-- Last Updated: Oct-03-12 7:40 PM EST --
I think it really depends on what you want to do. A lot of companies make kayaks that are "similar" in what they can do, but different in how they paddle. Examples:
Eddyline Fathom --> Raven
Tiderace Xplore --> Xcite
Valley Aquanaut --> Avocet
WS Tempest --> Zephyr
NDK Explorer --> Romany
All of the above boats are capable of surfing and they are all capable of touring... Some may say, "but the other companies' kayaks clearly have different specs..." Ok, but I think the way a boat paddles says a lot more about its character than its specs alone. Also, keep in mind that the raked bow and stern (rake = the amount of overhang) of the Raven make the actual waterline something around two feet shorter than the Fathom. I say you should go paddle them both and decide for yourself how they're different. :)