[alanw]

The big flat areas of plastic are weak compared to a design with more curves or bends. Also I can't know for sure because I've never measured hull thicknesses, but both my Malibus felt thin walled compared to other brands I've owned. For example, the footwell area on my Stealth felt weak and seemed unsuitable for standing, I could feel the gunwales flex under my hands when I used them to support my weight to move in the seat, and in my X-Factor I remember feeling the entire hull flex while going over big chop. Just got to remember they are entry level kayaks IMO and that is reflected in their cost of half the price of some other brands.