It is very nice as far as fit and finish! did a good look over.and initial measurements compared.side by side with the carslile day tripper aluminium paddle.

weight day tripper 2 lbs 5 oz. manta ray 1 lb 15 oz.
overall length day tripper 86 7/8 manta ray 94 1/2 inches.
blade ht day tripper 7 in. manta ray 7.5 in.
blade length at longest point day tripper 16 in manta ray 17.5 in.

for the biggest test! handed it to the wife and asked her which was heavier? she said dang this ones light! she was refering to the manta ray. cant wait to get it out and see what the on the water difference is!

got out today for a nice lunch break. water was glassy when i got there then as soon as i hit enter on the gps the wind kicked up. standard 10 mph breeze, just enough to keep ya moving with the drift sock out.

well the paddle is night and day differance over my old day tripper. i did not hit mu knuckles at all on the side of the kayak and was able to maintain and change directions alot easier and faster. before when head crosswind it would be 1 stroke on the upwind side 3-4 on the down wind side now its maybe 2 or just one good one. the paddle digs in deep and allows me to reach and maintain a cruising speed effortlessly. that really impressed me. it is also quieter when paddleing and entering and exiting the water which will make it easier to sneak up on fish. was not expecting that. just goofing around heading into the wind to set up another drift i got up to 5 mph quickly and easily. fastest i have gone so far was 5.8 mph and i though i was going to snap my paddle. i will test top end speed next time i head out. i was in shallow water and last thing i wanted to do was smash a stump and break the new paddle messing around.

over all i am very impressed and the only regret was waiting this long to get it! if your looking to up grade your paddle this one should.be on your short list. it is awesome.

almost forgot. it also has a slight oval shape in the handle where you hold it and couple that with the texturing of the carbon fiber this makes it very easy to hold and control.

very nice paddle!

Man you got me rethinking my upgrade choice!! Lol

The discontinued Aquabound Seaquel, was my first paddle and I loved it. Wished my new paddle had the oval shaped shaft...really comfortable and lets you know exactly where your blades are positioned.

Is this the Manta Ray paddle you're referring to onebaddj?

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/2085/AquaBound-Manta-Ray-Carbon-Kayak-Paddle.html

yes sir that is the one!