We looked at a variety of Canoes before deciding on the Wenonah Spirit II in Royalex. We purchased our canoe from Oak Orchard Canoe in NY (Near Rochester). They had a great selection of canoes and accessories and were more than helpful (and patient!). Our only mistake was using sponges for a roof rack. Don't do that. Spend the extra money and buy a full rack for your car or truck.
We also bought bent-shaft paddles. No serious canoeist should hit the water without a quality bent-shaft. Mine is from Foxworks Paddles and Nathaniel's is a Mitchell. My Guide model is light, strong, and well-shaped. Under really hard paddling I notice a bit of flex, so this isn't a good racing paddle. But the paddle withstood the rigors of this trip with very little damage apparent, despite some rocky stretches and class 2-3 whitewater.
I put a deposit down on the Bell Northwind, based on my online evaluation and pure numbers. Once we saw the canoes, while very impressed with the Northwind's quality design and construction, I just didn't feel 16.5 feet would be adequate for carrying each of us and 10 day's worth of gear.
So the Wenonah Spirit II made it home and replaced the 1980 Coleman RamX 15' we had used on and off for years (I bought it at a Sears near Utica, NY and we spent many pleasant hours floating on lakes around Griffiss AFB).
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