University of Limerick Kayak Club

I paddled it on Sunday too. So, before I start, let me just note that I get a deal on my Jackson boats, but that I always have and always will paddle in the boat(s) that I believe are best for me. I do not believe in promoting false information and would rather pay full price than paddling something second rate or that I didn't believe to be the best.

There are certainly similarities to the 2010 star, but there are also quite a few differences. I lined it up next to mine and compared. The rails are similar, but not the same - particularly at the bow and stern. The stern has more volume and narrows more towards the end on the Molan, particularly on the hull-side. The Molan is also longer, which I found made it very stable through cartwheels - pretty rare for modern playboats. The hull was vastly better than previous Pyranha playboats, but IMO not as loose or as fast as the Star. I think the phrase "like a surf boat" is vastly optimistic.

When I jumped in the boat and had my first ride, I was very pleasantly surprised. Obviously, the Molan was not oufitted for me and I suspect I would fit the small rather than the medium much better, but I was able to jump in it and throw it around pretty well. However, jumping back into my Star afterwards, I was reminded how much faster and looser it was.

I did feel like the seat would need to be moved forward to get the boat properly balanced, and knowing Pyranha outfitting, I imagine that you can move it a centimetre or so at most and that it's also rather difficult to do so. That said, I will certainly be having a go in the small once it is out and about to compare it more directly and fairly with my Star. If anyone is interested, I'll report my findings.

I am so happy for Pyranha that they have finally brought out a playboat which can actually be compared to other popular playboats, let alone compete with them. Bravo Pyranha.