what are the horror stories of the OEM Hobie paddle?

mine is rough looking.  one of the rings that keeps water from running down my arm has given up the ghost.  I can feel a tiny click when I use it to  push off rocks.

other than that, it seems bulletproof.  is it a catastrophic fail?

Mine was broken and knew several others with same problem. Not sure if they make any changes or improvements lately.

I lost my hobie paddle one day landing my kayak at rock away. Not a fan of the paddle at all. I won the bending branches anglers classic in the arw tournament one year and like that one. Also have this one CARLISLE PADDLE GEAR 240cm Magic Plus Fiberglass Kayak Paddle. Both paddles provide a lot more power than the hobie one. The hobie paddle is lighter though but since I peddle I don’t care.

My oldest set are bent out of shape, dinged up pretty good, and warped from the 100F sun. My newest set are a lot lighter but feel much flimsier of a build. They all work, though but aren’t great by any means.

My first one broke off a blade as I launched, just with a hard stroke of the paddle. That was before they rebuilt them and they are a bit better than they were.  I've not really had an issue with my newer one.  However I definetly think it's worth while, even in a hobie, to get a decent paddle that is light weight and the right size for you.  When you do and spend the money for for it, you wont be pushing off rocks with it.

I lost my hobie paddle one day landing my kayak at rock away. Not a fan of the paddle at all. I won the bending branches anglers classic in the arw tournament one year and like that one. Also have this one CARLISLE PADDLE GEAR 240cm Magic Plus Fiberglass Kayak Paddle. Both paddles provide a lot more power than the hobie one. The hobie paddle is lighter though but since I peddle I don’t care.

I’ve found 2 floating on the Sonoma coast. I have zero complaints about them 

I’ve found 2 floating on the Sonoma coast. I have zero complaints about them 

At least the price was right...