paddle reviews

[fattwins]

I snapped my paddle right good last year and I need a new semi good 1st paddle.

Looking for reviews on HIKO paddles as there is a good deal on them here. What do you guys think of them. I mostly run class 3 and play here in Japan its rare that I can get down south enough to paddle the class 4s or possible 5s.

[Lurch]

I don't know much about them but I think they go by Galasport in Europe and the US.

[fattwins]

yeah I saw that the name in different at least in NA. I live and paddle in Japan. What is everyone using and why?

[Foggy_Goggles]

Lightning bent shaft 192cm.

Why: strong as a werner but cheaper w/ better blade shape

www.paddles.com

[cloudpeak]

Lightning bent shaft 192cm.

Why: strong as a werner but cheaper w/ better blade shape

www.paddles.com

I've used Lightning paddles for years. They're great paddles.

[fattwins]

i just checked them out and will email them too. anymore info people maybe why you like a certain shape? Ive only paddled for 3 years so Im still a rookie buyer.

[Foggy_Goggles]

Foggy's quick paddle primer

Shafts - I like bent better. It "feels" good plus it protects my surgically repaired shoulder. I feel like my stroke is stronger and my wrists and elbows don't hurt mid-way through the season. They are more expensive and plenty of sik paddlers still use a straight shaft.

Shaft Flex - A little give in the shaft reduces wear and tear on the body. This is one reason some people swear by wood.

Grip - find what works. Some paddles have too big of a grip for me (some ATs). Seven2's concept of a modular grip is interesting but I worry about failure, they don't have the best track record.

Blades - I light stiff blade is key. Cheaper paddles (Perceptions, some Seven2, Aquabounds etc.) have flexi blades that suck for performace paddling. Air/Foam filled bladed like the expensive Seven2s, Woody's, some ATs and Werner Double Diamond feel great because a. the shaft disappears in the blade making for less flutter (the blade feels stable through out the stroke) b. the are bouyant = pladdle floats to the surface when rolling and helps with bowstalls and such. Balde shape/size - find what works. Bigger blades offer more purchase, smaller blades offer a higher stroke rate. Generally, bigger blades work better for big water/creekin' and stronger paddlers. Smaller blade work better for smaller people and playboating.

The more you pay, the more you get. However, paddles get lost and/or broken. I lost a $350 Werner bent shaft never to be seen again. If I could have any paddle, it would definately be a Woody. They are friggin works of art. Manufacutures to check out

Werner
AT
Seven2
Woody
Lightning
AquaBound
Backland
Mitchell
Lendal

[fattwins]

damnit, werner is about the only name on that list sold here.
Double dutch is quite popular but pricy.
spider paddles too.
Thats some good info thanks.

[Grange]

Foggy's quick paddle primer

Shaft Flex - A little give in the shaft reduces wear and tear on the body. This is one reason some people swear by wood.

I couldn't agree more about a wood shaft. I remember about 15 years ago aluminum paddles were popular for the boundary waters. I was adament that I had a wooden paddle and by the end of the week the rest of my party was begging to use my paddle.

Personally I prefer bent shaft wood paddles. They are so much more efficient and easier on the body.