Takeout Talk: Flow vs Gnar | Whitewater Kayaking

[@kevinhill.8]

Initial thoughts on the new Jackson Kayak Flow, and how it compares to the Gnarvana. Opinions provided by Pat Corcoran (@project_patt) and Derek Smith (@smitty_dees), plus a quick comparison to a 2014 Zen, courtesy of Paul Meier (@supnw). I paddled the Flow right after this, and will share my review soon. Shoutout to Mitch and Next Adventure for the demo. Thanks for watching! LINKS Flow Review (mine) kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2SvnotrjquLhMk Jackson Kayak Flow jacksonkayak.com/jackson-kayak-flow/ Jackson Kayak Gnarvana jacksonkayak.com/jackson-kayak-gnarvana/ TIMESTAMPS Pat 0:00 Derek 3:01 Hull Comparison 6:06 Flow Weight 7:00 Zen Comparison 7:21 Outro (specs) 8:02

[@macfawlty]

More love for the Flow. Curious how the paddling compares to the Antix 2 and what factors would you consider in deciding which of the two to paddle.

[@kevinhill.8]

Very good question, and one that was very important for me to consider when paddling the Flow since I often paddle my Antix 2 M on relatively hard runs (I’m at bottom of weight range, so it’s pretty forgiving for me). I told a buddy after my lap in the Flow that I felt is was like a 60/40 Gnar/Antix mix. It kind of falls between the two in a lot of areas (bow rocker, knee position, length, width, etc). I really like it, but I think I would only get a Flow if I sold both my Antix and my Gnar. I’m hesitant to do that though bc I kind of like having the Antix and Gnar for different creeking applications.

[@CleanLineKayaking]

Antix 2 if you want to stern squirt and slice your way down the river and have the option to do more freestyle... Flow if you want to river run, surf a bit, and creek or run big water... to slice or not to slice, the only question necessary for deciding between the two 🤙

[@kevinhill.8]

@@CleanLineKayaking I agree almost completely. For 98% of ppl, what you said is probably true. Want to slice and play, go Antix; want to river run and creek (but don’t want a Gnar), go Flow. However for a small minority, myself included, we use the Antix like a mini Steeze, a slicey creek boat, rather than as a true/playful half slice. If I paddle my wife’s S Antix2, it’s playful, but in my M Antix2 it’s def not. In fact I don’t even bother trying to tailee it any more. I’m sure this is in part due to my lack of skill in that area, but I can get the tail down in my S Ripper2, S Firecracker, and S Ozone, so it’s def not all on me. And I’m not the only one who likes using the Antix like this. I recently met a guy who was in a M who told me he loved it so much he was buying a L to use as his shit runner/Little White boat.

[@CleanLineKayaking]

@@kevinhill.8 totally get it… I’ve done the same thing and other team members have kept two Antixes around for the same purpose. For us, the Flow replaces the need for that completely. Curious what you find for yourself 🤙🏻

[@shaun5893]

@@CleanLineKayaking IMO, the ultimate 2 boat quiver is an Antix that is on the small side & a properly sized Gnar. I think the Flow as more of a do-it-all in one boat option that won't river run or play as well as an Antix & won't be as bomber in the true stouts as a Gnar. Also, I've found the Gnar to paddle much "smaller" than it is. It's a very responsive and fun boat in all kinds of water.

[@rudedogfpv]

You guys Rock. & Role great review 4 sure very 😎

[@kevinhill.8]

Thx rudedog! 🙏

[@ダブルフロンテオ]

I am waiting your review😊 I have also small Gner. Small Gner and medium FLOW looks so similer😮

[@kevinhill.8]

Review coming soon! I wish I had taken my S Gnar with me the day I filmed this so we could have seen the S Gnar next to the M Flow; you are right about spec being very close btwn the two.

[@joshuacrossman8826]

Thanks for this. Any thoughts on the flow vs the waka stoke?

[@kevinhill.8]

I asked Derek, since he’s been in the Stoke for a little while now, and here’s what he said: “They are pretty different boats, they both like to stay on top of features, the stoke is def faster because of its water line. Both are good at carving, flow is probably easier to lift the bow but it’s a lot smaller with a smaller stern so that makes sense.”

[@joshuacrossman8826]

Thanks very much@@kevinhill.8

[@kevinhill.8]

@@joshuacrossman8826 you bet. Thx for watching, and good luck w your decision!

[@TheeboDRx]

The Flow is kind of giving Hero vibes - you think they paddle similarly?

[@kevinhill.8]

Here’s a copy of my reply to the Hero question you left in my Flow review video: Hero was actually my first true WW kayak, but it’s been like 12 years, so I’ll do my best. Overall I’d say they are not very similar. Hero was shorter and much rounder. It was a good beginner boat imo, bc it was forgiving and slow, giving you time to make moves and not punishing you severely for improper edging, etc. The def downside to the Hero was that it was hole bait. Being that rounded and short (i.e., a potato) made it more likely to get stopped in holes, and tough to get out when that happened. In comparison, the Flow has a true planing hull with much more defined edges, a significantly sharper/sportier bow and stern, and is overall a more modern design. To me it feels very similar to my Antix 2.0, but with better bow rocker, better knee position, some added length, plus of course volume in the stern, making it a river runner, not a half slice. Hope that helps! Thx for watching and commenting. 👍🏼

[@dolkon6117]

Oh snap and smitty diddy!

[@kevinhill.8]

All the heavy hitters 😎

[@dolkon6117]

Patty daddy!

[@kevinhill.8]

He’s helping me up my Takeout Talk game w a little expertise opinionation! 🤩