New kayak paddle really worth it?

[taggermike]

I look at paddle yakking as being similar to distance running in some ways. After the first miles you may not appreciate a light high quality pair of shoes. But after miles and hours you definitely will. Same with paddles. It can take a long paddling session to show the superiority of a light CF paddle.
It's hard to describe well, but super light and stiff CF paddle have certain "feel" that you don't get with other paddles. Im using a Werner bent shaft CF paddle and is great. Mike

[bwana]

Over 10 years ago, after a long day on the water I hear water sloshing around inside my paddle shaft.

Purchased a Werner Kalliste the next day. What a difference a quality paddle makes.

[radastaff]

been using the same BB bent shaft since I started
was waiting for it to break before I get a new one
but might make the plunge sooner

don't think its gonna ever break
and it weights a ton


P

[alanw]

I upgraded from a basic Crack of Dawn paddle to a carbon fiber one and it just felt so much better. I don't think I gained any speed, but the comfort level went way up. I'd recommend upgrading if you paddle any more than a mile or two.

[Dave Legacy]

I have a Werner Skagit which is a CF overlay straight shaft and plastic blades. It's not all that heavy, I never feel worn out from using it, BUT I swear that I can feel the flex in the blades when I dig in and to me that's a loss in efficiency and effectiveness.

Do fiberglass blades also flex during paddling?

[King Saba]

Originally Posted by Dave Legacy

I have a Werner Skagit which is a CF overlay straight shaft and plastic blades. It's not all that heavy, I never feel worn out from using it, BUT I swear that I can feel the flex in the blades when I dig in and to me that's a loss in efficiency and effectiveness.

Do fiberglass blades also flex during paddling?

I didn't notice any flexing when I used to paddle with my Werner Camano. The stiff blades on it gave out a lot of power with each stroke.

[TJones]

a good high end paddle made for a performance kayak? i currently own a werner straight shaft full carbon correyvreckan that i have had for probably more than 3 years , maybe pushing 4. shortly after i got into kayaking, i brought in my original hobie paddle and matched it up with something similar at the local OEX shop. . . the blade on this paddle is huge and is not suited for paddling full time, unless you have a fitness build of an endurance paddler. this is probably the perfect paddle for hobie peddle kayaks where only quick spurts of speed are needed such as when launching or landing. since relying on the original hobie paddles in emergency situations is not ideal , that lead me to buying this paddle. anyway, i was looking at some performance paddle kayaks for fishing my local waters like "BU" that have other than ideal surf conditions where hobie kayaks are not the best suited. so what is a good performance high end paddle ? i was looking at the cyprus hooked. any feedback would be appreciated. needless to say bending branches is a company that has been around for a long time , so this is a high possibility. also to add, i am definitely ready to spend the extra money to get the lightest paddle possible and believe that this will bring on fatigue not as quickly, especially in other than ideal paddling situations.