Native Ultimate FX vs Native Ultimate

Was considering purchasing a the new Native Ultimate FX 15 or the older model Native Ultimate 14.5. Have read some comments regarding the FX 15 not as stable or does not track as well as the older Ultimate 14.5. Also the FX sits higher up on the water compared to the older ultimate, which makes me think might be a slight disadvantage in the wind but would be an advantage preventing water from coming over the bow.

Any one have any experience paddling both and comment on any advantage the older ultimate model has over the new FX design.

I have a pair of Ultimate Tandem 14.5s, and earlier this year paddled 10 miles alongside a guy in an FX 15. No fishing gear along, just a group float down a river. His kayak rode higher than mine, even though he was probably 40-50 lbs heavier than me. He fishes a lot and said he really likes the FX. I thought my kayak was a bit sleeker moving through the water.

Reviews I've read say the FX tracks better and is easier to stand in because the bottom of the pontoon portion of the hull is flat. Tracking on the older Ultimate is already outstanding, especially with a rudder. The layout of the FX looks more fisherman friendly, with a ton of gear tracks all over, cupholder, etc.

FX Solo--15'3"long, 31" wide, 81 lbs fitted weight (hull plus seat), 600 lbs capacity.
Ultimate--14'7" long, 30" wide, 59 lbs fitted weight, 450 lbs capacity.

Local dealer has both Native Ultimate FX 15 and 12 and some demo Native Ultimate 14.5, just trying to decide if the upgrade FX is worth the extra $$. Was just curious since the upgraded FX sat higher up in water, if it was going to be more effected with wind than the Ultimate.

Do a demo paddle on a windy day.

I've never had the Ultimate 14.5 but I have had the Ultimate 12, Ultimate 16 tandem, the FX 13 and the FX 16 tandem and I think the FX is worth the extra $. The FX does sit a little higher in the water which helps in rough water situations. The bow will catch a little more wind and will come around in a breeze when you get really slow or stop but that's the only negative I have with the FX and I'm not sure it's worse than the basic Ultimate as it will do the same thing. I always Installed the SmartTrack rudder on my Ultimates and FX yaks so tracking was never a problem. The FX is very stable and has a lot of storage space.

I had a Ultimate 12, now I have the Ultimate 12 FX. FX is more stable. The seat set up is great, also has under seat storage for 2 plano boxes. The FX sits higher in the water, this is a good thing !!!! especially "inshore fishing, and choppy lakes (not to mention crazy PB's that like to try to swamp you)
I have a rudder, and no tracking problems, nose does wiggle some without the rudder. Fx with seat in high position ( really not that high) is "MUCH MUCH" easier to get in and out of than the Basic in the low position ( most people in the basic use the seat riser block, or build a seat riser of some type). I enjoy
both (still use a basic as a "buddy yak")

Thanks for information. Is their a huge difference between the FX12 and FX15 regarding tracking and stability. Would the FX12 be suitable for longer paddles ,less than 10 miles. Like the weight of the FX12 especially during loading and unloading

The Ultimate FX 12 and 15 sit about the same in the water as the standard Ultimate. The major difference is the high/low seating and the ability to move the seat forward or back on the fly to adjust your trim on the FX's. The tunnel hull is slightly different on the FX which improves the stability ever so slightly. They are equally fast and track great. I have owned all of them. I still have my FX 12's and a standard Ultimate. I sold my tandem because I never really used it. I have paddled my FX 12 up to 21 miles in a day with no issues and I'm 61. The weight is what convinced me to switch to them in the first place.

Thank you very helpful to help making decision. Did not know if the FX15 would handle wind and chop better than the FX12.