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I had 2 Cuda 12 kayaks I sold in order to get the HD and it's the best decision I have made in regards to my kayaking years. The HD is 3" longer and 2" wider than the 12 and the difference is unparalleled. The HD is more stable in the high seat position than the 12 is in the low seat position. The seat itself is on 2 slide tracks that allow you to adjust for leg distance to foot pegs in high & low position but it also allows aft control of the kayak. This gives to greater stability when the kayak is under different loads. The front hatch is definitely an improvement over the 12. The larger opening and access truly opens up the benefit of total under hull storage. Jackson makes a bin that fits in the hatch that costs another $25 that comes free with the Mayfly. I use this as my battery compartment for electronics now. In the 12 I used the center hatch for battery housing but how that area in open and can store my tackle boxes now. I did get the rudder. I had one on one of my Cuda 12s and will never have a boat without one. The HDs rudder is easier and better designed than the 12s. Ease of use is a breeze. The only thing I can say the 12 has that is better is the size of the storage are behind the seat. The shortened that area when designing the HD to allow for the sliding seat. I cant fit what I used to and am looking for a new way to store gear. The HD has about enough room for a milk crate and a pdf. With the 12 I could also get a small 8 pack cooler on deck. Other than that the HD smokes this boat. Overall there is no comparison. The HDs speed and stability make it head and shoulders above the 12. Jackson did a great job making this boat an almost carefree paddle. Its gonna suck when they make the Cuda FD and I upgrade again but I'm looking forward to it.