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I purchased the rotomolded version of the Fjord in 2005 so I've been paddling it for ten years. I have to admit that I was convinced to purchase this by the sales person who raved about it even though I preferred the Necky Looksha IV after paddling a few boats.

My initial impressions have not changed over the years. Contrary to some of the other reviews (although none of them are of the plastic model) my kayak lacks initial or primary stability. This means it's not great for photography which has been a disappointment. Secondary stability is better but, as others have noted, you have to be careful not to push it.

I have the rudder but only use it if the swell and tidal current make maintaining a straight course too much work. The boat does handle well, as the salesperson said, and maintaining a good cruising speed is effortless. As I've gotten older I find I get a sore lower back when I'm out but that could be more the fault of my aging back.

I've kept this boat for ten years so obviously it does enough good things. Main pros are its agility and ability to slip through the water easily. The plastic hull works well for me because I have to launch and land on a volcanic rock shoreline. It takes abuse.