Thanks for the comments. Have any of you guys paddled any of the Nucanoes? They seem ultra stable. The Diablos are sleek as h--- looking. My initial observations in just watching vids and reviews online is that the Nucanoe may have a little better "initial" stability. But not any better "secondary" stability than the Diablo. That is, they may have a little more side to side wobble when standing, but still not any more of a dump-risk. I would Love to drop $3500 + on a Hobie PA. But my new wife just just ain't gonna let happen....

Whenever you go wide for stability you lose in the speed department, so that isn't a big deal if you are content with floating along with a gentle river current, or just not paddling very far or not really concerned about getting anywhere fast.
That is one reason Nucanoe came out with the Pursuit model. It's a little narrower and a little faster than the wide standard model just for that reason.
Might be a good compromise and warrant a test paddle.

I just ordered a KC kayak. I fish flats, marshes and bayous though, so it fits the bill for me. I'm not looking to win races, just to get out and fish, also comfort is pretty big to me. It weighs 64 lbs, has a hull made for stability, so it's a winner in my book. I was looking into so many different boats, but kept coming back to the KC. If you're set on the Diablo, just go for it! Don't look back! You may find yourself in a position to get something else later, never say never.

KC is worth looking at!
I passed on an extremely good deal on one just because I didn't like the soiled baby diaper color.
If it weren't for that stomach turning color I would have bought it.

Speed is over rated for paddlers. I realized that vs stability in my Diablo. I had a Ride 135 (X2) before my Diablo and thought the difference in speed was worth going with the Ride. I fish slow but can paddle long distances when out. The Diablo really isn't any slower, can stand with ease and float in shallower water. If your not going with a peddle drive throw speed out the window.

My first kayak was a big game prowler purchased solely for stability. After a few months of regular use I would have gladly given up some stability for better performance. Consider the whole fishing experience when making your decision. Storage, speed, stability, comfort, big water, small water, moving water.

if I had to picl one it would be my feelfree lure. however there are plenty of options for "stability". the diablo is amazing so is the proangler...ive had them both

I started out in the Jackson Cuda, but did not have the coordination to stand in a narrow kayak. So, I moved to a Hobie Pro Angler 14, which is wider and has significant flotation on the outer edges, creating more stability. I can stand with my feet outside my shoulders making it ideal for fishing or whatever you want to do.

Test paddle/pedal as many kayaks as possible before you buy. It is worth your time. Good luck.

To be truthful we shouldn't rate then in speed but in drag or the resistance to move. IMO the best for stability and least drag are hybrids but they have limitations on the kinds of waters you want to venture out on. Key is to find what best fits you and what you're comfortable in. Some good kayaks have be mentioned and you can demo most this Saturday if you can make it to lake Grapevine.

Agree with Jimbo and some others
U n i have "big boy" in common. Wider means more bulk TO MOVE on and off the water. If it aint trailered it's gonna b a pain to move for MOST. So width is great for stability and weight capacity but hard on the back and cumbersome to move. So u should also b considering a trailer if u go longer n wider. U can fish out of a 11' 30" wide yak but it won't b real "safe" comfy & won't perform for *#!!. I'm in a Ocean big game II currently. Its performs well in rivers, creeks, ocean and lakes. Its built to handle rough water well. It has one of, if not the highest weight capacities but has a small tank well and the cockpit is not open. With SOT Kayaks u trade one for another. Just how it is. No PROBLEMS WITH LEAKY HATCHES. OCEAN KAYAKS DONT HAVE THIS ISSUE LIKE OTHER NAME BRANDS. It Tracks straight! And is light weight for what it does. Its simple. No rudder or fins to geek up. It suits my emmediate needs. Lots of other yaks to choice from too. So really like others say paddle all them big boy yaks and decide afterwards.

Our Ascend 128T is very stable. We have flipped it on purpose, and it is hard.

It is slow on the water though and seems to take a lot of effort to paddle distances.

Not too bad with the wind or current, or in the absence of it. Harder in strong currents.

Another big concern for me is comfort. I like the idea of the higher seats in a wide yak so my legs can bend down like in a chair but on a very stable hull so the tip factor isn't increased. Another reason I'm liking the looks of the Diablo.

Speed isn't just about fast. It can also be about paddling back upstream against the current, or the wind.
I like to have worn myself out at the creek the other day trying to get back to the truck. A faster kayak would have made that effort less.
Or, stated another way, I would have gone farther on the same amount of effort.

Kirk B.

For speed, covering open water, and wind and chop I take the Hobie Revo 13. For stability and need to stand and fish I leave the Hobie at home and take the WS Commander 120, tracks straight, good stability, decent speed and love the captains perch and ability to stand and fly fish. Been taking the Commander out more than the Revo. Wildy Commander is great yak. My .02.