it never came anywhere close to unsafe in feel or behavior.
- richg99
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Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
Got it!!....that's what I thought you meant.
Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
Owned a 2012 Malibu Stealth 9. Bought for same intentions, light, throw in back of PU and go. Very stable boat, tracked ok for a short kayak and bait well was good feature. Had issues with water leaking into the hull from the side hatches. Make sure you get a good seat, I had purchased the Gone Fishing Seat from ACK. Good boat if you don't plan on paddling very far and conditions with light winds and minimum tide influences.
My .02, I will never again purchase a Kayak under 12 FT.
My .02, I will never again purchase a Kayak under 12 FT.
- Cruisin_Cuda
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Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
the mini-x is probably one of the best yaks for small ponds or lakes. they are also really fun running rivers if the flow is suitable! i had one for a while and sold it when i didn't have any access to small water anymore. i paddled it around confederate reef in west bay and let me tell you it was not fast to say the least but as stable as a battleship. never had a stealth but have heard they had leaking issues from the hatches even though the mini-x never had problems.
Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
They are a lot of fun in the surf too. Lots of rocker.
- 1texasaggie
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Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
Rich, I have a Mini-X with a rudder that I'm going to sell. It's actually my wife's, she doesn't use it and her Mini is just hanging on the wall collecting dust. I'll try to post pics next week.I can't find much, though it seems that the Mini-X won't accommodate a rudder??
I also have a non- rudder Mini and I honestly don't think you need it if over 6' tall b/c your arms are long enough to paddle correctly. The complaints I''ve read have always been those with short arms. She's short (only 5'6") and has to have it. With short arms on a wide kayak that's only 9' in length, you end up paddling sideways. Long arms=no problem. My biggest problem with a short, ruddered out kayak is my legs are too long to work the rudder...have a 36" inseam and it feels like my knees are against my chest.
I know we PM'ed on CustomGheenoe here a while back. I'll be happy to let you test drive either one or both, just a matter if our schedules line out.
Perhaps my feet are too big, but I honestly don't see standing as a practical option, especially for the Stealth...at least not on the vast majority of fishing days. My wife tried this a few years ago on her Stealth 12 and an unexpected gust of wind caught her, she went out for a swim and lost some tackle in the process. However, this kayak is like a Gheenoe...it may not flip over, but can easily flip you out if standing.
In addition, the Stealth (at least the 12) is not a kayak to take out BTB. The comments about taking on water are correct. Massive amounts in heavy waves. However, I do not own, nor have tried the Stealth 9. It does not appear to have that goofy Gator Hatch and shouldn't take on any water. The Mini-X is my favorite kayak to take out BTB, the Stealth 12 is one heck of a Bay fishing kayak...never noticed taking on any water in the marsh or bay. Hope this helps.
- richg99
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Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
Thanks. Wish I knew this last evening. I bought a demo Mini-x this morning.
I tried it in a nearby pond before buying it, and then in my little pond after I got her home.
She wobbles some. I may add a skeg to help with that. Given my weight, (250) I had a wet butt. I'm going to try to raise the seat to deal with that.
Mid-ships hatch doesn't open when I am seated. Raising the seat may help. I also think I read where someone reversed the hatch cover???
Sorry we couldn't do any business. Great boats, you won't have any trouble selling hers. regards, richg99
I tried it in a nearby pond before buying it, and then in my little pond after I got her home.
She wobbles some. I may add a skeg to help with that. Given my weight, (250) I had a wet butt. I'm going to try to raise the seat to deal with that.
Mid-ships hatch doesn't open when I am seated. Raising the seat may help. I also think I read where someone reversed the hatch cover???
Sorry we couldn't do any business. Great boats, you won't have any trouble selling hers. regards, richg99
Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
I always plugged the seat area scuppers to stop the wet butt trouble. Foam golf balls do great. I also used a couple of layers of closed cell sleeping pad in the seat area before my seat is installed.
- 1texasaggie
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Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
Hey Rich, glad to hear you got what you wanted.
Like texnomad mentioned, scupper plugs should solve wet butt.
IMHO, the Mini-X is the perfect all around kayak. I even had my Carolina Skiff retrofitted with kayak carriers specifically to mothership my Mini-X, so I think you may a good choice.
There are two generations of hatches. We used to have four Mini's, but finally gave two to family members years ago...so it's been a while on the early style hatches. But if memory serves me correct, that old style hatch was a pain w/out a good solution. If you have the newer hinged style hatch, just push yourself back upright in the seat and it should open up fairly easy...I have to bow my legs out slightly. lol. I constantly access mine throughout the day for pliers, lip gripper, etc.
Strict Olympic style rowing technique usually prevents the wobble...also allows you to fly in that little kayak.
Like texnomad mentioned, scupper plugs should solve wet butt.
IMHO, the Mini-X is the perfect all around kayak. I even had my Carolina Skiff retrofitted with kayak carriers specifically to mothership my Mini-X, so I think you may a good choice.
There are two generations of hatches. We used to have four Mini's, but finally gave two to family members years ago...so it's been a while on the early style hatches. But if memory serves me correct, that old style hatch was a pain w/out a good solution. If you have the newer hinged style hatch, just push yourself back upright in the seat and it should open up fairly easy...I have to bow my legs out slightly. lol. I constantly access mine throughout the day for pliers, lip gripper, etc.
Strict Olympic style rowing technique usually prevents the wobble...also allows you to fly in that little kayak.
- richg99
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Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
I made up some scupper plugs from a big pool noodle. I did some further reading on the 'net.
Found a guy in FL who added both a rudder and a raised bass boat seat to his Mini X. I previously added a rudder to my Manta 11 foot yak. If a rudder or skeg is needed, it shouldn't be a problem.
As far as the seat, I still have my original Ride 115 seat here. It appears that I could modify it to fit. That would give me a dry butt, and storage beneath, as well as access to the mid-ship hatch.
Going fishing tomorrow with the MiniX. That should shake out some of the issues, if there are any.
Richg99
Found a guy in FL who added both a rudder and a raised bass boat seat to his Mini X. I previously added a rudder to my Manta 11 foot yak. If a rudder or skeg is needed, it shouldn't be a problem.
As far as the seat, I still have my original Ride 115 seat here. It appears that I could modify it to fit. That would give me a dry butt, and storage beneath, as well as access to the mid-ship hatch.
Going fishing tomorrow with the MiniX. That should shake out some of the issues, if there are any.
Richg99
- Parrothead
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Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
Might also want to take a look at the Tarpon T-100 and a Native Redfish 10. They'll be faster than the Mini-X. I have the Native 10. And I'm very happy with it. Also pretty sure those boats can accommodate rudders. Just my .02.richg99 wrote:I am in need of a very short kayak (around 9 feet and a couple of inches....no room for error.) These two very similar yaks seem to fit the bill.
Any owners of either want to pipe in as to the differences?
I can't find much, though it seems that the Mini-X won't accommodate a rudder??
Help please. richg99
- richg99
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- Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 9:31 pm
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Re: Mini-X vs Stealth???? Opinions and concerns, if any.
Parrothead...thanks, but I already bought a MiniX. Only yak short enough to fit, and gets great reviews. I don't need speed or distance. thanks, though. Rich