Hi all,

I've been fishing out of my kayak for about 2 years. I mainly stay on the main bodies of lakes and paddle 1 to 2 miles per outing.

I have a cheap aluminum paddle from Academy and was wondering what are the benefits of the $100 and higher paddles. Thanks for any input.

The more expensive the lighter they are. Worth it if you are paddling a good distance on a trip.

More expensive paddles are designed for efficiency, and endurance. There made of high tech materials making them lighter. The heads are designed to move the kayak faster and with less effort. This can mean a more enjoyable day on the water if you are going to be paddling greater distances.

Thanks for the info guys. Where is a good place to go look at some higher end paddles?

I have 2 carbon paddles with ergonomic bent shafts, I can tell you shoulder, elbow and wrist fatigue go way down with the bent shaft. They are both pricey but after a long day on the water they are worth every penny. I paddled with a 110$ aluminum for 2 years before getting one and the fatigue levels are night and day difference from the straight heavy shaft to the bent lighter shaft.

One retailed for 285 and is discontinued the other retails for 475, the lower cost one is 28.5 oz the higher cost is 23.5 oz. One is disigned for low angle paddling the other for high angle paddling, I use the low angle for shallow water forays and the high angle is for forrays in to deeper water or currents. You can use them both in any situation the design just makes them shine in their specific application.

We have a new shipment coming in next week from Bending Branches. IMO some of the best.

Bending Branches offers great paddles for all price ranges.

Yeah Rick, I'll be by when you get them in.

expensive paddles are expensive

I've heard they also are made of things that can cause cancer in the State of California.

You're fine. They only cause cancer in Cali...not TX!

I found a used Onno paddle and grabbed it and have never regretted it. It is around 21.5 ounces. The difference between the Onno and my previous paddle, a Lendal is incredible. It really makes a difference on how you feel after a long day on the water.

I got one of those cheap Academy paddles and have used it for the past two years.

It will get you from point A to point B and does what it was made to do.

I just bought a Bending Branches paddle and paid almost half what my kayak cost but it do make a difference.

The fireworks won't start going off, and a band won't start playing with crowds cheering, and ticker tape won't float down from the sky, but yeah, it's a little bit better than a cheapy.