Sneak Peek at New Kayaking Gear | Aqua Bound Paddle Ray Paddle Review

Don't fix what ain't broke! Those aren't words that Aqua Bound paddles lives by, as they recently released a new and refined version of their Ray series of paddles, which have been some of the best selling paddles in the world for over a decade. In this video, I'm giving a sneak peek at what's new with Ray paddles, and whether the changes are good ones.
Other Gear I Recommend
PADDLES
Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon Paddle:
Aqua Bound Tango Fibreglass Paddle: bit.ly/3iaGleJ
Aqua Bound Whiskey Carbon Bent Shaft Paddle: bit.ly/3z1kiOH
FOOTWEAR
NRS Kicker Remix Shoe: bit.ly/36F1B6Y
NRS Boundary Boot: bit.ly/2TaCMgl
PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS
NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3yVID8j
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3dkDYaD
NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt: bit.ly/3xF43pX
NRS H2Core Silkweight Long Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3yZGbO2
NRS Hydroskin Short Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3wCvoI3
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket: bit.ly/3BbAZZJ
NRS Flux Dry Top: bit.ly/2U3Pvlw
PFD’S
NRS Odyssey PFD: bit.ly/3ibIk2n
NRS Zen PFD: bit.ly/2VCfrF3
NRS Chinook PFD: bit.ly/2TaEAG9
OTHER PADDLING GEAR
Zoleo Communicator: bit.ly/3zw7gw1
NRS Drylander Sprayskirt: bit.ly/36z5BG6
WRSI Current Helmet: bit.ly/2Te6KA6
PADDLING SHORTS/BOTTOMS
NRS Benny Board Short: bit.ly/2VIbK0L
NRS Hydroskin Shorts: bit.ly/3hCXPl2
SUNGLASSES
WileyX: bit.ly/3NtJQKR
SPECIAL THANKS to
NRS: www.nrs.com
Aqua Bound: www.aquabound.com
Wiley X: www.wileyx.com/
FOLLOW KEN
Facebook: / gopaddle
Instagram: / paddle365
Twitter: / gopaddle
Blog: in4adventure.com
MADE POSSIBLE with the Support of:
Ontario Creates: www.ontariocre...
PRODUCED BY
Heliconia: www.heliconia.ca
Contact: [e-mail]

[@arcana1973]

Of course they release new paddles after I FINALLY bought the Carbon Sting ray. I’m sure my paddle with be fine for years to come.

[@PaddleTV]

100% The original Carbon Sting Ray is awesome. No need to feel bad!

[@ellenkroon8444]

Love my Aqua Bound hybrid from 2 years ago

[@PicMartSkunkWerX]

I've had a Stingray Hybrid for about 7 years, great paddle, great value-for-the-dollar. Looking at the MantaRay-Carbon as a possible replacement. I never knew the specific difference between the StingRay and Manta before seeing this video. As a stronger paddler, i think I'll get a little more performance out of the MantaRay.

[@PaddleTV]

Yup. That's still my blade of choice.

[@Joe-xq1nt]

I really really like A bound paddles. With the new series coming out I found close outs on current models. Sting Ray Hybrid for about $104 and the sting ray carbon for $134. Anyway at those prices picked up two new paddles. (Not that I needed them). I bet the new ones are great but I couldn’t pass up the savings.

[@PaddleTV]

Don't blame you! That's a smoking deal!

[@waynefatguyinakayak7408]

I have a Werner, an old Lendal, and three AquaBound paddles (2 hybrid Stingrays, 1 carbon Mantaray). From my own experience I can say that AquaBound really is the best bang for the buck paddle out there. You get the most features for the least money with these, where with just about any other manufacturers you will be making some compromises on strength, durability, and weight getting something at AquaBound's price point. I'm a fan for sure.

[@johnstewart8473]

Still have an Aqua Bound Shred that's 25 years old. Indestructible.

[@PaddleTV]

Wow! That's amazing!

[@NWKayaking]

Great one Ken

[@szihn8589]

I like their paddles a LOT but I am a bit amazed they dropped the Eagle Ray. It's actually my favorite.

[@mot1thom]

Thanks for the review! When it comes to beginner paddles how would you rate the fiberglass to the bending branches whisper? I know you bump up from the aluminum shaft, but at twice the price while only shaving off 40 grams I’m wondering if the performance gain in stiffness is worth it? The bending branches to me has little to no wobble in the Ferrell and even as a larger paddler I don’t really feel the blades flexing out like most $50 paddles would. That said I’ve not tried an aqua bound and wondering how much of a difference I’d notice with only a 4% weight reduction. Thanks as always for your thoughtful reviews and reply’s!

[@PaddleTV]

Aqua Bound and Bending Branches are actually owned and operated by the same company, and so you're going to get the same 'value' from both. That being said, If you can afford it, I would spend the money to upgrade to the Fiberglass paddle. There are a bunch of benefits that come with making that upgrade. It is lighter (as you identified), but the fibreglass shaft is also stiffer (more efficient strokes), more durable, doesn't get cold like the aluminum does, and it feels much better in the hands.

[@mot1thom]

@@PaddleTV Thanks for the info! Didn't know about the same parent company; but that makes a lot of sense! The whisper was my first paddle and bought on others' recommendation that it is the only aluminum paddle they'd endorse. Maybe I'll split the difference and set aside some extra money for next spring and upgrade to the 'hybrid' to really see a more significant weight reduction and a higher performance bump in efficiency and durability. Thanks again for the information and recommendation!

[@clockworkchaos784]

Another missed opportunity to mention: they also make these in 4piece - which makes for a very packable back up, at decent quality and good value… 👍

[@PaddleTV]

Good point!

[@FeWolf]

Love the Shred, wish they had a 2 piece

[@PaddleTV]

If you contact them directly, they might be able to do a custom order for you.

[@user-od2cd9qt4y]

I just bought a feelfree Aventura 14 iam 5'11 any recommendations on a paddle

[@timgane6798]

How can I make a ten foot sit in pelican kayak more stable ? I am 5 11 and 210 pounds. Would a sit on be better ? Thanks

[@kellym3531]

Did they make the shaft smooth? Sticking with Werner. Aqua Bounds flutter more.

[@Joe-xq1nt]

That’s very interesting. I have both brands and I don’t notice it in either. Could be your a much more advanced paddler than I? I’d be interested to hear Kens take on that.

[@barry4fish19]

Two things not covered here. Aquabound changed the amount of dihedral on these new ones, blades are more flatter now (perhaps that’s how they made them stiffer). Also, apparently they may be getting rid of the Eagle Ray- too bad, I thought it was the smoothest of the 3 ray blade shapes.

[@PaddleTV]

While I wouldn't agree that Aqua Bound paddles flutter more, I would agree that Werner makes really nice paddles too!

[@seanbibby3898]

What about the whiskey paddles

[@Freynightwalker]

Will the Tango be getting the versa-lok?

[@PaddleTV]

Good question! I'll bet you it will in the very near future. If I find out, I'll let you know.

[@Freynightwalker]

@@PaddleTV thank you for the comment, in using double blade paddles for pack canoes like the swift 14 8 you paddled there are advantages to being able to vary paddle length and I noticed the bending branches navigator now has versa-lok so I agree that there is some logic in affering the tango as a versa-lok variant . I wonder if you could investigate paddles for pack boats, your knowledge and approach to videos is very informative

[@VE3BF]

Ken, I really like your channel but this video is just a 13 minute commercial for Aqua Bound.

[@PaddleTV]

I appreciate how it might feel that way. That being said, I did my best to be unbiased with my review and transparent about my relationship with Aqua Bound.

[@VE3BF]

​@@PaddleTV Ken, your contributions to the hobby are awesome, heck you've even inspired me to create a kayaking channel of my own. Maybe our paths will cross some day. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@jerrys576]

Aqua-Bound paddle=Best paddle money can buy Period. I have the Sting Ray carbon & Mata Ray hybrid. Would not part with them. I've used a Warner & it cant compare.