I'm going to get a new paddle for next year. What's the best one? I have the a Redfish 12 and I'm about 5'10".

What's your price range? Basically, Get the lightest paddle possible, your muscles will thank you. I believe the best two brands are Accent and Werner. They are pricey, but worth it. Also, take a look at the Aquabound Carbon Manta Ray.

ONNO custom

http://www.onnopaddles.com/

Mine is 230 CM and 23 oz.

I love my Werner Ikelos

"Best" is a hard thing to answer. Some people like extra light paddles and some people dont care about the weight. My #1 thing for a paddle is toughness. I love a paddle that can handle abuse. I also dont care about weight since I am a pretty strong guy and a few extra ounces doesnt affect me. Plus I need the exercise. I suggest you just try a couple paddles out and see what you like. My $70 carlisle magic plus paddle I got at academy is the "best" for me and I dont feel the need to get anything else.

I have that Bending Branches Angler paddle. I like it a lot.

These recommendations are great. Your paddle is important. Having one that is under 25 oz is something you will never regret. Those Onno paddles are super light for the money and the higher end Werners come with a lifetime warranty. If you can afford these, go for it. What makes paddles light is a carbon shaft plus a carbon blade. Just be careful with those carbon blades. They are very strong and light, but they can break if you smack em really good against stuff.


If 300-500 is not in your budget then the Aquabound Manta Ray Carbon is the lightest of the lower end paddles. The blade is not really carbon at all, but it's very durable. The 230 with the plain ferrule comes in at 29.5 oz. Theres also the Stingray which has a little smaller blade and is a little lighter. Right now there on backcountry.com for less than 130. Werner, Bending Branches and AT paddles at 30 oz or less will cost you two to three times that or more. There are better paddles, but for the price those aquabound carbons cannot be beat IMO.

X2 on the Aqua Bound Paddle. I just picked one of these up a couple of weeks ago and its worth every penny. I looked into the others but couldn't caught up the money for one at this time. I wanted to go lighter because after spending 12 hours on the water my shoulder starts killing me. I went out with some friends last weekend and fished for 7 hours with out any issues. Great light weight paddle that has a very nice price tag.

x3 on the Aqua Bond