AT4 Paddles... and other random ?s

Has anyone had an AT4 on the water? I have an opportunity through my job (maybe not for long) to pick up an AT4 for around 130.... is it worth it? Right now I am using a Werner straight shaft, and if I paddle more than 2 days in a row, my wrists start to hurt. I thought this might be a good way to get into the bent shaft arena. Here are my concerns. (A) My roll is not 100 percent bombproof with current paddle, bent shaft might fuck me in this respect. (B) These things are much, much heavier than my Werner... does heavier=better? I'm not sure. (C) The shaft is glass. Anyone know of problems with glass? I have only used carbon fiber shafts with glass blades. Glass blades seem to be the way to go around here, where the rocks are sharp, and foam core meets a quick and nasty death. My current paddle is the second Werner I have had in my hands, both 188 or there abouts, I think it is called the Shogan. I still don't care what it is, it was 100 bucks, and it seems to work. Here is the other kick. I am 6 foot 2 inches. By all accounts, I should be using a paddle at least 10 cm more length. Is this a "bad" thing? I have run everything from class II to IV plus with my 188(ish) paddle, and felt comfy... I'm thinking feeling good is good enough. Thanks, dudes and dudettes.

Depends on which AT4. There are now 2 series, the C and the E. If you're positive it has the glass shaft, then it's the E. If it's the C, then it's a carbon shaft and 130 is a great deal.

Either way they'll be way heavier than your Werner. Heavier IMHO = worse. They'll flex a lot more, which can be nice for playboating, but not that great for bracing off of rocks. I've seen 4x as many ATs break (both first hand and at the shop) than Werners.

That being said, a 188 is definitely too short and could be causing some problems w/ your roll. I'm the same height, and just switched from a 197 to a 194. I can feel a difference in the overall power, but I did it to save my shoulders a bit.
A bent shaft can take some time to adjust to, especially in regards to your roll, but it's also easier to feel the indexing and know when your blade is flat on the surface. You'll also be switching to a smaller, more play designed blade than your Powerhouse (the ShoGun is the foam core version, Powerhouse is the glass), which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your paddling style and what you like to paddle.

All in all, I'd say if it's an E, then save your money a buy a longer Werner or a C series or better. Or if you're comfortable with what you have, then just use that.

you can get an AT4 on sierratrading post for super cheap.

i am using one. i will compare it to a straight shaft werner powerhouse which is what i used previously.

it is much heavier and the bent shaft is thicker than the normal werner shaft, i thought i wouldn't lik eit but actually prefer it which is weird since i liked werners small shaft.

to be honest the first time i tried to roll with the bent shaft i ended up swimming. but i got it out in the pool, my roll was pretty secure and for some reason, my off side became even stronger

re blade size. its actually the same size a powerhouse if not touch bigger despite it being a play shape

its a pretty solid paddle. i wish wine was a touch longer, but i like it

I work for STP, so I have the in. hehehe. That is part of what is pushing this little deal.

ah, well i like it. i went with a 30 degree offset rather than 45, prefer it to the 45.

like any change in paddle you will need to get used to it, but for 130 its a sweet paddle, it is the carbon one.

fwiw, i have heard good things about the harmony paddle they had on recently. there was some recent chat about it on boatertalk

I broke my AT4 (carbon) on its second run. I've also witnessed two others break mid-run. You get what you pay for I guess. I upgraded to an AT3 (now "the eddy"), which has been much more durable, but also very heavy.
If you're really going to get into paddling, get an AT2 or a bent shaft Werner, which are lighter and have much better bite in my opinion.
My next paddle is going to be a Werner for sure.
-
As for Sizing, I'm 5'10" and paddle a 196.

That's a tough call. I used to have one and it never broke down the middle like they're known for (which I've also seen Werner's do) but it did start fracturing in the blades and taking in water in the shaft which made it even heavier. If money is a big concern then go with it, but I'd really hold out for a bent shaft werner or the ATX which I currently have and am a big fan of.

There's another option...The AT3 Mystery. It's got epoxy ATX blades, Dynell tips, 43 oz.(kinda heavy) with a carbon/glass weave shaft. It comes in dark subtle camo. AT made a few of them but never sold em'. Check it out:
http://cksblog.com/?p=1369