So Dave, is the "made in China" thing a deal breaker? I know it would be for me. Not that I've never bought anything made in China, but at least for now, some of the best kayaks are still built in North America.

Yeah, I think so.....I have heard some things already about the quality of the Riots coming out of China. Mind you, it's all what people say on the internet, but still..

I think I am going to do a ton of research this summer, try as many boats as possible, learn as much as I can, and then make my choice this time next year. I hate being rushed into things and I felt waaaay too much under the gun with this Brittany.

I may end up paying a bit more, but then again, maybe I'll still find something on sale down the road. This will also let me accumulate the things I need over some time so it isn't a brutal shock to the wallet all at once:)

I'll be on here alot though, asking questions as they come up - and there will be many

Thanks again!!!

Plenty of kayaks made here in the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia for me to easily skip China. There are also plenty of them used if you are not in a dire rush. I picked up a 08 Solstice last year with all the accessories and tax would have cost me 4800. I got it for 1600 and it was like new. I have to like what I have in my hand and be proud of it and China doesn't do it for me. Nothing against the Chinese it is their one-way trade policy and currency manipulation. Leaders in the USA just keep lapping it up so my anger is mainly at them.

Yeah, I'm holding off. Better not to be rushed anyway.