I have only used aluminum canoes so I can not comment on the other types. Of the few different aluminum ones I have used I can tell you some are more stable than others. The one my dad owns and the same one I have used for over 40 years with out issue is a 17 footer. Not sure of the brand. It is very durable, the river we normally float is shallow and rocky. A childhood buddy got a 15 footer that is a touch wider than dads witch makes it a little more stable. It has also been very durable for I would guess close to 30 years now