Paddle Question

[jmt1980]

I'm really just fishin' for opinions (see what I did there?)...

I recently sold my paddle kayak and upgraded it with a Coosa (specifically for shallow rocky rivers) and I'm in need of a paddle. I've never had a nice paddle (carbon fiber) and I've been looking around for options, I need a 240-250cm, and want a 2 piece. I'm trying to stay under $200 because I feel like there are plenty of nice light options in that range - I like the Werner Tybee, BB Angler Ace, and even the Backwater Assassin (but it looks a little gimmicky to me)... but the weight and price varies a bit across those 3.

Anyone have any experience with those paddles that can give me feedback? Opinions welcome... and suggestions on any decently priced paddle that I may have not seen yet is ALWAYS a plus!

[Oldbayrunner]

I've been using a Werner Skagit Hooked for 3 years now and haven't seen the need to change to anything else.

[J.A. Veil]

I have never used any of the paddles you listed, so I cannot comment on them specifically. As a general rule, the lighter the paddle, the less tired you will be at the end of a trip. But at the same time, the lighter the paddle, the more expensive it is.

Within your budget, look for the lightest weight. Other things to consider are:

- fixed length or sliding length (some models allow 10-20 cm adjustment)
- shape of blade (reflects your paddling style -- upright or more horizontal)
- type of shaft connection between halves -- can you easily adjust to different angles
- construction materials - the blade may be different from the shaft (plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, carbon fiber)
- warranty
- color of blade (for safety a lighter color is easier for other boaters to see; if you have black blades, consider adding strips of reflective tape); also within the topic of blade color, do you want a solid color or a patterned blade

About five years ago I upgraded from a fiberglass shafted, plastic bladed paddle to a full carbon Werner paddle. The difference in weight is amazing.

[Mark]

I was fortunate enough to win a Werner Camano at the CBKT a few years ago. It's about 26 ounces. While not the lightest paddle on the market, it's between 4 to 12 ounces lighter than the paddles you mentioned according to specs I found on-line. Four ounces may not sound like much, but it is for a tool that you use repetitively.

I liked the Camano so much I bought a second one for my other paddle kayak so that friends and family who use that boat can enjoy a decent paddle.

I bought it with discount coupons from Austin Canoe and Kayak. Even with free shipping on top of the discount it came out a little over your price point. But in my opinion, worth it.

So, check the specs on your choices and consider their weight when ranking them. Also, consider any discounts a supplier may offer, and use them to upgrade your selection if you can.

Good luck.

[jmt1980]

Thanks for the info guys... I haven't looked too hard at paddles with blades for low angle paddling because in a fishing kayak with a raised seat my strokes usually hit the water at the same angle as a high angle stroke...

It's funny how when you actually research paddles you learn things you've been doing wrong... I should probably have been using a low angle paddle in my Moken but it's gone now...