Which is better?

The FnD specs are probably for a non-decked out model (less hatches)

Any chance the manufacturers fudge the numbers?

  I'm sure they both do

My first kayak was a Malibu 2 and I have moved on to a OK big game and love it. I am 6'3 and about 230 dry and maybe 260 wet after a dive,Speed has never been an issue for me but I do like having the extra leg room that I did not find in some other models

Speed in the Delta is a big deal, because of the tides, river currents and ever present wind. Many times we are paddling against 3 mph current and 15 mph wind, and almost always the wind is quartering the wrong way. You need a faster kayak out there. Most of the time in the delta, you get to battle the tide going out and coming back, so no mercy for the wicked. 


I have a Trident-15, 6'-2" and weight 380lb. When I got my Trident, I was 450lb. Good aerobic exercise and stress reliever!!! I also considered the Big Game and the Fish n Dive because of the advertised stability from the width and the flotation capacity, but found 2 hours in the T-15 learned my hips and waist how to sit without wiggling. I can now stand in my Trident and sight cast IF there are no PB's and Jetski's around creating big wakes.

Only thing I wish the Trident had was flat foot wells. GET A RUDDER too!

The weight of kayaks in the delta and any lake that has a launch ramp is NOT an issue. I back my van onto the ramp and load it directly into the water, no need to carry it any distance. I just put the bow of the kayak about even with the "B" pillar, put a towel under the stern,  lift the bow on top of the tailgate door and set onto van, go to stern and lift kayak and slide it across the roof rack. PIECE OF CAKE!!!  It just slides right up on the factory roof rack from the rear. I flip it so it rides hull up and strap it down on some foam pads.

A set of wheels for anywhere else.

I just bought a Hobie Pro Angler, and I haven't even had it in the water yet. I have to rig it a little bit and make some more $$$ before it's maiden voyage which will be on Fall River near Burney. Some neighborhood jerkoff broke into my van and stole my smartphone, bluetooth, GPS, sunglasses, and other misc stuff and I need to replace 

(EricB) have a drifter...Stay away unless you find a deal on one.

I love the crap out of my Drifter.. A few Nerf balls and no more water.
I fish mostly lakes, and the Drifter's weight cap, stability and ease-and conveinence couldnt suit me better. You can get a blem at Austin kayak delivered for $619 I feel that this is a lot of quality boat for your money. At 6'1'' 300 lbs I have been on docks that were less stable than the Drifter.


P.S I really want to Paddle a T-13 and T-15

I just bought a Hobie Pro Angler, and I haven't even had it in the water yet.

 Your the first one I've heard ( In Northern Ca. ) buy one of these...

 Looking forward to your report on the Beast...  Looks like it would be quite comfortable, once OTW....

 Sorry about your recent loss,  That sucks....

 and the advice on the Delta is right on, it's just about as serious a contender as any dangerous water,

  Lots of demos coming up and different shops do let you " Try before you buy... "

 very important...  the first 2 times I tried kayaking, just because it looked fun... I did not last 10 minutes because of back pain...

 they are different animals, and only a OTW water test drive is going to tell ya something...

OutBack Adventures has a demo soon, CC&K in Jack London square, everyday, but your limited to Hobie, Manta Ray...  and Mooch down at Aquan would be a Great Help too...

 I see your in Sacramento, keep your eye open for demo's, CC&k Rancho Cordova has some way to test out boats, again limited on brands.  It might be worth a drive to check out some of the other Demo, places I mentioned..

 Here is the Outback Adventure Demo on June 6th
...

http://www.outbackadventures.com/sales_service/sales/demo_days.htm