Gram Kajak 9200D Carbon Fiber Greenland Paddle : First Look

[@GramKajak-e6z]

Thanks for the review. It is so nice to see a paddler who really know how to use a Greenland Paddle for maneuvering, forward stokes and so on. It is obvious you do. not think of how you use it, you just do it.

[@KayakToTheSea]

Thanks for the opportunity to give this paddle a try. I really liked it. And you hit on the hardest part of teaching a skill, you know how to do it, but you need to explain it in a way that someone else can understand it. Or better yet, get the student to do the thing without realizing they are doing it.

[@UWI-Anna]

Excellent review! What country is the paddle made from?

[@KayakToTheSea]

Gram Kajak is a Danish company but I don't know the manufacturing path of the paddle itself.

[@jimbobgypson3006]

Thanks for this Tim. Have you tried any of Gram’s other carbon paddles to know what the differences really are between his 9000, 9100, and now this 9200? I’m using a GearLab Kalleq right now and am hoping to make my first paddle this summer (following plans from Brian Schulz at Cape Falcon). Do you have any comments on strengths and weaknesses between this paddle and others you have tried, whether the GearLab ones or ones you’ve made?

[@KayakToTheSea]

Glad you liked it. I have paddled a few of the other Gram paddles briefly, one for a pool rolling demo and the other I borrowed while out paddling for a while. The main difference I can tell is the shoulders. Some of the older paddles have a sharper shoulder that wasn't as nice to grip in the hand. But I don't know what models those are so sorry I can't do a direct comparison. As far as comparing or contrasting paddles, carbon (in my opinion) comes down to preference. Modern carbon paddles are all super light and stiff and usually really slicy and reactive through the water. So which one you choose comes down to what you like (and what is available). Here is where wood paddles enter the conversation. For me, when I am touring I prefer a wooden paddle. The great thing about wood is that they can be custom sized and you can mix and match features to optimize it for your needs and preferences whereas carbon you get a bit pigeonholed into a few sizes. Also, the wood tends to be much more supple with varying flex depending on the wood or lamination you use. That bit of spring in the wood is like a car with cushy suspension, it just smooths out the bumps making for a great all day paddle. And since I am quite tall I can't get a carbon paddle that is the right length for touring in my production kayak. And lastly, price. You can knock out a wooden paddle in an afternoon with some glued up scrap wood with rudimentary tools, or buy a great custom paddle for half the price of carbon. Let me know if you have any more questions and we can get really into the weeds.

[@citizenwolf8720]

If you had to chosse between them, which would be your choice between this Gram 9200 paddle and the Gearlab Ipik? Is there much of a difference? I have a Gearlab kalleq and I like it a lot. But I do wish it had more of a pronounced shoulder. Therefore I'm thinking of getting maybe a Ipik or Gram 9100 (2-piece). What's your impression between the paddles from both companies? Many thanks.

[@KayakToTheSea]

@citizenwolf8720 This is the crazy thing, dimension wise they are VERY similar, but their geometry makes them feel pretty different. The gearlab feels more stable and user friendly, it is easier to pick up and use. The Gram feels like it needs a bit more finesse and focus but with that it feels like it has more potential, if that make sense. I have been reaching for the Gram for most things that I am not using my wooden paddles for.

[@Sin7154]

You have also already reviewed the Gearlab Ipik. Can you compare those two paddles? Seems to be of similar build and price, but the Ipik is not yet available in a long version. I wonder if I should wait for it or go woth tje Gram paddle.

[@KayakToTheSea]

Both are basically the same length and I haven't heard any rumblings about different lengths coming out. The main thing I'll say is that the 9200D has it over the Ipik as far as comfort goes. Otherwise they feel different but not a lot of plus/minus between them.

[@Sin7154]

Thanks a lot for the answer! The Gram is already available in three lengths (215, 220, 224 cm) and Gearlab‘s current one is 219, but „The other two sizes are, Short (213cm) and Long (228cm) respectively, both are expected late 2023.“ I really wish I could test paddle both for direct comparison.