Best Paddle ????

I have had Hobies in the past but bought a used Bonafide today, only problem it didn't come with a paddle. Since never using a paddle what would be some suggestions, it is a ss107?

I have a Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Carbon Paddle - 2-Piece Snap-Button. Love it!

Most of the paddle web sites have a guide or chart to pick a length based on your height and the width of your kayak, plus whether you're a low angle or high angle paddler. Werner, Bending Branches, AquaBound are good.

I have a pair of AquaBound Manta Ray Posi-Lok paddles and really like them. It has a broad blade for high angle paddling, weighs 29.5 ounces, and is right at $200, which was my price point. The AquaBound Sting Ray has a narrower blade for lower angle paddling. YakGrips are a great addition to a paddle.

Neumie has a ton of info in this post: Here.

I don't think there is a best. Only what you think is best for you. I've been using a Bending Branches Navigator for the last 6 or 7 years and AquaBound paddles prior to that. Almost everyone makes a great paddle at some price point.

https://bendingbranches.com/kayak-paddles/wood/navigator/snap

Bending branches and aqua bound do make a quality product. My complaint is the connections on their 2 pc paddles. Bending branches uses a button type that generally fits a little sloppy and doesnt allow for much adjustment if you feather your paddle blades. Aqua bound uses the same technology as well as a really bulky type im not really fimilar with. That connection can make it difficult to fit your paddle in your paddle holder (bungie types). Im not dogging on either of them but just saying why i use the paddles i use. I swing 1 all carbon werner corryvreckyn 230 cm for my viking 440 and 1 werner all carbon ikleos 210 cm for my stealth. I absolutly love them. For most all carbon isnt critical. Werner offers a carbon shaft paddle with glass blades in most of their paddle designs right around $250. Imo, the best buy on the market as far as mid range price with top notch quality. If you look at the joint of the paddles they are super adjustable and almost seamless. They always fit snug and like anything else with a quick rinse after use will never sieze together. Lots of people are going to give their opinion. I will say i have been swinging a paddle for almost 40 years in many types of paddle craft and truley use the heck out of my paddles, am in both fresh and salt water, paddled many trips less than a mile to trips as far as 8 miles one way off shore that day covering well over 20 miles. There are a ton of great paddles out there and to get the most out of what your swinging do some research and learn what type of swing you have, get a paddle that fits the task, learn the best tecnique and use it.

I use a Werner. It is light as a feather. Set it across your lap on days with even mild winds . . . and it'll try to blow away.

Mine has the typical two piece construction that snaps together and the opposing blades can be offset at various angles. Some people prefer this, I just set my blades at the same pitch. Some prefer the pitch on the blades to differ, sadly, can't recall the reason for different preferences.

For full-time paddlers, I'd go all out and get the best paddle you can afford. Gosh, it make a tremendous difference over a day of paddling. More power, less fatigue.

Brad

Ordered the mid range Werner, thanks for all the input

I don't have anything against anyone's all carbon paddle, except when you hit rock with it, or use it to push off bridge piling and it feels and sounds like chit.

I dont have anything against anyones carbon shaft wood blade paddle except my soup spoon can push a kayak faster.

It would be unfair to others (speed wise) if I were to use a big bladed paddle.

Christian, when I was planning on going to mariner sales went back looking for you post about paddles since I would like to get a decent paddle.
Looked at several paddles and was sure to check out the werner corryvreckyn.
Because of your post I had looked up the info on it and put in on my list.
Of the paddles they had the corryvreckyn felt the best.
Mind you this was just holding it in the show room but will be top of my list when manufactures start shipping paddles out again and can try a few on the water.
Many thanks for sharing your valuable experience with us.
You mentioned the fibeglass blades were a good option and I see that you have all carbon.
I am not rough on my paddles but do use to push off the ramp, trees and rocks.
How do the fiberglass and carbon compare in terms of durability?
Did you notice much performance difference in them or is it mainly less swing weight?

All carbon vs fiberglass blades having had both i didnt notice any less performance. The weight diff was 1 oz. As far as durability goes i would not try to chop down a tree but a shove off herr and therris normal use. I am the same. I just try to be carefull. I do notice a defenate diference from my corryvreckyn vs my ikleos. The ikleos has a foam core, that makes it seem to come out of the water on its own. They dont have that option in glass blades so unless you want to spend $400+ you know...

It still pisses me off I can’t find an Imperial paddle. Tired of all this metric stuff. They don’t fit my strong American hands right.

10
Cm roughly =4"

Cant go wrong with bending branches paddles

I dare anyone to push off ramps and trees with an all carbon or fiberglass blade vs a Navigator wood blade with rock guard... Now do feel me?

I use the heck outta mine. Neume does too. Carbon holds up well. I've got the same life as the glass blades. My paddle is 5 or so years old. I push off things. Just the same as everyone else.

I guess if you've never used a Navigator you wouldn't know what I'm talking about. No one said carbon or glass wouldn't hold up.... its the totally different feel.