The biggest difference between the Alumaweld and the others talked about here is the manufacture of the boat. The Alumawelds are great boats, built pretty good but there mass produced and the workmanship isnt as robust as the one at a time hand built boats. They sell massive boats though and are a big enough company to offer guides great deals so there mostly used when guiding from sleds. Take the guide deals away on all boats and I bet a large portion wouldent buy Alumawelds. As far as handling there all different and some work better than others for different applications.
Driftboats: As far as strength there probably all close enough. But its about handling!!!!! Alumaweld D boats should not even be compared to Willies, the new Hyde Aluminum boat, Wild hairs and Fishrites. (never rowed Diamond backs)There sterns drag the water and they handle like tubs compared to Willies and a couple others mentioned above. I know people who love Thor D boats and people who have sold theres. I never met ANYBODY who diddent love there Willie D boat! You do see many Alumawelds and Lavros around Seattle rivers but come to Forks and see how many Alumawelds are used buy guides and locals alike. NONE! Handling matters on the rivers of Forks! And Fiberglass handling isnt even in the same league. There chines are rounded so the dont track well causing the rower to correct all the time. Set a Willie in a line and there it stays! Ive rowed 5 different boats in my 18 years of rowing and NONE handle like my Willie! I know there will be some Alumaweld D boat owners getting ruffled feathers. My observations/opinions are based on the fact that I have rowed both. So if your defending you Aweld D boat and havent rowed a Willie or the like you have abosolutley no water under your sticks to base your rant on!

Bob D