Thanks for the info, I actually came across the Ultimate last night. I just don't want to make a rushed decision on something that I don't know much about. I am in contact with a NuCanoe dealer and e-mailed a Native dealer last night so see if I can set something up when spring rolls around to take a test paddle before I spend that kind of money. I would have to say that stability is my main concern, I don't want to be taking a bath in the late season here in NY.