Looking for a new Paddle

It's finally time for me to purchase a paddle and was seeking the advise of the club:

I'm borrowing a friends paddle (composite) and I've been told you don't want to use certain paddles in certian conditions (like fishing around rock areas cause you can damage the blades against the rocks.); but was looking to maybe buy a new one for GS5.

1.) What paddle(s) do you own and/or use?
2.) What were the reason you chose your paddle?
3.) What did you look for when selecting a paddle?
4.) How much did it cost?

Thanks,

Glen

1) i used to have a Bending Branch paddle (angler version).  it was light and sturdy. 
2) the major reason i got that paddle was the price, but after several use i loved it
3) again price was the main factor 
4) it was about $120-130

+1. The notch in the blade is great for grabbing out-of-reach lines.  A paddle is not the primary propulsion device for a Hobie, so I'm far from an authority on the topic but I have found the Bending Branches paddle to be much better than the Hobie paddle that came with the yak.  I think if I had a different yak, I would probably spend the additinal money and get a Werner paddle.

Martin

I think if Glenn wants a notch in his paddle, he will install one 

Go light, go comfortable. I like the Werner Camano, but I'm thinking of getting a bent shaft for the next paddle. 

The b&b angler seems to flex to much because of the notch , wish I had gone non-angler same paddle just no notch.

I have had both the Breeze and Slice and they are great http://www.austinkayak.com/catalog_products.php?SubcatID=211004

If you will be using this for your T13, I would go with Werner Camano which is $265 or the Aqua-Bound Sting
Rey $165. Both paddle has a good rating and you can't go wrong with either one of them. Of course just my
2 cents. I waited till I had my 20% off member discount from REI before I bought the Werner.

Jedmo

Werner Camano for me. After owning the standard Hobie paddle and Aquabound Sting Ray Carbon, both don't come close to the Camano.  Money very well spent. 

Thanks for the info! Looks like the Wener Camano for me; but they do not offer it in a bent shaft...

Werner Camano Fiberglass Straight Shaft Paddle @ $265
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/2805/Werner-Camano-Fiberglass-Straight-Shaft-Paddle.html

Any suggestions on bentshaft paddles? Pros/Cons???

you may want to hold off...I am guessing your T13 aint gonna see the water that much (ask me, jed and a few other). Seems like a lot of paddle for a Hobie (yes the stock Hobie one is crap) so small upgrade makes sense.....just my .02 cents.

I am guessing your T13 aint gonna see the water that much

If the wife and I take the yaks out for a stroll (ie: PIF in June), who do you think will want the Hobie and who will get stuck with the T13; either way, we both would want a nice paddle...

The Hobie paddle will be merely a backup option....

Not sure about the bent shaft but they do offer the smaller diameter shaft for
smaller hands. Less fatigue when paddling all day.

Jedmo

A few years back I got a bonus at work and decided I wanted the best paddle I could find. After several months of resurch I decided on the Werner Kalista as it was extreamly light yet very rigid. Another advantage was the foam core in the blade helps lift the blade from the water making for a more effortless stroke. I opted for the bent shaft and now woulden't buy a paddle without it (verry comfortable on the wrist). The quick set attachment in the middle of the handle makes for a fast adjustment of the feathering which helped me transition from straight blade to feathered. The only downside was the $460.00 price tag but after several years it has become the best investment I have made in kayaking gear. I now believe that if you buy the best it will save you grief down the road.
Hope this helps

See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper

I decided on the Werner Kalista

+1 -- I love that paddle.

I bought mine used for a pretty good price. If not, I think I would have gotten the Werner Camano, but only after handling both. I don't think the Camano is much heavier than the Kalista, and has a lot of the benefits. Eric is right about the payoff over the long term, imho.  After all, that's your motor 

The two paddles I have worked with are the Bending branches slice and the Werner Camano.
The Werner blows the BB out of the water! Both straight shaft. Spend the money and get a nice paddle.