I have really enjoyed this kayak for its roominess and stability. It tracks very well and is easy to load on top of my car due to its lightweight materials. The lightweight version is also nicer looking with its glossy finish. The only downside is that it is somewhat brittle. I broke one when it slipped off the roof of my car as I was loading it.Fortunately I was able to repair it myself with fiberglass. That was 2 summers ago and I haven't had any problems since then. So if weight is a big factor, I would recommend this kayak. If it is not a factor, save some money and get the regular version. I have had both, and cannot notice a difference in performance in the water.