We are beginners and chose the Axis 12 due to the comfortable seating, stability and the skeg. We are pleased with them so far and they have made the learning experience enjoyable. The weight (55lbs.) is manageable and they look and handle well. With the skeg down, they track within 5 degrees of true course. The seats are comfortable and adjust well from the cockpit, and there is plenty of storage. The dry storage has enough room that I was able to put in a small cooler easily and the hatch was watertight. Too bad the cooler wasn't and leaked melted ice all over my car keys, jacket, etc. Lesson learned!
The cockpit is roomy, I'm 220ish and I didn't feel cramped. There was plenty of room for adjustment for the foot braces as well. I would add a spray skirt or cover though as I managed to ship a fair amount of water past the drip guards on my paddle into the kayak. Probably just poor newbie paddling technique!
Overall we are very pleased with all aspects of the kayak and would choose the same model if we had to do it all over again.
