Paddles

I know the topic has been beat to a pulp...I've searched and read many of the old posts but I'm going to ask a few anyway hoping that I'll get a better understanding of it all.

After 6 months of owning the wave paddle that I bought from Sean (it's served and continues to serve it's purpose very well) I think I'm ready to look at what other paddles have to offer.  I'm hoping to keep the purchase under $200 if possible but have no problem spending more if there is some compelling reason to.

I'm about 5'8" and paddle a Marauder.  Some of the charts I've taken a look at seem to say that i need a 240cm paddle.  From what I've read in the old posts it looks like AquaBound seems to be a favorite.  What are some others that I should be considering?... I've think I read something about "Ono".

I've also heard that it's best to buy a paddle with a carbon handle and resin blades because carbon blades aren't as durable.  Any truth/opinions about that?

Lastly, what would be a good/inexpensive place to rent a few paddles for the day so I can test them out before I commit?

Any other info you could provide would be really appreciated too.

Angel - I have a 240 Swift Paddle (mid swift) - you can test paddle it for a day. Let's hook-up sometime next week - if your free.
http://www.kayakexperience.com/paddles.htm

I currently use a lendal - bent shaft . You're more than welcome to test paddle it as well.
http://store.kayakcentre.com/browse.cfm/2,137.html


Two things I don't mind spending $$ on:

- a nice comfortable seat (high back) and a nice paddle 

Thanks primo, really wish I could hook up this week.     I should be able to hook up next weekend.

One more question... one piece? I like the two pieces for storage reasons but is there any reason why I should absolutely buy a one piece?

IMO: one piece will always be better but a pain the ass to store or travel with 

The connection between the two halves of a two piece can sieze or be otherwise problematic. A one piece will either be stronger or lighter to compensate for the loss of strength in the joint.

I don't think you're going to find carbon shafts for under $200, but I could be wrong. I've not priced paddles since 2001, but a full carbon one piece back then was $350.

I've never had any problems with Werner paddles, since 1993.

Scott

REI has the Aqua-Bound carbon shafts for $160.

http://www.rei.com/product/750877

There's carbon, and then there's "carbon". For instance, I just weighed my 100% fiberglass Werner Camano 220 cm - 27 oz. A full 6 oz ligher than the "carbon" shaft Aquabound linked to above. My 220 cm carbon Kauai came in at 23 oz.

So what I'm saying is that you should be concerned with the paddle length, that the blade shape matches your paddling style, and the actual weight. Forget about whether or not there is "carbon" shafts or blades.

Regards,
Scott

I like Bending Branches Carbon in a 240 cm (Straight Shaft- Day paddle).  It is a $300 paddle.  But, sometimes you can find it on E-bay for $150.  I have AXT,Aqua Bound and some others.  But, I will paddle the BB before the others.

Longer the better and lighter.  If you go Ocean.  I do not like the curve blade. 2 piece is better.  Easier to store and I always keep a back up paddle with me.

Ken kickfish

I notice you guys are all using paddles as long as mine? I picked mine up in Truckee about 7 yrs ago and it is a Ainsworth K108 Sea Tour model. @ 94 3/8 long (cm?). aluminum 2 piece. How do you approx. the correct length. what makes you decice on blade style. It's been nice to be blissfully ignorant of what I am supposed to have. My arm reach is 76" tip to tip. I paddle a barge @ 34" wide.Tarpon 13T.  Any advice would be helpfull. I need to pick up a paddle when I get Ty a new Yak and I figure He could use my old one till he figures out what he needs.

REI has the Aqua-Bound carbon shafts for $160.

http://www.rei.com/product/750877

go to a REI store and pick up a paddle before you buy.  They're pretty heavy...

go to a REI store and pick up a paddle before you buy.  They're pretty heavy...

Very true. Good advise for all paddle purchases.

Big Foot,

Your paddle is a 240cm (94 3/8").  I would get a Fiberglass shaft and a carbon blade.  I have never paddled a bent shaft.  But, that maybe my next paddle.  Aluminum always gets stuck together (dirt & sand) and cold to the touch.  I have paddles from 26 oz to 30 oz.  Anything around 30 oz is pretty light.

My 2 cents.  Ken kickfish

I have an all carbon one piece from patrick onno and I'm pretty sure it was under $200.

you get exactly what you ask for with him so you need to know what you want.

use google to search on his name, might be hard to get a paddle this time of year.

I have some old wetsuit arms that I keep over the blades for storage and travel.

One other thing to consider when buying paddles is where you will be using them and how. As kayak fishers we lay down the abuse pretty heavy depending on the circumstances. A nice light paddle is great for trolling or paddling long distances but if you snap the blades off a 300.00 paddle pushing off the rocks while rock gardening in the ocean  it won't matter how light it was; it is garbage now and hopefully you either have a spare or can get home with just one blade.

I agree with Mooch on spending the big bucks for a nice paddle it can make all the difference in the world. But I would also search out a used or cheap paddle for those really abusive days on the kayak. Consider using the used/cheapo as the backup just in case so you always have it around and then if you think you are heading into abusive conditions you can stow the 300.00 paddle and not really care if you break off el cheapo.

Personally I have used my paddle to push me off the rocks while rock gardening, to push pole me through 5 inches of water to get me back to deeper water where the kayak was floating again. Also have used it as an anchor point to hold position. So far it is holding up but everytime I hear a crackling noise I start thinking about what my replacement paddle will be. I'd prefer to get my next paddle before I break this one, so my current paddle can become my backup as my current backup is one of those emergency aluminium adjustable length jobs that I just hope to never have to use.

Jeff

I look for stiffness first.  I don't really look at the weight stats, you'll know it's the right weight for you when you're at the store comparing it to others.

I currently paddle a Lendal full carbon composite, crank shaft Kinetic Touring.  I love this paddle!

-Allen