Shaun,

Where do you live?

Pygmy is on the West coast and CLC is on the East coast. Both companies are happy to ship their kits anywhere, but the further they ship them the more you'll pay for shipping.

I use the "Washington" rule:

If you are clsoe to Washington State, then you can drop in on Pygmy. If you are close to Washington D.C. then you are close enough to drop in on CLC.

They both make good products, but what you probably want to do is find exactly which boat style is going to fit you best -- and then buy your kit from the company which makes that boat. I should not surprise you if each boat company makes a boat which would fit you. Once you narrow down the competing styles you cna compare prices -- and that may be a big influence on your buying decision.

Let us know how big you are -- height, weight, and shoe size. also let us know what your typical paddling conditions would be: Lake, river, ocean, etc.; and your level of experience -- do you want a sporty design for playing in ocean surf, or one which has a large cargo capacity for extended camping. Is there a comercially produced boat which you paddle which you are happy with?

You should make an attempt to paddle the boat before you buy the kit. If you can't try one at the factory, then we may be able to find someone near you who has a boat similar to one which you are interested in, and who would be gracious enough to let you try it out. Or, you might be able to come to one of the many kayak 'conventions' where various boat models are avialable for trial.

Just my thoughts

PGJ