I bought my SCUD as a boat to predominantly be used for teaching and leading on Class III water. I was tired of everytime I went to pull a big guy out my little playboat just standing up on its tail and being a pain in the ass to get the guy to shore. The SCUD is everything I could have asked for and more! Lots of room in the stern for safety gear and lunch. I've done some creeking in it and although it's not as great as my Habitat when it comes to some things... it sure is fun to pick your way down a tech little creek with it.

I'm into my third season with my Habitat now and for the money I don't think i can find something I like better. Next year when I replace my creekboat it will likely be another Habitat.

Definetly try out the bent shaft you're going to buy in the pool or something before you drop the gobs of money that this paddle costs. I'd say that i'm pretty happy overall with my SHoGun though.

I compared the Ronin Pro to the Stohlquist Xtract, Astral Green Jacket and Salus Torrent. I would have been happy with the Astral as well but it was another 80$ and with the Ronin already being 200$ i went with it. It is a really good jacket that I give full marks to... as long as it fits. I did add a 1" quick release cam loop on the left side of mine, I really like keeping my rescue tether/cow tail on my left side. Being right handed I prefer my dominant hand controling the paddle when I'm trying to clip into a boat, so i carry my cow tail to the left.