Kayak Paddle Thread

[Allen Der]

On 9/25/2017 at 2:17 PM, J Francho said:

You could make your own....just kidding!

 

I have a full carbon fiber, two piece, Oracle Ergo from AT.  It is both adjustable infinitely in offset, and has a 10cm range - 130-140 for length.  I used to say that it didn't matter, so long as it was half way decent, but after using the AT, I won't go back.  Try some from all ranges, and I think you'll find something that balances price with features.  Aside from length and the drop rings, I think you were realizing the limitations of that hull.  I have a Jackson, and have been in most of their boats.  They all paddle like a sheet plywood.

I know this is an old post but I had a similar experience this year.  Had a carbon shaft aquabound paddle for 6 years and it was good but I stumbled upon a AT Exodus Fishstix on clearance for $150 (normally $400).  It's so much better than the aquabound.  I don't know if it's the bent shaft or full carbon construction that makes it so much more efficient and better on my bum shoulders.  It's hard to go back to a straight shaft paddle now

[CountryboyinDC]

11 hours ago, Bass Junke said:

Steve Jackson, the owner of Jackson kayak, has been on that tour for a while and the one I was watching was the first time he made it to the top 10.

I think you might be talking about Eric Jackson.  I know he fishes professionally now, but in his younger days he was one of the very best whitewater kayakers in the world.

[Crankin4Bass]

16 hours ago, J Francho said:

I like the Camino blade design.  It's similar to my AT Oracle Carbon:

 

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

 

That looks nice. Are you using a bent or straight shaft paddle? If it's bent, do you think that is a big upgrade if you already have a straight carbon fiber paddle? 

[J Francho]

5 hours ago, Crankin4Bass said:

That looks nice. Are you using a bent or straight shaft paddle? If it's bent, do you think that is a big upgrade if you already have a straight carbon fiber paddle? 

I have two straight paddles.  The only time I use either of them is when I go out with my partner.  She gets the good paddle since I'm mostly pedaling.

[Bass Junke]

10 hours ago, CountryboyinDC said:

I think you might be talking about Eric Jackson.  I know he fishes professionally now, but in his younger days he was one of the very best whitewater kayakers in the world.

I'm a fool, I work with Steve, he's a good man. Yes I meant Eric. I was at work when I was typing this so I had Steve Jackson on the brain. 

 

I was curious and did a little more research the other day because while he was fishing and talking to the camera he talked about white water kayaking. Very cool guy. Lot of fun to listen to also.

[Smalls]

On 9/28/2017 at 5:14 PM, Swamp Rat said:

Aquabound Manta Ray Carbon...and for fishing I always prefer a 270-280cm paddle, not the 240cm that most "guidelines" suggest, especially if you are sitting up high or standing.

Do many companies even make a 280cm paddle? That seems really excessive. I’m 5’8, and my seat is on the higher side. I couldn’t imagine swinging anything longer than 260, I’m currently using a 250. 

On 9/28/2017 at 5:14 PM, Swamp Rat said:

On 9/28/2017 at 5:14 PM, Swamp Rat said:

 

[J Francho]

On 7/29/2019 at 5:54 AM, Smalls said:

Do many companies even make a 280cm paddle? That seems really excessive. I’m 5’8, and my seat is on the higher side. I couldn’t imagine swinging anything longer than 260, I’m currently using a 250. 

I though the largest were 250.  I have no issues with mine set to about 230 in a 31" boat.

[Hook2Jaw]

On 9/25/2017 at 3:17 PM, J Francho said:

You could make your own....just kidding!

 

I have a full carbon fiber, two piece, Oracle Ergo from AT.  It is both adjustable infinitely in offset, and has a 10cm range - 130-140 for length.  I used to say that it didn't matter, so long as it was half way decent, but after using the AT, I won't go back.  Try some from all ranges, and I think you'll find something that balances price with features.  Aside from length and the drop rings, I think you were realizing the limitations of that hull.  I have a Jackson, and have been in most of their boats.  They all paddle like a sheet plywood.

Have you been in a Jackson Kraken? 

[J Francho]

9 minutes ago, Hook2Jaw said:

Have you been in a Jackson Kraken?

No, probably wouldn't bother.  Been in enough of them to know they do not suit me at all. 

On 7/26/2019 at 8:12 AM, J Francho said:

I have two straight paddles.  The only time I use either of them is when I go out with my partner.  She gets the good paddle since I'm mostly pedaling.

I dodn't answer you, yes, my AT is a Ergo bent shaft.  It's very comfortable, and doesn't roll away when you set it down.

[Hook2Jaw]

2 minutes ago, J Francho said:

No, probably wouldn't bother.  Been in enough of them to know they do not suit me at all. 

I love the way that boat handles.  I think they did an excellent job with the Kraken 13.5.

 

The flex drive, not so much.

[J Francho]

I dig the name

[Smalls]

2 hours ago, J Francho said:

I though the largest were 250.  I have no issues with mine set to about 230 in a 31" boat.

I knew they made some longer ones. But they’re few and far between. Probably because they’re very seldom the proper tool for the job, I imagine. 

[Tizi]

I really like my Bending Branches Angler Ace paddle.  I have the 250 cm and I can go all day without being too fatigued.  I purchased it from Austin Kayak with 20% off and free shipping.  Good place to shop for yak accessories.

[HookInMouth]

I ended up just grabbing a couple of Werner Skagit Hooked in 260CM for my Voodoos. The length seems about right as the Voodoo seating has "high" position and a "higher position" lol. Not the lightest but not heavy by any means. I believe they are carbon shaft and fiberglass blades? I could be wrong on that. Very well made though. The two pieces lock in tight and I don't notice any flex. 

 

One thing that I would have done different is the blade shape. Everything I read said "low angle" was probably the best fit for a fisherman. Honestly though I think the wider blade shape of the Tybee might have served me better with a bigger boat. Maybe not though. I'm pretty much a rookie at this. 

[CountryboyinDC]

On 7/29/2019 at 5:54 AM, Smalls said:

Do many companies even make a 280cm paddle? That seems really excessive. I’m 5’8, and my seat is on the higher side. I couldn’t imagine swinging anything longer than 260, I’m currently using a 250. 

I've seen one that's 280 cm, and that's a Cannon that adjust from 260 to 280.  I have no idea what you use it for - maybe those Blue Sky boats?  I know that some people like long paddles.  I swapped with a guy who was fishing the same kayak as me in a group last weekend (he wanted to try my wooden bladed paddle), and he couldn't stand that I had it adjusted to 240 cm.  His paddle, while a really nice carbon bladed job, was way too long for the way I paddle at 260 cm, and he's probably 2-3" shorter than me.  With a normal forward paddle stroke with my seat in the high position, I probably had 2" of shaft in the water.  Different folks hold paddles different ways, even kayak paddles.