I'd love to see more videos about budget options regarding gear. Not just about what's best but what's best within certain price ranges. I'm passionate about paddling but I don't make the kind of money where spending $500 on a paddle is even an option no matter how great it may be. Helpful hints for those of us pushing our Craigslist boats around with aluminum paddles would be much welcomed!
@PaddleTV3 жыл бұрын
Sounds good! I'm going to be doing a bunch of product reviews this spring and summer of all types of gear... from the cheapest to the most expensive. Stay tuned.
@tomb7901 Жыл бұрын
I bought a kayak paddle at a thrift store for $3. It was that purchase that convinced me to go buy a kayak....Which I did at a K-mart that was closing. I got 2 10 foot pelican kayaks for $230 That was awesome but then I had to buy another paddle. Instead of that, I gave one of the kayaks to my brother and said, "Go buy yourself a paddle." So now I had a cheap paddle and kayak AND someone to go kayaking with me! Woohoo! 😁
@jimking22994 жыл бұрын
A real upgrade is going from the $40 paddle the shop gave you as a throw-in to the $100 level. That's a night-and-day difference for very little money. Diminishing returns kick in beyond that. I'm sure a touring kayaker who just paddles all day can justify going right to the top of the line. But if you're fishing, sightseeing, taking pictures or just casually poking around, you probably won't notice much of a difference. You might want to spend that $400 upgrade money on great fishing gear, a nice waterproof camera, or a quality, well fitted PFD that you'll be glad to wear all day. A feather-light paddle is kind of useless for fishing, because it'll blow off your lap in the slightest breeze when you're trying to fish.
@martin.feuchtwanger3 жыл бұрын
I agree -- Ken should have extended his discussion more to the even lower priced paddles: aluminum shaft, plastic blades.
@ericchandler903 жыл бұрын
The law of diminishing returns is in every hobby. I often find upper mid range products to be the sweet spot for most people. You'll have something that you love to use and it's usually durable enough to last forever. That said I think a $150 paddle would make 90% of people very happy. Ultra high end stuff is typically very light, a little less durable and can really only be taken advantage of by an elite athlete. Always remember anything you buy can be lost, stolen or broken so don't spend more than you're comfortable with repurchasing.
@just-dl Жыл бұрын
Over the last three or four summers, I’ve used all the combinations below $200. The aluminum and plastic freebies that came with my intex are actually decent. The shafts don’t rattle, they’re comfortable. Heavy in comparison but not too heavy to use. Until recently my younger daughter preferred to use it. My older daughter got a $50 model last summer that was barely an upgrade. Better blades, doesn’t rattle and lighter than the freebies. Same time frame, younger daughter got 190cm Perception small bladed paddle. Good for an 11 year old, right? Meh. She took over the freebie and didn’t look back. (The perception is my emergency paddle now.) This year she got a Quest Vapor. I’m totally impressed with it and it’s my recommendation for a budget paddle that’s still good. $80 at Dicks. Absolutely amazing improvement for her, in every regard. It’s got an adjustable ferrule that allows for different lengths. It’ll literally grow with her. The blade isn’t as tough as other ones but holds up well. Last year I got an aqua bound sting ray hybrid. Light, stiff and about $170. Unfortunately, it was too long for me. I’m short. It’s 230cm. My kayak sits low. It’s still 230cm. My yak is narrower than most recent. Yeah…still 230. So, I got the manta ray carbon shaft ($175 on sale) with adjustable length. I’m playing between 210-215. It’s perfect for me. I know the blades are durable, it’s crazy light, the proper length, blade size and geometry are equating to much better performance. While I can agree the $400+ paddles might be better, diminishing returns has definitely kicked in. Took a very nice Carlisle for a drive. Twice as much as my new one. Being charitable, I’d say 10% better. I really want to test drive a whiskey or similar paddle. But, tbh, the Quest Vapor is good enough for my needs. I love my Manta Ray but I can’t say it’s worth paying twice as much. I had the cash and wanted to improve my ride. No regrets! And the used market is a good way to score good deals!
@just-dl Жыл бұрын
PS - tried a bent shaft and liked it for straight out paddling. Not for turns, sweeps, back-paddling etc. it turns out I slide my hands…a LOT. I could probably relearn those techniques but, I’m an old dog and my style works with straight shafts. The benefits don’t outweigh my aversion to change. (Insert grumpy old man sounds)
@jeffreyelliott6222 ай бұрын
At 62 and a newbie to the sport of canoe paddling I'll stick with my $70 Ascend kayak paddle 250cm moving a new someday this fall an Old Town Sportsman Solo !!!
@EdwardsOutdoorAdventures4 жыл бұрын
I am going to solicit for Greenland Paddles. I have and really swore by my Werner Carbon Paddle due the weight and stiffness/power. But, after building a Greenland Paddle out of Red Cedar and paddling a couple of all day trips with both paddles with me, the Greenland Paddle definitely won between the two. >>Weight weight weight. The Greenland Paddle is even lighter. >>Stiffness/Power: I will say that the bladed paddle provided more power the difference was minor. I’m in the Greenland Paddle camp.
@PaddleTV4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the input Doug, I don't have too much experience with them myself, but I can see why they are so loved!
@kenwebster50534 жыл бұрын
Yep, that twisted toy paddle is just going to be a liability in a tough sea. He seemed at a lost when it came to blade design and physics. Power comes from the paddler, not the blade. Blade design is about losses, stability and holding "power" (position in the flow). Dihedral is a loss and unnecessary for experienced paddlers though helpful anti flutter stability for beginners. Increased area reduces loss and area distribution can be optimised for minimal induced loss as a function of depth and perimeter length. Asymetric blades concentrate the area closer to the centre line of the kayak, reducing turning moment and thereby improving efficiency (this is big). I am not going to touch wing blades though. That particular more expensive paddle has a reasonable area distribution away from the surface where losses are high. Many expensive options are not like that though and simply rely on area. Area distribution can get the same holding power with less area which translates to less weight. The Greenland blade is a high aspect lifting surface, very efficient when the flow is across the blade, rolling, surfing, sculling etc. It is also very versatile shifting grip from one end to the other improving leverage for support, turning etc. These are just the obvious things. It's also not a bad defensive deterrent, having a small contact area with which a traditional hunter might inflict damage and pain to save himself from a large marine predator.
@thecount10012 жыл бұрын
@@kenwebster5053 you sir, are a wing nut.
@just-dl Жыл бұрын
@@thecount1001and you are my hero!!! 😎
@kayasper60814 жыл бұрын
In my opinion, any serieus paddler should buy the best paddle you can effort. I owned and used several paddles, and there is a huge difference between them. Just like you said, the paddle is your connection to the water. I love a full carbon paddle with an ergonomic shaft, not too long and big blades (700cm2). (It even works perfect with touring and covering long distances).
@jeremywelder53834 жыл бұрын
This was too funny. I had just finished buying a 507$ (after taxes & shipping) for a corryvreckan carbon bent shaft paddle by werner. I have been paddling for about 5 years, and yes the better the paddle makes a difference
@PaddleTV4 жыл бұрын
Nice one, Jeremy! Enjoy your new paddle...I think you're going to love it!
@FrankLadd4 жыл бұрын
I've bought a number of expensive paddles used from other paddlers who changed what they were using. And I've give the most expensive paddle I've bought to a close paddling friend. $400 paddles can be found for $100 from time to time.
@PaddleTV4 жыл бұрын
So true, Frank. The used market is huge and if you just keep checking around, it's amazing what you'll find!
@WilliamPepin9993 жыл бұрын
I’ve bought literally my whole Kayak equipment used and i’ve managed to get a fiberglass touring kayak combined with a Carbon Fiber Paddle for literally half the price of a new Fiberglass Kayak. The most surprising thing is that most of the used gear feels almost new because people use it 2-3 times a year.
@wingmanhoy39992 жыл бұрын
Fantastic informative presentation , very much enjoying all your videos, as a beginner kayaker, thank you for what you do, all the very best sir, I have decided on the Aqua Bound Sting Ray Hybrid 2 piece.
@Jeff-ne2tb4 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed your video comparing the two paddles. However, you may want to update the video. The $149 Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Hybrid paddle has a 100% carbon shaft according to their website. I could be incorrect, but I just purchased one. There is a Sting Ray fiberglass paddle, but it is not the hybrid and is closer to the $110 range (yellow blades in the picture on their website). If I am wrong, please disregard and accept my sincere apology.
@PaddleTV4 жыл бұрын
Hey Jeff. Well caught. The Sting Ray Hybrid does have a carbon shaft. The Sting Ray 'Fibreglass' model is the one with a fibreglass shaft. It retails for $109.
@BoomVang3 жыл бұрын
Very true that premium paddles please even this cheapskate. Big shops sell discolored or discontinued top grade paddles at fractional prices, especially off season. I got an all carbon one with gross yellow splotches that normalized with use, and it's energetic twang remains a sensual joy to use.
@kevinhornbuckle2 жыл бұрын
My love life needs this twang.
@Drazan7282 жыл бұрын
Werner paddles have been worth every penny to me.
@Vylkeer3 жыл бұрын
I have a Werner Ikelos as an high-angle euro-style touring paddle and I love it. Fully worth the $400 investment. Now I’m looking to get into the racing / wing paddle category which is totally different level and it’s more complicated to make the right choice as you have more variants to factor in like shaft flex, blade shape, blade size and blade twist. Btw keep up the good work, this channel is amazing!
@PaddleTV3 жыл бұрын
That's a nice paddle! Wing paddles are definitely a different group altogether. Last time I used one I almost flipped a number of times by inadvertently catching water when I wasn't paying attention. Trickier paddle to use, but the power is undeniable! Thanks for the good words on the channel! I'm enjoying it.
@kevinhornbuckle2 жыл бұрын
Thoughtful comment.
@collinm.24084 жыл бұрын
Me looking at this video while owning a 30 dollar paddle and a kayak worth around 400 on it’s way... Anyways, PaddleTV videos are always awesome. Thanks for a great video!
@PaddleTV4 жыл бұрын
Haha! Well Colin, like we said, you can always upgrade later! You don't know what you like until you try it :)
@collinm.24084 жыл бұрын
Yep, I actually quite like the stuff I have right now, so maybe I’ll stick with it for a while and maybe get a better paddle next year or something. Thanks for all the great videos! :)
@PaddleTV4 жыл бұрын
@@collinm.2408 Thanks so much for watching! Happy paddling :)
@collinm.24084 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, PaddleTV! :)
@asianpryncess Жыл бұрын
I went from the pelican Poseidon to the aqua bound tango bent paddle, and its 100% worth that extra cost. I have arthritis is my right hand and I dont have to constantly stop. I paddle between 2-6 hrs depending on the day.
@tominnenPL2 жыл бұрын
Nice paddles! Every advantage of gear delivers advantage of endurance, final results of when and in which condition will you end your journey. Better and simple.
@asmodeus203 жыл бұрын
I just use the stock paddle. It's heavy but I need the exercise! 😅
@johnburns62473 жыл бұрын
just wanted your thoughts on pushing on the forward stroke of the paddle instead of pulling. I switched a number of years ago, and the difference is amazing. Takes time to break the habit of always pulling, like with a canoe paddle, but well worth it for me.
@aglaaluk23252 жыл бұрын
great video!! I recently got the AQUA BOUND Manta Ray Carbon 2-Piece Kayak Paddle for $200, that's also a great paddle, haven't regretted it at all.
@PaddleTV2 жыл бұрын
That's a beauty paddle! Good choice!
@RodPriester4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video....great info. I have a Bending Branches Whisper paddle($60) with my $400 Kayak, because of budget....someday I would love to upgrade both....until then my current “tools” will get me on the water...Have a great Day!!
@PaddleTV4 жыл бұрын
Getting out on the water is the most important thing at the end of the day! Happy paddling!
@richyoung40513 жыл бұрын
i got my SOT pelican i got on clearance for 150 and my 40 dollar walmart paddle and does me just fine 👌
@seathrunmagaoinghous41194 жыл бұрын
Great vid. Best upgrade I did was from a $150 rec paddle to a RPC3 full carbon wing paddle.
@ChristopherMarshburn3 жыл бұрын
If you are a kayak fisherman or sit on top kayaker the Bending Branches Angler Ace with a carbon shaft and carbon reinforced nylon blades hits the price/performance sweet spot at $199.
@PaddleTV3 жыл бұрын
Yup. Great paddle for the money!
@williamtomashowski14862 жыл бұрын
Thank You 🙏, I’ve watched Your videos before, always very informative.Pls keep doing what You’re doing “A”!
@PaddleTV2 жыл бұрын
Thanks William! I appreciate that!
@chevyvantravel97353 жыл бұрын
you have the nicest shirts !..😎😎 if you have the money and paddle a lot get the best. if you don't have the money that solves your problem. if you have the money and are stingy then you know what to do. if you paddle a lot and want to upgrade but don't have the money you are in a bind. get a used one which by the way they are selling for almost the same as new... thanks for the vid.!!! i enjoy your shirts lol
@PaddleTV3 жыл бұрын
Ha! Thanks. I have NRS to thank for the shirts, not my personal sense of style. ;)
@chevyvantravel97353 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleTV good taste NRS!
@davidmichael20114 жыл бұрын
This was a great comparison. However I wished this would have included the straight carbon fiber paddle as well. I was considering the hybid like you show here but the Carbon one is just about $50 more. I am not that familiar with it as I'm still trying to learn about them. And now seeing your comparison here I realized that I wasn't as aware as I thought I was about materials. For example the difference between these two blades in this video. Appreciate this video very much.
@dismaldog4 жыл бұрын
i have the Manta ray hybrid and that is carbon shaft-i think all the hybrids are carbon shaft
@gustavoguti273 жыл бұрын
The difference between those paddles doesn't justify the huge cost difference for the average paddlers. The real gap is between cheap plastic paddles and fiberglas paddles. There you can definitely feel a huge difference and I definitely recommend the upgrade
@cypvh742 ай бұрын
Is there much difference in paddling technique between bent shaft and straight? The blades on the two paddles look really different? Like one for shallow angle style and the other for a high angle style?
@gregorbeltzig29193 жыл бұрын
In my opinion an important point to mention is that expensive (carbon) paddles are often less durable and don't like shocks. So if I am going for river tour with some friends and children the focus will more be on having a good time, camping and campfires. For such a tour a (heavy) aluminium/plastic paddle might be just the right thing, as rough treating will not harm it. If you l8ke you can even give it to the kids to build a shelter with. No problem! Whilst if I am going for a seakajaking tour with my paddle buddies I would always take a light weight carbon paddle.
@danareed1656 Жыл бұрын
i want a bent shaft but the cost is stopping me but maybe in the future right now im just starting out and need other stuff first!
@flt5283 жыл бұрын
I'm very happy with my $180 paddle (stingray). I have a $60 paddle and it sucks. Over $200 and I think you get rapidly diminishing value for your money. I tried a greenland paddle and didn't like it - lots of flutter/bubbles and just can't accelerate when you want to. I think greenland people bend over backwards to try to like those paddles because they're "traditional" and made of wood.
@turbod153 жыл бұрын
Got sting ray hybrid 230
@boatman2223459 ай бұрын
Good advice to which I would only add one caveat: Learn how to paddle properly and you will easily improve your enjoyment of paddling way more than by spending a lot of money on gear your skill level won't let you use properly. In other words ya can't buy your way to nirvana you have to pay your dues!
@Sardosam3 жыл бұрын
This is a great comparison video but you aren't saying anything about how to choose.
@IamNothing823 жыл бұрын
You also have paddles in between, mine was €250,-. I paddle in spring, summer and autumn with good weather for a few hours. A paddle of €500,- would be overkill for me.
@PaddleTV3 жыл бұрын
I agree... a $500 paddle is overkill for most people. There are some great paddle at half the price.
@nickelsesser23763 жыл бұрын
you said the 100 dollar paddle is fiberglass shaft but the aquabound website says its a carbon fiber shaft.
@PaddleTV3 жыл бұрын
You're right. My mistake!
@zoomzoomgt25 күн бұрын
Fiberglass shaft better than aluminum shaft? Pros and cons?
@SuperOCHomes4 жыл бұрын
Didn't watch the video yet, but if your kayak is longer than an hour, yes it worth it
@Leo-fv5gq4 жыл бұрын
I usually measure my kayak in feet not hours but okay 😛🤭
@dandanb033 жыл бұрын
@@Leo-fv5gq LMAO
@heyoldtime89693 жыл бұрын
Hey Ken, I have been enjoying your vids and I would like to ask you a question. I'm an older guy and I would like to get into kayaking for fishing. I'm want a kayak that will be the most stable in the water , Any advice please
@PaddleTV3 жыл бұрын
I would definitely recommend a sit-on-top kayak. Which one really depends on your budget. There are a TON of great sit-on-top fishing kayaks to choose from, and most of them are very stable, comfortable, easy to get onto and out of, and great for fishing. The first ones that pop to mind are the Bonafide SS127, the Wilderness Systems Tarpon, the Old Town Predator, the Native Watercraft Falcon 11...
@LifeisGood-ye8rl3 жыл бұрын
Hi I am 5’4” I have a 28” beam sit in and 34” sit on top. I would like to add 22” stellar intrepid sit in 18 foot kayak. Can I use 1 paddle for all 3 kayak and am interested in. Werner bent shaft Cyprus but what size shaft should I use 220 or 215 I have average reach not too long not too short for my height.
@PaddleTV3 жыл бұрын
You could use the same paddle... but it won't be ideal for all those kayaks. A 210 - 215 cm paddle would be ideal for the 22" wide Stellar, but ideally you'd want something around 230 cm for the sit on top kayak. If you do get a single paddle, I would recommend a 220cm paddle. Something to keep in mind is that some paddles 'telescope' to offer a range of lengths. Wilderness Systems 'Apex' provides 20cm of variance! I'm sure there are others out there that do the same.
@larryburrow62783 жыл бұрын
Question Ken my wife and I been renting kayaks. We have now bought our own tarpon 120s. I'm 5.10 I think I want a aqua bound manta ray in a 240cm. Any advice sir.
@PaddleTV3 жыл бұрын
Congrats! I think you'll really enjoy those boats. I think that's a great paddle choice, and the appropriate length for the Tarpon. I would recommend upgrading from the aluminum shaft to the fibreglass shaft, or even better, the hybrid aquabound.com/products/manta-ray-hybrid-2-piece-posi-lok. Of course, if you really want to spoil yourself, the carbon version is very nice, and not too much more expensive - aquabound.com/products/manta-ray-carbon-2-piece-posi-lok. I would also recommend spending the $10 upgrade for the Posi-Lock ferrule. It removes virtually any play from the 2-piece paddles.
@larryburrow62783 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleTV thank you sir ended up getting the eagle ray in carbon.
@Sue-ec6un4 жыл бұрын
I’m small, bent shafts just don’t work for me.
@PaddleTV4 жыл бұрын
Hey Sue, some brands also offer a small shaft, which makes a big difference. Check with your local shop, they often do demo days where you can try all the options too!
@tysk57293 жыл бұрын
100$ paddle vs 500$ me: 20$ paddle
@comodice9052 ай бұрын
Bloke its wurfit
@wdwphd2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing. Please re-title the video to "My opinions about two Aquabond paddles"
@Michaeldewey20053 жыл бұрын
Title: $100 v $500 Reality: $150 vs $400
@MrDaveB1233 жыл бұрын
Wow Thanks for pointing that out. Your attention to detail is incredible and thanks for saving us all.
@iainhughes66373 жыл бұрын
Sales man alert !!!!!!!!
@PaddleTV3 жыл бұрын
Ok. Not sure what I'm selling...
@martin.feuchtwanger3 жыл бұрын
I'm interested in a discussion on just how beneficial are the (what i call) fully asymmetrical blades vs fully symmetrical blades. One advantage of greenland paddles over euro paddles is that they are fully symmetrical. They can be held any 1 of 4 ways: left or right and up or down. Euro paddles are so asymmetrical they can be held 1 correct way and 3 incorrect ways. (I ignore any other supposed advantage of greenland paddles as irrelevant to my point.) So why is it that the only fully symmetrical euro paddles are the very cheap ones? Why are there no performance paddles, with short and wide blades, that can be used left or right and up or down? There are plenty of high-quality symmetrical canoe blades but not kayak blades?
@NorCalSaint3 жыл бұрын
I would argue length & blade shape are more important than price. Kind of surprised you didn't touch on this...
@PaddleTV3 жыл бұрын
You're absolutely right... but length and blade size don't have an impact on price. This video is all about the difference between a $100 and $500 paddle. Once you decide on how much you want to spend, the next big questions are length and blade size.
@johndenver5029Ай бұрын
Lol my trolling motor is my connection to the water lol. The paddles are more of an insurance policy