Looking for a good kayak paddle

[stk44]

I was out on the lake yesterday, and I noticed that I had a stress fracture around 3/4 of the shaft where the two-piece paddles connect. Of course this was just a few hours in the trip. My buddy got a couple of sticks as splints and we jammed a similar sized stick inside the tube for added support. The paddle is actually stronger than it was before, however, I believe it's time for a replacement (see picture.)

 

I need some recommendations for a new paddle. My yak is 36" wide and I'm always in the raised seat position of my predator MX. Here are a few paddles that I liked on amazon with various price points. Please let me know if you have experience with any of them and tell me your thoughts. If you have a paddle that you think is better, tell me why.

https://www.amazon.com/Carlisle-Predator-Fiberglass-Kayak-Paddle/dp/B017AM92ZY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503662222&sr=8-1&keywords=250%2Bcm%2Bpaddle&th=1&psc=1

 

https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Kayak-Paddle-Angler-Poseidon/dp/B01N34MEOK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503662222&sr=8-2&keywords=250+cm+paddle

 

https://www.amazon.com/Bending-Branches-2-Piece-Snap-Button-Fishing/dp/B01MU2OZAX/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1503662222&sr=8-4&keywords=250%2Bcm%2Bpaddle&th=1&psc=1

 

Thanks!

[J Francho]

I bit the bullet, and got an AT Oracle full carbon fiber ergo shaft paddle, and could not be happier with this paddle.  Anything else I've tried has felt sub par.  I am not nice to it, often pushing off rocks and gravel, and it shows no signs of wear after three seasons.

https://www.atpaddles.com/us/products/oracle-carbon

 

[NYWayfarer]

That Oracle paddle is real nice but it cost more than my kayak

 

Out of the three the OP listed I have had my eye on the Pelican Poseidon Angler. Dick's has their own brand angler paddle which seems identical in all specs but costs double the amount.

[stk44]

2 hours ago, J Francho said:

I bit the bullet, and got an AT Oracle full carbon fiber ergo shaft paddle, and could not be happier with this paddle.  Anything else I've tried has felt sub par.  I am not nice to it, often pushing off rocks and gravel, and it shows no signs of wear after three seasons.

https://www.atpaddles.com/us/products/oracle-carbon

 

Those look really nice. My wife would literally kill me if I bought them LOL. 

[J Francho]

I'd be scouring paddle shops for end of summer clearance deals.  If you can score a good deal on at least a CF shaft, you'll thank me, and never go back.

[stk44]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

I'd be scouring paddle shops for end of summer clearance deals.  If you can score a good deal on at least a CF shaft, you'll thank me, and never go back.

 

Have you ever tried fiberglass paddles? The one in the link below has a fiberglass shaft and "fiberglass reinforced polypropelyne blades" :https://www.amazon.com/Carlisle-Predator-Fiberglass-Kayak-Paddle/dp/B017AM92ZY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503662222&sr=8-1&keywords=250%2Bcm%2Bpaddle&th=1&psc=1

 

I'm coming from a 40 dollar aluminum paddle at the moment. I will keep my eyes peeled for CF shaft deals. I have a backup paddle that my wife uses that I can get by on in the meantime.

[J Francho]

Not glass blades, but glass shafts.  Lots of flex.  I'd rather the stiffer aluminum.

[stk44]

23 hours ago, J Francho said:

Not glass blades, but glass shafts.  Lots of flex.  I'd rather the stiffer aluminum.

I was told the fiberglass would not flex as much as aluminum. Is that incorrect?

[Subaqua Adinterim]

Take a look at the Werner Camano.  I have used this for 3 years and it's a great paddle for the $.

Shaft Construction	Carbon and fiberglass blend
Blade Construction	Fiberglass

You can find these on sale for around $220.  Well worth it in the long run.  Goes together and comes apart easy and adjusts in 15 degree increments.

 

 

 

 

 

[J Francho]

I've used that exact paddle, very nice for the money. ^

[J Francho]

On 8/26/2017 at 3:42 PM, stk44 said:

I was told the fiberglass would not flex as much as aluminum. Is that incorrect?

 

Depends on the formula.  Rough river, and play boat paddlers like the bend, to absorb the shock.  For flat water, I don't want any flex.  I have a Al shaft no name paddle that is fairly rigid, more rigid than the $60 paddle I started out with that had a glass shaft.  The carbon/glass formula Werner uses is pretty stout, and light.

[MassYak85]

I got an AquaBound MantaRay Hybrid a couple years ago and it was probably the best non-tackle purchase I have ever made. It has some really nice features for it's price point (139). It has a weight that will rival even some high end paddles (31.8 ounces) and it's "posi-lock" ferule system allows for 15 degree increments and extremely easy connect and disconnect. Also, they aren't kidding when they say posi-LOCK. There is zero play. The blades are a nylon-fiberglass blended resin and so far have been pretty durable. I push off rocks all the time. I went from some cheap aluminum paddle to that and it has made a world of difference. I don't worry about getting worn out from paddling a couple miles between spots anymore. There are definitely nicer paddles out there but I think for the price point it's got most others beat. I also got mine on sale so that helped my decision a bit. 

 

https://www.aquabound.com/products/manta-ray-hybrid-2pc-posi-lok-kayak-paddle

[LadiMopar]

I have Feel free Lure 10 kayak that is also 36 wide, with the gravity seat which I leave at about the 8 inch position.  I started with a basic BB ( bending branches 220) but it was too heavy and too short. Always whacking the side of the hull. ? So I have gone to a Caviness  Cavpro carbon paddle at 240 cm, from Cabelas. Usually $129 bucks but they have great sales, got mine for about $80. 

 

I love the power i get from this paddle but really love how light weight it is.

 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/boating/canoes-kayaks-small-boats/paddles-oars-accessories/pc/104794380/c/104710680/sc/104483880/caviness-cavpro-carbon-kayak-paddle/1745044.uts?slotId=11

[DogBone_384]

I fish from a Lure 11.5 & Ascend 128T. I favor my Cannon Slider paddle. It's very strong and has length adjustments.

[PECo]

I second MassYak85's recommendation of the AquaBound MantaRay line of paddles.

 

I, too, abuse my paddle, from pushing off with the two halves ski-pole-style to shielding my hands from snapping turtle jaws while unhooking them. I'm still using my eight year-old paddle that finally developed a small crack in one blade, but have a new spare ready to go.