Best Selling Paddle Made Even Better? 2023 Aquabound Ray Series Review

[@pnwrving9841]

Love this guy Dan and his videos... Purchased my first kayak because of his videos!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thank you!

[@fl5966]

I am brand new to kayaking and your videos are what got me started. I just got my first boat and was wondering if you would consider making a "maintenance" video? Any things that may need to be done to keep a kayak in good shape would be super helpful. Keep up the great work!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Great idea

[@djslewis]

Informative as always!! Thanks Dan! Impressive that they are still finding ways to improve paddling, even with just very miniscule modifications. Still loving my new Navigator!

[@boatman222345]

Dan thanks for the recommendation of the Sting Ray Hybrid paddle. I recently bought a used pack canoe and needed a longer paddle. I opted for the Sting Ray Hybrid Versa in the 240 to 255 CM range and I love it! Super light and a real pleasure to use! Heads and shoulders better than my old Mitchell single piece wooden kayak paddle.

[@katiebethhughes7688]

Love my Aquabound❤️ The cactus…🤣🤣🤣🌵

[@Dakiraun]

It's nice to see them improve - I had the original Sting Ray and the Manta Rays for a few years. The Manta-Ray one I owned had the older basic lock/feather system, but the carbon shaft made it super light even then, so if they've improved on that, that's fantastic. Definitely good paddles - probably the affordable euro-paddles around.

[@flushot6513]

Definitely need a new paddle trying to push my crescent lite around alot of wasted energy

[@evolutiontengsr]

Big fan of the Stingray Hybrid so far. A huge upgrade from the aluminum I was using.

[@markmoreno7295]

I first leaned to paddle in Okinawa when a rower became sick prior to a dragon boat race. I got a quick lesson and I became hooked. Part of the “Haari” race involves a “ditch and recovery” so a floating paddle is a must. The closest paddle I have found is Gearlab’s Greenland paddle. However they are pricey. Does Aquabound make or are they planning to make a Greenland style paddle?

[@MysticalDragon73]

The problem I have with most aquabound paddles is how flexible the blades are and how much they flutter. Even their "carbon" which is almost a bit misleading as its carbon reinforced but still super flexible but many when they hear of carbon blades think of a very stiff blade. Great tip about the swing weight of a paddle. I just got a couple bending branches paddles with the versa lok and it is AWESOME.

[@gfp1011]

Great videos. Thank you so much. Do these paddles float? How important do you think it is to have a paddle that floats?

[@just-dl]

Thanks again for your videos! This is encouraging since I just got my manta ray carbon. Wow is it a treat! And your comment about the swing weight is so spot on. When it first arrived I grabbed just like you showed and thought there wasn’t enough difference between it and my hybrid sting ray. But, first trip out I got through some current that kicked my butt just two days prior. Also, I didn’t consider high vs low angle, but I do favor high angle generally. So, dumb like saved me again! My manta has the versa lok. Love that as I’m rolling between 215 and 215. Btw, my sting ray hybrid is 230cm. (Posi-lok). Wanna trade? I’m 5’7”. No clue why I got a 230….can’t wait to try out that steering stroke you showed. Thank you again!

[@Joe-xq1nt]

Really intrigued by the new adjustable length model. Any info on its weight?

[@stevenshadley4587]

Love your reviews. Question not about paddles but about kayaks, have you reviewed the Old Town Predator MX? If so, how does it compare to the feel free moment 12.5 or the lure 11.5?

[@tiro-longolongcasting3367]

Could you help me get it and guide me which model would be interesting? Thank you in advance, big hug.

[@tiro-longolongcasting3367]

How are you friend? I hope you are well. I'm from Brazil, I follow your videos, they are excellent. Here in Brazil I can't find these paddles for fishing kayaks. Do you market them?

[@thetoyota86perspective54]

What size paddle were you using for each one (Manta Ray and Sting Ray) ?

[@joemartin6439]

75 6’2 , Big Fish 120 . Love fishing in salt water. Sit in high position . Wonder how long carbon paddles come in

[@HeadwatersKayak]

260 is my suggestion

[@donkeyavenger]

I need another aqua bound like I need another boat but that electric color is appealing for the visibility factor alone so I might have to get one

[@blitzkriegatx4583]

I'm looking at these paddles with absolutely no experience and trying to decide if I should get this, or the slightly more expensive version with carbon-nylon blades instead. I plan on going to some larger lakes, and would very much appreciate if you could tell me how much improvement the carbon-nylon would be over the fiberglass-nylon, be it in rigidity or fatigue over a day?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

If you have the means to go for the higher end version do it. You’ll never regret buying a lighter stiffer paddle.

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

I have a Harmony Drifter aluminum 1 piece paddle that list at 30oz. I paid $55 for. Recently got caught (again) in a thunderstorm 3 miles from the takeout with an aluminum lightning rod in my hands⚡Thinking a Stingray is in my future. Which blade is most durable for fishing rivers?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The hybrid one is awesome

[@heathen_7]

Alright, I want the carbon Manta Ray and this perfect timing. But it’s not adjustable like I’ve got right now. So what length is best? I’m 6’5” w/crescent LT with high seat, mostly high angle paddler. 255, 260? I use 250-255 mostly now on my current blah paddle

[@HeadwatersKayak]

250-260

[@barry4fish19]

Bummer that the electric green isn’t available with the posi-lock ferrule, at least according to their web site. Maybe they will add it later, if so that color would sell like hot cakes.

[@marcianelson4974]

What kind of kayak were you using in this video? I'm currently looking to purchase a kayak but have very specific needs. That kayak looked like it might be just the ticket. I could really use your advice. Is there a way we could connect on a more appropriate format?

[@donkeyavenger]

Eddyline Caribbean FS

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I was in the Eddyline Caribbean 12 FS

[@RJB]

Do you feel it is worth upgrading my old model white color Manta Ray Hybrid with the new 23' deisgn? Is there that much difference?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

If I was going to upgrade I’d go for the Tango.

[@RJB]

@@HeadwatersKayak thanks. I’ll probably just keep what I have. It ain’t broken. Appreciate the videos you make

[@archangel9845]

Any idea on release date?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

They are shipping to dealers now and I believe available on Aquabound Website.

[@tiro-longolongcasting3367]

Is it possible to ship to Brazil? The paddle I use weighs 1.1kg, I would like something lighter, but not too expensive either. I like that it is 2.30m long.

[@ajpend]

He gave up his shop?!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Sold the retail shop in 2020 to Lodi Paddlesports. Still have our boathouse at Lodi Lake and now focus on wholesale for west coast dealers and making videos.

[@ajpend]

@@HeadwatersKayak I see. Very cool! What's the lightest kayak paddle you're aware of? I think the lightest I'm coming across are around 30 ounces, more or less.