Rooster Talks Happy Hippo
updated: May 2014
Rooster, co-author of the 'Ultimate Guide to Guide', discusses how the various Happy Hippo strains fit into his life and what you can expect.
We encourage you to learn about Kratom and ask whatever questions you want in our Kratom forum. Rooster will be there to answer.
As I always remind people - the difference between Kratom vendors can be night and day. Average/low-quality Kratom is most often bunk or worse- an anxiety attack waiting to happen. High-quality Kratom can be incredible and make you very social and productive.
Our official vendor 'Happy Hippo' carries the highest-quality Kratom I have found over 6 years of near daily use. They carry no extracts or "enhanced" blends which are temporarily nice but cause your tolerance to absolutely skyrocket. While not EVERY Hippo strain will be a total homerun for EVERY person - I feel it is the best collection of safe, clean, non-extracted Kratom that is available in the world.
Our endorsement of Happy Hippo is in no way to suggest that other vendors are "bad".
Any experienced Kratom user will tell you that even the VERY BEST vendors will have strains that will be hit-or-miss, as even natural seasonal variations can effect quality. I like to think that EVERY strain from Hippo will be at least very good for you. That is why I recommend them and put my name on line.
When you read Rooster's thoughts below - don't be surprised if he speaks glowingly of nearly all of the strains. They are all money.
For more information, please see-
- The Ultimate Guide to Kratom
- Kratom Article (Index)
- Additional User Reviews of Happy Hippo
- Happy Hippo News
---Table of Contents--
Navigate directly to
- Happy Hippo I
- Happy Hippo II
- Hyper Hippo
- Magic(al) Hippo
- Red Hot Hippo
- Sleepy Hippo
- Bali Hippo
- White Hippo
- Malaysian Hippo
- Viet Hippo (Wild)
- S&V Hippo (Stem & Vein)
Happy Hippo's Kratom Strains
*Interesting Facts by Good Looking Loser*
Happy Hippo I
(Premium Bali/Indo)
What Rooster Thinks
This is one of the most balanced/moderate strains out there. A lot of moderate strains available tend to be a little bit more fast (energizing) or a little bit more slow (relaxing). Hippo I is right in the middle. Happy Hippo I gives a glimpse of all sides of what quality Kratom can offer- a little euphoria, motivating, energizing, anxiety destroying, and more. This means you could go to the gym, chill out, socialize, or even be productive and get work done.
This is why I suggest Happy Hippo I to be the first strain you burn, especially if you’ve never tried Kratom before. There’s a very low, virtually non-existent chance for anxiety. And Unless you take too much - there's virtually no chance of it making you drowsy, unlike some of the slower strains. Odds are, you’ll like it.
Happy Hippo I is the staple of Hippo. It may not be the best for working out or the best for relaxing – but it can still work well for almost any situation.
What You Can Expect
A little of everything described in the Kratom Guide.
- Speed: Balanced-Moderate
- Mood: Slight Increase
- Energy: Slight Increase
- *Anxiety Potential: Very Low
Especially For
- Anyone new to Kratom.
- Everyone. This is the universal strain. Unless you’re trying to go to sleep, HHI can be applied to many different situations/times throughout your day.
Best Used For
- Getting Work Done
- Socializing/AA
- Working Out
Interesting Facts
- Happy Hippo I comes from an area of Indonesia that doesn't experience significant changes in humidity or temperature - the aroma should be remarkably similar year-round.
Happy Hippo II
(Red-Vein Indo/Kali)
What Rooster Thinks
Happy Hippo II stands out more than any other strain. The aroma is unique when compared to most.
The strain has an above-average euphoric element to it, without it being a slower type.
(the euphoric strains are generally the slower ones)
With Happy Hippo II I have a sense of calmness.
I can still get work done, be productive, and have motivation – but I go throughout my day being relaxed about everything. I may not have the most urgent actions, but my mind is focused on the task at hand. It gives a peace of mind, feeling content about everything. . It also gives a bit of warmth inside… though that could be what I just ate..
Happy Hippo II also has a unique pro-social aspect to it.
It kills anxiety, but not in a traditional way Kratom usually does.
For instance – most strains that are pro-social gives an aroma that gives me motivation to go chat some people up and enjoy doing so. With Happy Hippo II being a bit slower, I have a bit of a calm yet clear mind. I feel wiser almost. When I talk to people, I’m chilled out and I’m sure gives me more thought-out responses.
Rooster's Suggestion
When mixed with a stimulant (I usually just drink a coffee) it works very well with approaching women. Happy Hippo II gives you the calm, cool, and relaxed feeling & the caffeine gives you the extra energy boost to approach. I usually don’t recommend mixing things, but this is worth to give it a shot if you have some approach anxiety to combat.
What You Can Expect
A little of everything described in the Kratom Guide.
- Speed: Balanced-Moderate
- Mood: Above-Average Increase
- Energy: Average Increase
- *Anxiety Potential: Low
Especially For
- Wanting to relax/chill out, without chance of becoming sleepy.
- Having a rough day – needing a “kick start” to start to get things done
- Everyone. Like HH1, this strain should apply to what most people burn Kratom for.
Best Used For
- Relaxing / chilling with friends – low to high doses
- General socializing/Approach Anxiety – moderate to high doses + caffeine
- Motivation/Productivity
Interesting Facts
- Happy Hippo II has a alkaloid profile that differs significantly from all these other strains. Although 'Stem & Vein' Kratom is our main suggestion to reduce tolerance, burning Happy Hippo II for 4-7 days can reduce your tolerance as well.
Hyper Hippo
(Elite Maeng Da Thai)
What Rooster Thinks
In my opinion, Hyper Hippo is the most uplifting and energetic Kratom Hippo offers. The leaf (Maeng Da) is likely one of, if not the most, fastest strains out there.
If you’re new to Kratom and wanting to try the different types, I recommend this one to represent the faster strains the best.
Basically, Hyper Hippo summed up by a significant increase in ENERGY and MOTIVATION.
You have the energy to do almost anything and you have the drive and the “want” to actually do it.
This is what’s great about Kratom and this strain – there are a lot of different drugs and stimulants out there that give you energy, but few help give you the drive and the desire to complete whatever is at hand.
You don't want to use this one everyday and begin a significant tolerance.
What You Can Expect
One of the fastest strains at it's very best.
- Speed: Fast
- Mood: Significant Increase
- Energy: Significant Increase
- *Anxiety Potential: Low-Moderate
Especially For
- If you’re wanting to try a Fast Kratom strain.
- Need a “pick me up” for drive & energy to start/complete something.
- Anybody who wants to wake up and not rely on caffeine & stimulants.
- Social situations.
Best Used For
- Working Out
- Going out & Socializing
- Getting Physical Work done
Interesting Facts
- As you might expect, not all 'Maeng Da' is created equal. Although often marketed as "The Best Kratom," the quality will vary significantly from vendor to vendor.
- We designate the 'Anxiety Potential' as 'Low-Moderate' but the chances that you get anxiety from Hyper Hippo is quite slim.
Magical (Magic) Hippo
(Java-Indo)
What Rooster Thinks
The Magical Hippopotamus.
I find it to be the most euphoric strain out there that doesn't have any effect on energy.
Often, when you want this elation from other Kratom you either have to burn a high dose of some any Kratom but might have a crash later on (depending on Kratom IQ) or take a slow strain which might make you tired. With Magic Hippo, an average-sized dose gives you the right effect.
The result is what I call 'Euphoric Eagerness'.
You feel amazing and have the drive and want to get things done as well as socializing.
Magic Hippo is comparable with the Happy Hippo II, except with a more euphoria.
If you’re dealing with some bad news, had a lousy day and trying to think straight, take Magical Hippo. You will start to look on the bright side of things and most important – it will give you the drive to make a plan and fix it... rather than covering up negative emotions.
What You Can Expect
One of the fastest strains at it's very best.
- Speed: Moderated/Slightly Slow
- Mood: Significant Increase
- Energy: No Significant Effect
- *Anxiety Potential: None
Especially For
- If you’re a fan of Happy Hippo II, you are guaranteed to enjoy this strain.
- Enjoys euphoria a lot/wants more of those types in their rotation.
- Magical Hippo's feel good and eagerness should apply to almost anyone.
Best Used For
- Instant Anxiety Relief (relaxing without fatigue)
- Socializing
- Motivation
Interesting Facts
- As you have probably noticed - Magical Hippo is more expensive than nearly all of the other strains Hippo offers.
I want you to know why that is- Although Magical Hippo can be quite euphoric - it's not because the strain is overwhelming more euphoric than the other strains.
The reason is because Magical Hippo is the cleanest Kratom on the planet and the potential for anxiety, during and after, is non-existent.
The alkaloids are in a perfect ratio for nearly everyone and won't set off anxiety in those that are most prone.
Although I use it part of my regular rotation - it's definitely my default "bad day" or "anxiety" strain.
Red Hot Hippo
(Red-Vein Thai)
What Rooster Thinks
I describe Red Hot Hippo as calm, clean energy.
It gives a definite uplifting boost to your day, yet not as intense as say Hyper Hippo. It’s even somewhat comparable to Happy Hippo I, just more stimulating.
Red Hot Hippo is a solid all around Kratom, great for almost anything – and one of my favorites for productivity. It kills anxiety, can be used for the AA program or any kind of socializing.
Quality moderate Thai strains, or any for that matter, are hard to come by.
Most vendors just have Maeng Da which usually is their only option for a Thai strain. Since Red Hot is both Thai and moderate, it fits easily in to any rotation. If you`re currently unable to have a full Kratom week schedule of 5-7 strains, I`d still make sure this one is in your rotation – even if you can only get a few different ones.
What You Can Expect
One of the fastest strains at it's very best.
- Speed: Faster/Above-Average
- Mood: Increase
- Energy: Increase
- *Anxiety Potential: Low
Especially For
- If you’re looking to burn more than 3x/week – it’s perfect for a rotation between usual Indonesian strains.
- Looking some or more Red-veined Kratom in your rotation.
- If you’re looking for Kratom that can be used in a large variety of situations.
Best Used For
- Consistent Energy Through the Day
- Socializing/Going on Dates with Girls from Plenty of Fish
- Working Out
Interesting Facts
- For some people, Red Hot Hippo will be completely identical to Hyper Hippo - allowing you to rotate TWO super high-quality fast strains.
Sleepy Hippo
(Deep Jungle Blonde/Light Green Kalimantan)
What Rooster Thinks
Sleepy Hippo is a great natural treatment for any trouble sleeping you might have. You burn a medium to high dose and in around 30 minutes you’ll be knocked out. Best part is unlike some other sleep alternatives; you wake up feeling refreshed, and not at all groggy.
I usually don’t issues falling asleep most of the time. Usually the only time I’ll have trouble falling asleep is when there’s something very important I have to do the following day. In this case, I’ll take some sleepy hippo, even when it means having more than one strain in 24 hours. Basically it would be like taking H1 on Monday, Sleepy Hippo Monday night, and then Red Hot on Tuesday. I haven’t founded it to affect my tolerance too much if it’s only once in awhile I’ll burn that single dose.
For smaller sleepy hippo doses earlier in the day, it usually doesn’t have any effect on my wakefulness. I can get a decent euphoria going and chill out for the day. If you want to have sleepy hippo apart of your 24 hour hippo rotation, it can be done. I do advise to stay away from the large doses as it might make you drowsy.
What You Can Expect
A slow strain that can be used for a euphoric aroma (lower dose) and high-quality sleep (higher doses).
- Speed: Slow (lower dose), Very Slow (higher dose)
- Mood: Drastic increase
- Energy: Decrease
- *Anxiety Potential: None
Especially For
- Anyone with trouble falling asleep.
- Wanting inexpensive alternative to add to your rotation.
- Enjoys euphoric type strains.
Best Used For
- Sleep
- Lazy Happy Days
Interesting Facts
- Sleepy Hippo (and slow strains, other than Bali Hippo) are not part of my daily rotation.
When my tolerance to my usual rotation seems high, I'll bring in Sleepy Hippo and it will be VERY STRONG.
- Some guys find that adding caffeine to Sleepy Hippo (and other slow strains) makes it "less sleepy" and noticeably stronger.
Bali Hippo
(Top-Shelf Bali)
What Rooster Thinks
Traditional Bali is one of the most popular strains around - it's inexpensive and good Bali packs a happy punch.
I’ve noticed a large percentage of people use only Bali, several times per week after work to relax. Oddly, these people usually don’t burn Kratom to accomplish anything; they just sit there, take in the aroma, and stare at the television. If you search on most Kratom forums, you’ll often find that this often is the primary use for it.
Hippo’s version of Bali is still a slower type of strain, but does have a bit of a kick to it for getting things done.
It's a "faster" Bali, so to speak.
Similar to Happy Hippo I, but probably closer to Magical Hippo without caffeine.
If you want to just feel the full effects and relax, the option is there with larger sized doses (burning around 30% more than average). This way you can enjoy an awesome way to relax on your own time with the “warm Kratom hug”, while still be able to use Bali at other times for anything else.
Rooster's Suggestion
Just as with Happy Hippo II, when mixed with a stimulant (I usually just drink a coffee) it works very well with approaching women. Bali provides you the calm, cool, and relaxed feeling & the caffeine gives you the extra energy boost to approach.
What You Can Expect
A slow strain that can be used for a euphoric aroma (lower dose) and high-quality sleep (higher doses).
- Speed: Moderate / Slow
- Mood: Significant Increase
- Energy: Average / Small Increase
- *Anxiety Potential: Very Low
Especially For
- Looking for your first few strains to start out with.
- Anyone wanting inexpensive option that works.
- If you want a strain that’s a bit slower than most others.
Best Used For
- Relaxing / Lazy Day
- Socializing / AA Program
- Lower Tolerance to faster strains
Interesting Facts
- If you burn Thai and fast strains on a everyday/every-other-day basis, you can lower your tolerance by burning Bali for a week. It will be a quite euphoric aroma.
- When similar, Bali Hippo is not the same Bali that is in Happy Hippo I. Since Happy Hippo I only has a small amount of Bali, you can alternate the strains and not worry about a quick rise in tolerance.
White Hippo
(White-Vein Borneo)
What Rooster Thinks
White Hippo is a white veined leaf from the island of Borneo in Indonesia. Borneo strains are more often a bit on the slower and relaxing side. White veined kratom on the other hand is usually faster and more of an energetic leaf.
Having both these qualities in a strain ends up producing an aroma that has a bit of a unique mix. When I burn White Hippo, there is a strong content, positive mood along with the energy and “drive” to still get things done.
There may not be as much focus as in a strain like Hyper Hippo, but White Hippo can still be used for things like work or going out and being social.
The best comparison of White Hippo I can think of is a cross between Happy Hippo II and Red Hot Hippo aromas.
A bit of a sense of calmness yet packed with a bit of a punch.
A lot of guys don’t have much use for slower strains in their day to day schedule. White Hippo though definitely is a faster strain, still has the potential for a nice euphoria relating to the size of the dose. You can’t really go wrong with this White Hippo - it’s a solid option if you’re looking to put a new fresh strain into your rotation.
What You Can Expect
- Speed: Faster / Above Average
- Mood: Increase
- Energy: Increase
- *Anxiety Potential: Low
Especially For
- Looking for a faster strain that can take the edge off.
- Those wanting a strain that can be used for nearly anything.
- Anyone considering trying a new strain that’s a safe bet to meet expectations.
Best Used For
- Getting Things Done
- Socializing / Chilling With Friends
- Working Out
Interesting Facts
- White Hippo is a blessing to guys that like the faster strains. While it's not as fast as Hyper Hippo or Red Hot Hippo, it's alkaloid profile is significantly different and is a very close substitute for both. You can keep your Thai/faster tolerance down and still get the same effects.
- When Good Looking Loser was picking up girls this Summer - he scored 100% of the time that he burned White Hippo beforehand. He calls it "Lucky Hippo".
Malaysian Hippo
(Green Malaysian)
What Rooster Thinks
Green Malaysian Hippo, is the less expensive version of Happy Hippo III, can completely change aroma depending on the size of the dose.
Smaller doses are uplifting and energizing.
With larger doses, the energy increase is less but the euphoria and mood increase.
This type of ranged effects does happen with most strains, but I find it more prominent with Green Malaysian.
Burning a medium sized dose is a great way to tell how a strain best affects you in terms of its speed. Doing this will help you better decide what the strain is personally best to used for. When I burn a medium sized dose of Malaysian Hippo, I find the aroma to be a slightly more similar to a slower type strain. I believe this particular aroma could affect others differently, so it’s a good idea to experiment with it.
On average, I’m finding it’s best to use a little bit more grams per burn (around 20%) to help the aroma compare with some of Hippo’s most potent strains. The good part is even though you’re burning more, the strain still ends up being fairly inexpensive.
For those who ‘Toss n Wash’ or taste the Kratom in any way – I prefer the taste a lot more than Happy Hippo III. This clearly isn’t a huge factor for most, but it does help when you burn several times a day.
Green Malaysian is a solid strain. I didn’t originally enjoy it as much in the beginning until I experimented with it and found out just the right amount of grams for my desired aroma. Once you get the hang of Malaysian Hippo, it can be a fantastic part of your rotation.
What You Can Expect
- Speed: Moderate / Slightly Slow (varies)
- Mood: Significant Increase
- Energy: Average Increase
- *Anxiety Potential: Low
(oddly some people are sensitive to Malaysian strains)
(on the flip-side, some people get dramatic euphoric effects from it)
Especially For
- If you’re looking to burn over 3 times per week – it’s perfect for a rotation between usual Indonesian strains.
- Anyone wanting to start off the morning feeling fantastic yet with energy.
- Those who are looking for an inexpensive kratom alternative that can still deliver.
Best Used For
- Socializing (Not at Nightclubs) / Approach Anxiety
- Relaxing / Chilling With Friends
- Getting Work Done
Interesting Facts
- This particular strain, "Green Malaysian Hippo" has gotten the name "Funny Hippo" among longtime burners.
For some, the strain produces a drastic amount of pro-social behavior and euphoria.
Others, however, don't get this effect at all.
If Malaysian Hippo works for you - it can be an inexpensive, perfect strain to lower your tolerance to every other variety.
- Unlike Happy Hippo III (Super/Ultra Malaysian or 'SUM' Hippo), Green Malaysian is in-season year-round.
Viet Hippo *Limited Edition*
(Wild Vietnamese Mitragyna)
What Rooster Thinks
Unlike every other strain, Viet Hippo grows in the wild in Vietnam.
For some time, I didn’t know Vietnamese Kratom even existed. It’s hard to find any, and when I do– it can be expensive or even just an Indo-Blend with a different name. Quality Vietnam kratom is likely the most difficult type of strain to find.
The aroma from Hippo’s Viet is, for the most part, what you would expect from a standard quality Hippo strain. Viet aroma gives the range of effects from most moderate strains and has a nice social aspect to it.
I compare Viet Hippo closest with Happy Hippo III- which is a high end Malaysian.
The taste may not be the best, but it’s a strain that stands out positively. Great part about it is that it can fit well into a full Kratom rotation between any regular days of Indonesian strains (check Part 2 of the Kratom guide for scheduling examples).
If you’re a fan of Happy Hippo III or haven’t tried a Vietnamese strain before, Viet Hippo is definitely worth to try.
I encourage everyone to try it and let me know what they think of it. Viet does stand out as a bit different; but it certainly is the most definitive strain from Vietnam.
What You Can Expect
- Speed: Moderate
- Mood: Significant / Moderate Increase
- Energy: Average Increase
- *Anxiety Potential: Low
Especially For
- If you’re looking to burn over 3 times per week – it’s perfect for a rotation between usual Indonesian strains.
- Anyone wanting to start off the morning feeling fantastic yet with energy.
- Those who are looking for an inexpensive kratom alternative that can still deliver.
Best Used For
- If you’re wanting to try a strain that's not from Indonesia.
- A Sunday strain to relax yet still capable of being somewhat productive.
- Looking for a strain that stands out/is different.
Interesting Facts
- To be honest, we aren't 100% sure of the alkaloid profile or effects of Vietnamese Kratom.
It's the new Hippo on the block and still in the 'trial and error' phase for both of us. - This strain that grows along the Ho-Chi Minh Trial was supposedly used by US and Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam War to suppress depressive thoughts and reduce pain if morphine wasn't available.
S&V Hippo
(Stem & Vein Mitragyna)
What Rooster Thinks
S&V (Stem and Vein) Hippo is an essential strain for anyone who has adopted the Kratom lifestyle.
The primary use for Stem & Vein Kratom is to lower your tolerance; ensuring the quality of your aroma always stays consistent. If you don’t know much about Stem & Vein strains or how to use it, I encourage you to check out Part 4 of the Ultimate Guide to Kratom.
Out of all the different types of strains I’ve ever had, Stem & Vein varies the most in quality.
I’ve had some that produced a very dirty aroma (anxiety/felt gross) and/or some that end up having very little effect on my tolerance. I actually gave up on it a year ago, believing it was like a myth and didn’t work.
Fortunately, I was wrong.
The aroma from Hippo’s Stem & Vein is great and differs from any other strain.
It’s kind of tough to describe the difference, but the profound effect is a type of unique smooth euphoric aroma. Stem & Vein can be used to burn continually for almost any purpose (relating to the size of dose) throughout the week. The aroma might not last as long as some of the other regular strains, but it’s not at all a drastic difference (there’s always the option to add a bit more per burn to help compensate for this).
If you’ve adopted the Kratom lifestyle, I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE you get a quality Stem & Vein like this to burn periodically for maintaining a low tolerance. When you have a low tolerance, you won’t need as much kratom when you burn; saving you money in the long run. Best of all, you can take in the full effects like you’re burning again for the very first time.
Important Note
You need to burn MORE Stem & Vein to get an aroma. While a normal of Kratom is 4-6 grams, Stem & Vein is only effective at 7-10 grams.
Not to worry, the aroma won't make you dizzy, sleepy or sick. You'll feel the same as if you burned regular Kratom leaf.
Many people burn 4-6 grams of Stem & Vein, don't get an aroma and then feel it doesn't work for them. Try a higher amount.
What You Can Expect
- Speed: Balanced-Moderate
- Mood: Average Increase
- Energy: Average Increase
- *Anxiety Potential: Low
(Dirty Stem & Vein can cause a full-blown anxiety attack)
Especially For
- Anyone wanting to reduce/rest their tolerance.
- Anyone wanting to get the most out of Kratom.
- Those looking for a new, unique aroma.
Best Used For
- Lowering Tolerance.
- Relaxing with Euphoria.
Interesting Facts
(by Rooster)
There's two ways to continue to burn Kratom AND lower tolerance while doing so-
Burning unique slower strain such as Happy Hippo II, Bali Hippo or Sleepy Hippo for 4 or 5 days will lower your tolerance to your usual strains.
The better option is Stem & Vein, which will produce a better aroma and lower tolerance significantly more.
I would not suggest burning Stem & Vein from ANYWHERE else. The vast majority of Stem & Vein on the market is a complete disaster - even from quality vendors.
(don't believe me? try it from another vendor... we dare you.)
For a faster response, find him in our Kratom Forum.