I'll be the odd man out, and let me say up front I have very little experience. I did have the chance to test paddle a Ches 17 and 17LT at a demo a while back. I found the LT uncomfortably confining at 6'1", 180, size 13. Possibly this is due to my lack of experience- I am struggling to decide on that first kit myself, and am leaning toward a "comfort" fit. I found the CH17 a good size. The other boat at the demo I liked size wise was a West River 164- billed as for paddlers larger than me. Maybe as your skill develops, you like a tighter fit, but for now I like to be able to get my knees up a bit, and shift around occasionally.

Good luck