What's your favorite paddle?

I like my 13+ year old Werner, but since I have a new Stealth coming, I thought I might also upgrade my paddle. What do you think is best, or your favorite? We base it off of our height? Does the kind of kayak I am paddling make a difference in what type of paddle I use? 

And where is the best place to buy them?

Thank you!

Favorite overall is an Aleutian paddle. The one I have now is a 98" that I made myself under the guidance of Wolfgang Brink in Alameda. If I had to buy one, I would look at https://www.tuktupaddles.com/aleutian_paddles.html or https://eastpolepaddles.com/paddles/aleutian-paddle/?v=0b3b97fa6688

Favorite 2 piece is a Bending Branches Navigator. I got the chance to try one out, immediately loved it, and it's now on my Christmas wish list. I have a feeling I'll actually take this one out more than my beloved Aleutian as it will be more practical to transport.

My all time favorite is Bending Branches Navigator. My buddies, Nando and Paul, got them based on my recommendation for their paddle kayak and they love it too. Here is the review.

I do more pedaling on my Hobie Revo 11 and 13.  However, I do a lot of surf launches and have experienced rudder and mirage drive failures a mile plus offshore. This is when a quality paddle came in handy.

My favorite is the Aquabound 230 cm Whiskey, it's on sale now at REI.  My second favorite is a Werner 230 cm Camano.

My all time favorite is Bending Branches Navigator. My buddies, Nando and Paul, got them based on my recommendation for their paddle kayak and they love it too. Here is the review.

MooMoo - Do you know if the Navigator is being discontinued, updated, or having a model change? The website has pretty limited stock and there's quite a few cosmetic seconds on there. I was looking for the base non-Angler version and it doesn't seem to be in stock anywhere.

Kind of depends on your paddling style. High or low angle. Ive been using a Werner Cyprus. It's super light with a foam core. Doesn't seem to hard on my shoulders and the bouyancy makes a difference. My understanding is that you size the paddle to the width of the kayak but I could be mistaken. I wouldn't skimp out on the paddle as its one of the most important components 

My all time favorite is Bending Branches Navigator. My buddies, Nando and Paul, got them based on my recommendation for their paddle kayak and they love it too. Here is the review.

MooMoo - Do you know if the Navigator is being discontinued, updated, or having a model change? The website has pretty limited stock and there's quite a few cosmetic seconds on there. I was looking for the base non-Angler version and it doesn't seem to be in stock anywhere.

Check out this link. It seems like they have all sizes in stock
https://bendingbranches.com/collections/longer-touring-excursions-canoe/products/navigator-versa-lok?variant=40383524241456
For future reference it's under shop>longer touring excursions

How do you determine length of paddle?

Check out this link. It seems like they have all sizes in stock
https://bendingbranches.com/collections/longer-touring-excursions-canoe/products/navigator-versa-lok?variant=40383524241456
For future reference it's under shop>longer touring excursions

$500 for a paddle! Maybe the wifey will get it for me for the holidays...

How do you determine length of paddle?

Measure the paddle from one tip to the other... 

Aside from ones physical ability to paddle, there are two major factors in determining the paddle length: the kayak width and paddler height
Here is a link to an REI article on this subject which includes a Werner table on choosing paddle length (in cm):
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/kayak-paddle.html

 

How do you determine length of paddle?

There is a kayak paddle sizing guide on bending branches site too. They have 2 different sizing guide.

Kayak Paddle: https://bendingbranches.com/blogs/resources/kayak-paddle-sizing-guide
Fishing Kayak Paddle: https://bendingbranches.com/pages/kayak-fishing-paddle-sizing-guide

For Stealth kayaks, traditional kayak paddle sizing guide will work better. However, these are just a guideline.
Seated height would matter more than overall height. Seat height from the waterline would matter as well. Personal preference is another factor. 
The best way to determine the right length for you is to try different length or get a adjustable paddle.
My navigator is 215-230 adjustable and it works for all 3 kayaks that I own.

Bending Branches Angler pro

Werner Cyprus off set if that is the correct term.  It has the ergonomic middle bend.  My first paddle ever was the BB Navigator.  I'm 5'8 and use a 220 cm on the stealth.  Do you know your paddle style?  I'm a high angle type.  If I could get another I'd go wing AND Greenland for variety.

Bending Branches Angler pro

I second this. I also own BB Cypress because it came with my new-to-me Stealth but I'm embarassed to say I have not figured out that posi lock and I am unable to put the shaft together in a way that pleases me.