Souris River Quetico 17 Review Preface from Red Rock (for what it's worth):

Like all reviews of all products, you are probably well aware that most reviews are only as accurate as the reviewer's time/gumption permits him or her to actually research the product.  This canoe review starts out somewhat inaccurately by declaring that the Quetico 17 is "vacuum-bagged" which it is not, nor are any Souris River Canoes.  It also fails to mention Souris River's exclusive use of heat-cured epoxy resin. Also, the reviewed Quetico 17 has wood thwarts and grab handles which you can get but we seldom stock because extremely few people want the added cost and weight.   I found it misleading in his statement about "wood" thwarts and the canoe not flopping around as a result of them.  Wood thwarts are simply not the only thing that can prevent a floppy canoe as the reviewer appears to conclude.  Aluminum thwarts are actually lighter, stiffer, and perform about exactly the same wood thwarts, so don't get all confused on me when you read this review because 99.998% our our canoes come equipped with aluminum thwarts and grab handles. In fairness, I would wager that the reviewer was not aware of the different options available (like a bow seat slider option) and don't fault him for it but I implore you to always consider to "expert" reviews with a grain of salt.  I'm convinced that the majority of reviewers, in their own clouded perception of "fairness" neither read brochures for fear or "becoming tainted" (or a bit of laziness), nor do the research necessary for accurate presentations to their audiences.  To believe everything in a review is kind of like believing everything the media says when they are reporting to us.  I find this irritating, but am unable to change it.  

The reviewer goes on to question the rivets pulling out of an epoxy/kevlar hull. Again, he's a nice guy but universally typical of the entire canoe industry: he doesn't know much about epoxy-resin-kevlar canoes and I suspect that he's either experienced, or heard about rivet pull-out in vinylester-resin-kevlar canoes at one time or another.  This NEVER happens in a Souris River Canoe, even in white-water wraps.  I know it's bold of me to say "never" but we've now sold about 800 canoes to lots of Boundary Water outfitters who have some of the toughest, unexposed, oblivious renters in the world in rock country.  NEVER once have we had so much as an outfitter call up with this problem and I'm sure some of them have noticed this fact because outfitter sales are increasing.  In a Souris River canoe, the holes do not become oval like they can with vinylester resin-kevlar canoes because heat-cured epoxy is so much stronger.  Epoxy resin by nature does not become brittle with age and UV exposure and crunch downward as a big guy sits on the seats.  The proof is in the pudding and we see a lot of pudding being actually heavily involved in Souris River canoe retail and rentals.  I would never say "never" if it wasn't true.  Just think of how hard that would come back to haunt me.

Anyway, here's where you can go to read one review by reviewer Steve Salins who, I believe, was giving his honest, unbiased opinion.  I read his other reviews on the same page and believe he was fair overall.  Except for certain, inaccuracies with a few of SR's construction details that aren't visibly apparent to the uninformed,  I can't speak for his potential inaccuracy with details of other brands of canoes because I simply don't know all of their specific details.  I recommend you don't hang onto every detail of any "professional" review you ever read in the future.   I know I never will, based on this review and several others I've seen over the years with different products and reviewers.  You'd be surprised at the some of the goofs and blatant biases that confuse more people than help them.

Anyway, if you want to come back, you'll need to use your BACK button or remember you were at redrockstore.com.  Remember, I believe you'll find the canoe's performance in rough water to be the important issue here as it should be for all canoes, but you can decide what's important in a canoe for yourself. 

Souris River Quetico 17 REVIEW in Canoe and Kayak online

PLUS: Here is another bunch of private owner reviews posted at paddling.net for the SR Quetico 17 which is our most popular hull.  Note the references to the way a Souris River Quetico 17 handles rough water.  Remember that you were at redrockstore.com if you want to come back and read more "propaganda" by Joe. 

Souris River Quetico 17 REVIEWS at paddling.net
 

Go back from whence ye came CLICK HERE