We Tested & Reviewed 9 Different Kayak Paddles!

[@johnlancaster6564]

thanks for the thoughts, I really like the wood one... it's pretty ;)

[@shaunkoher8566]

The bending branches wood paddle is so beautiful. Maybe one day

[@petra-sofiadebenedetti8630]

Thank you for giving us a good review on 9 paddles that you are using or have actually used as your very own. This makes a review very honest and more reliable. When I was under heavy wind conditions on a lake my Oru paddle didn't scoop or 'grip' the water enough for me to change directions. I was with friends and I tried different rental paddles that came with their kayaks (I have my own Oru Lake kayak and Oru paddle. I have the regular one and the Carbon one from Oru paddles) and the one that was like a spoon/ scooping and moving and gripping the water best was the Carlisle Magic Plus kayak paddle on that day. I would not buy it because my hands hurt afterwards because the grip was too wide, I like the Oru paddle much better in this way. And the Carlisle was too heavy. I wish I could just add the paddles themselves to my Oru handle and that would be amazing. I went ahead and ordered the Bending Branches Angler Pro Carbon because of your video. It is no longer listed on the BendingBranches website but if you put the paddle name in their search bar the page comes up and I can still order it. It has won many awards by the way. My only concern is how the bend or scoop is from this paddle itself. Most videos never show this part and this is important I find. The front is always shown but not the horizontal curve of a paddle. A relatively straight paddle blade is not powerful and strong enough to move a lot of water in windy conditions. The Air Head paddle seems to be having a really good scooped or curved paddle but it is a bit heavy. How is the Bending Branches Anglers Pro Carbon paddle in this way? Even though I have now ordered it I am still wondering about this part or function. Any comments on it? I enjoy your videos! I will write to Bending Branches and let them know about your video review and that they better leave it on their webpage because it seems such a good paddle!!! All three of you find it really good, your Mom as well and I am not that young myself anymore either.

[@stephaniebutler697]

I find the Angler Pro has a decent "scoop" in the blade. Honestly though, what makes a difference to me in how well it steers is the rigidity of the blade. Another plus to this paddle is you can adjust the feathering and length so you're getting the most custom fit possible. I've used it with my 15ft Trident, my 11ft Venus, my 11ft solo canoe, and Steph's Lake. I have not found any issues with how my paddle navigates, regardless of which boat I'm in. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine! Happy paddling!

[@petra-sofiadebenedetti8630]

@@stephaniebutler697 Thank you for your reply!!! I am relieved! Through your video, I found a really good paddle (company). I was not sure which is better the Aqua Bound Bendshaft Whisky or the Bending Brenches Anglers Pro. I chose the Bending Brenches Anglers Pro since all three of you liked it and even Step liked it and would choose it over her Aqua Bound Bendshaft Whisky as a straight shaft paddle. I am looking forward to late Springtime to be on the water again in Canada to try my new paddle. I had no idea that Bending Brenches company had bought Aqua Bound company and is producing both paddles. This is all the company does and they aim high to make the best paddles. Just paddles and the best is what they do. Either way I would have gotten a great paddle. I was trying to find a good paddle on KZbin reviews since late last Fall.

[@bdoogy1]

Great comparisons, down-to-earth descriptions, and nice pace.

[@pcthiker5320]

Thanks for the great reviews! Interestingly, you reviewed the two paddles I can’t decide on; the Bending Branches Angler Pro and Angler Navigator (awaiting delivery on an Esquif Adirondack solo canoe w 31 1/2” max width). Questions: What max lengths are you using with your canoe and what’s the canoe’s max width? Do you wish the paddles were longer? Both have high angle blades, but can you paddle them at a low angle w your canoe? During high-angle paddling is water dripping in the canoe? Lastly is it more tiring using these paddles all day, compared to your other high end, low-angle choices? Thanks!!

[@rawbee360]

Totally surprising on the picks for the best of the high end paddles. I thought the bent paddle would have swept the competition.

[@stephaniebutler697]

Aqua Bound actually makes a low angle bent shaft paddle with the same color design as the Whiskey. I prefer a lower angle paddle, so it's possible that model would have made a bigger impression on me. With the high angle blades I just didn't feel any extra benefit to the bent shaft.

[@just-dl]

Well, I’m impressed! Nice array of options. To suggest a couple more…Quest Vapor is possibly the best value for a paddle across the board. At $80 it should be budget, but it compares favorably to paddles twice as expensive. Approximately 2.2 lbs, sturdy, stiff, efficient effort to power. My younger daughter prefers it to the rest our collection. My older daughter prefers my aquabound Sting Ray. I now use a versa lock manta Ray hybrid. I love it! Only complaint is how water drips on me. Might be technique but I suspect the drip rings are junk. I’ve got two heavy aluminum paddles that came with an intex inflatable. Heavy. But excellent paddles. 5-part design which is great for packing. Good emergency paddle option. I’ve been looking at Werner for options. Unfortunately everything I like is pricey!

[@smkauthor]

Thanks for sharing!

[@hsdiddy]

Thank you , very informative

[@LuddnJung]

What is about Werner Paddles? Or the german Brand Lettmann?

[@smkauthor]

Would love to try them, but these are the ones we have between the two of us.

[@marzzattak]

Great video you guys! If you don't mind me asking, what's your height? In the market for a new paddle and just trying to get a sense of paddle vs height. Thanks! P.S. your mom is lovely! Loved seeing y'all have a great time in the water!

[@smkauthor]

I'm 5'4" and Stephanie is 5'8"

[@just-dl]

Another data point. I’m 5’7” my kayak is low-seated and 25.8” beam. My 230cm was too long. I’m currently using and loving an adjustable using 210 (high angle) or 215-220 (low angle). My 5’0” daughter is using my 230 and it’s great for her. Seated higher and her yak is wider. 31” beam iirc.

[@seanb2604]

Try a Werner ...there will be a new winner.

[@boatman222345]

Every paddle you demonstrated was too short for your boat and seating position. In most cases the blades were only about 50% submerged whereas the goal is for the entire blade to be in the water. The area of the blade not in the water is not generating any propulsive force…which means you are wasting energy.

[@Geodreamcatcher]

Why in America the paddles are SO expensive???? The kayaks also cost the double price.

[@just-dl]

My observation was that anything to do with paddle sports jumped 15% or more during Covid. And haven’t come back down.

[@jeanmartiny527]

never heard of wingpaddles ?

[@just-dl]

I had not until now. Is there a brand you’d recommend? I just did a quick search and it seems interesting….

[@bayside6207]

I watch videos like this so I don't waste my money buying 6 different paddles like you girls have done. Thanks for wasting your money on these things so I don't have to. For example-I just completed a purchase on eBay for a Bending Branches.Angler Pro, new/unused for $200 all said & done.