I opted for the Fx-4, even though it lists for 8.5 foot wide boats. It is a fairly significant upgrade to all carbon ($189), but hey - you bought a light boat, keep it light.

Over the years I've had about a 50% success rate with the cork ball grip - meaning 50% of the time it pops off very early in its life. I've started replacing it (once it falls off) with a mountain bike grip. It takes a little work to get the grip on, but it works well and is a personal preference.