Lance-I posted a response to the 601/650 vs. RV   builder Q., prior to yours. I was unaware the comfort level of the 601XL vs. RV7/7A was a huge difference, having not flown in a 7 or 9. Is it because A) 601XL empty wt. app. 750-775# vs. 1100 for the RV? B) Due to lighter gross of  1320 # vs. 1800#? C) Higher wing loading 9.8# vs. whatever you are-maybe low teens? I assume all 3 viable - does "C" have the most credence of the 3? My field elev. in Wyo. is app. 4,500', w/D.A. of 7,500' seasonally-both w/chop. I had to go to a thinner Bose headset due to chop. The Dick Clarks & the Lightspeeds hit the side of the canopy in chop, @ 6'4 1/2" flatfooted. Therefore, I am most interested in your specific analysis, not knowing of the large cabin ride difference between the two. I had given winter consideration to retro-fitting the 650 canopy on-even. Before Shirley retired @ Zenith, she said no one was doing it, due to time frame & work, as I had checked into pricing beforehand. I was of the mindset the faster you flew, the more chop you'd co-operate with-meaning RV vs. 601-if the difference is as you say, I may consider options. I sat in the factory 9A in Cpperstate & Rocky Mt. EAA, I thought more . headroom, due to squared canopy & more leg room, as well, than my 601XL.

Lance-looked up your location, appears near Red Bluffs. Do you know Arnie Hills, app. 40-45 mi. S. in Orland? 601 XL builder, app. 80 or early 80's now. Unpainted, he had 25 hrs. on it 2010, when grounded for ZU upgrades, thereby giving up flying, building, etc. Met a younger fella @ Orland airport who had assisted  Arnold-had built a RV9A & Rans S6S, both completed & flying. Sold both. Name escapes me, was about mid-50's.Sounded as if they flew N. & S. up the valleyl.