Hi there i was about to get me a kialoa methane and then i found out about the new insanity. Any suggestions? for flat waters and down winds. i am 5'10.
I have both.. IMO.. The Methane is the better paddle for sure.. It's a classic.. But I find myself using the Insanity more and more.. If you are rough on your gear and knock your stuff around the Insanity is way more durable.
Have you seen this? www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Review/Paddling-with-Insanity/
Thanks DJ. Good pics.
I am trying to make my mind here, it's the first time that I am getting me a real good paddle and I don't need it to be full carbon - I think. I like going fast. I was already to buy the methane, I like that it's 8" and 97 but now and after your comments about the insanity that it's very similar to the methane plus that it's more durable (carbon/polipropelene) I am thinking that I should get the insanity. The insanity it's 8" and 91. Is there a lot of difference between the 97 and 91 surface? It's says a lot that you are using the insanity more and more...
My Insanity has a round shaft.. To me what I love the most about Kialoa is the oval shaft.. I'm not sure that the insanity is even available yet.. or if there will be an oval shaft option.. The Insanity would be a great white water or river paddle where hitting rocks is common.. The Methane feels more powerful and likes to be dragged, and leaned on and on my downwinders I'm always dragging my paddle.. So.. if it's for downwinding I'd definitely choose the Methane.. The blade strengthening ridge top and bottom on the Insanity makes smooth dragging of the blade a bit catchy.. It's a shame you can't demo both.. I think the Insanity is more of a light weight and cheaper option that's aimed more at entry level paddlers... But it feels very nice to paddle with (the Insanity).. It's smooth to pull through the water.. The blade construction gives you the ability to reshape the outline of the blade and make it even smaller if you want to.. where on a foam core carbon/glass blade this is not really do'able.. Another good option is the new Hulu or Hulu Small.. The Hulu Small is my faverite paddle right now,. btw.. How heavy are you?
i couldn't see it on the kialoa site and the only other google mentions are here on the breeze. DJ, what do you know about it's availablity
pete
hi pete.. in search by product write it down. it says its 229 and 259 adjustable but this is in the US. Cheer
Neto
I have had the methane for about 8 months, mostly used it in surf and a bit of flat water. I am very hard on it, have bashed it into the board heaps, and love the oval shaft. I am no expert by any means, but it is by far the best paddle I have used and is incredibly light yet strong.
thanks for sharing straddie i just keep reading good things about the methane
i looked the hulu and yes its suppose to be the one if you want to go fast thats what the description says, but the methane that its label as a surf paddle i found out that its also great on flat and choppy waters and also that its used by racers too -just good things like i said 
. i couldn't find the small hulu. What should fit better for me the 97 in2 methane or a 104 in2 hulu? at 5'10 and 71kg?
Kialoa must be a little slow to update their site because I'm pretty sure the Hulu Small is now available.. Four of the local girls have ordered them so I'll ask them when they are expecting them.. btw.. The Hulu.. Hulu Light.. and Hulu Small are all different paddles.. I think the Hulu is slightly bigger than the Methane or about the same.. and the Hulu Small is a fair bit smaller.. But it's very powerful for its size.. I raced with mine today and after a friend used it and he's bigger than me (I'm 6'4" and 95kg) and he loved it and didn't find it too small at all.. Just found out that they are officially not available till the 1st of January so that's why they are not on their site yet.
and there's this.. www.paddlemonster.com/2013/10/30/gear-review-kialoa-hulu-and-hulu-small-paddles/
They look nice. Like the tiki version! I think i am going to buy the methane and start from there i am sure that i am starting at a very good point.
For sure next year we will have a better idea of this paddles so we can know more and compare. I think right now the tendency is to go for smaller blades i am staying at the 97 methane and maybe if there is a big difference make a change. Thanks again DJ I have learned a lot from your posts and videos in general!
Neto
Have emailed them last month, the new paddles will be officially available through the website in January 2014, they now have a sale through their website. I am interested in their Hulu and Methane as well. Also interested in the new racepaddle from Naish which has a long type of blade surface as well (high cadence).
Cheers, Hans.
