Thanks for all your input - very, very helpful.  I especially appreciate your report MM since it sounds like you use your Zav pretty much as I will be.  And I agree, if I want to save weight on a paddle and plan to spend $200+ anyway, why shave a mere 3 or 4 ounzes when, with the Zav, I can shave close to a pound.  That's a lot of weight over an 8 to 10 hour paddle day!  One question, MM.  You mentioned noticing the difference in the blade width between your Bending Branches and the Zav.  If you were to do it again would you consider adding an extra .25 or .5 inches to the blade width or does the standard 8.25" seem about right?
Thanks again folks, much appreciated.
Kerry