I have only built the Kitfox SS7, but I have to say that the Kit was very complete and the build manual is superb ( I have heard it is the best, or equal to the best out there). That said, you must understand up front that that basic kit is just that-very basic. There are many optional items that you can choose to buy or not. I found that I wanted almost all of the optional items. The optional items come in their own kits which are very complete, including additional hardware needed. I much prefer this approach because you only buy what you want. Many builders prefer to make their own options, such as upholstery and baggage compartment rather than getting the factory optional kits.

I have a hunch that the negative things you heard about the Kitfox kit was from an early builder who purchased the Kit from the old Skystar company.