I'm planing to build a few 1/48 Spitfires, and now I also thought about throwing a Seafire into the mix, but can't really decide what kit to get. I'm choosing between Hasegawas Seafire MkIb, Special hobbys MkII or their MkIII.

I understand that there are probably not that big difference between the Special hobby kits, but how is the Hasegawa kit compared to them? Does the Special hobby kits need "plastic surgery" to facilitate the hook?

Or is there any other kit that I'm overlooking? Any input is highly welcome, but I should say that out of some reason I prefer earlier Spitfire/Seafire marks.

The Hasegawa kit is just their old Vb kit with resin conversion bits added. It's up to you to cut out the arrestor hook bay. The kit itself is pretty good considering its age. Here's a fantastic build thread.

The Special Hobby kits have been reviewed twice right here on Aeroscale. As you can see, they're typical Special Hobby kits. They'll need a little more modelling skill to build than the Hasegawa, but not all that much more. The hook parts are a drop fit since the kit was made for them. It's the Hasegawa which will need the surgery.