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I have used my NC 15 LT Escape for about 3 years. I'm a senior male, 5'8 160lbs. I've paddled around Maryland for the past 13 years or so after getting the bug while at a Canadian Boy Scout camp with my kids. I bought this particular boat because I wanted speed and light weight so as to move it around on my own if need be, although I mostly paddle with a club on trips of 20 - 40 kayakers. I was nervous about buying without trying it, but based on other reviews I took a chance, and would definitely recommend NC!! I get so many complements on this boat, its amazing. I experience little to no weathercocking, and the boat turns very well for a 15.5' boat. I think its quite fast.

At 41 lbs, its over 20 lbs. lighter than the P&H Cetus fiberglass boats that many of my kayak friends use (and much cheaper too). I accidentally dropped it off my SUV's roof last year, and the rubber strip landed on a concrete curb, which caused the strip to spread open, but there was no damage whatsoever to the fiberglass.

As others have mentioned the folks at NC, Doug in particular who I deal with, are the best. This is my second kayak, the first being an Old Town Castine, which I still use for trips on rocky waters. My only issue, is that the cockpit is just barely long enough to get my legs into, usually scraping my knees in the process.
My advice - Get one, you'll love it. (I give it 4.5 stars)