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Recently purchased a Swift Saranac 14 from Collinsville Canoe and Kayak in CT, and rate both the boat and the retailer a solid 10. This is my fourth sea kayak and the comfort of the cockpit is, by far, the best I've ever experienced. Also, the wide coaming around the cockpit makes securing a spray skirt remarkably easy. Padded seat, knee and side braces and lumbar support afford a really pleasant ride. The seat back might feel a tad too high, but it keeps you in an efficient paddling position. Advertised at 34 pounds in Kevlar Fusion, the boat is light enough for an old guy like me to carry with relative ease. The folks at Collinsville were a pleasure to work with.

I had been paddling a kevlar layup Current Designs Solstice GTS for almost 9 years, when I bought the much smaller, much lighter Sidekick Trooper. While the Trooper doesn't feel as solid in a strong blow, the advantages of its light weight are enormous. And, I'm finding out that I can trust it in rough weather. Also, it turns beautifully and tracks very well. Every time I load and unload this boat from my car's roof, I am thankful that I made the decision to buy it.

Without question, the best kayak I have ever paddled. Have one in kevlar for many years and never found anything as comfortable or seaworthy. In any type of sea, there is nothing better.