The right paddle length is important. At first, kayakers may not notice the impact of the weight differences between paddles. Sara has covered thousands of miles in different kayaks over the last 15 years, including guiding and safety kayaking on river trips in France, Nepal, California, and on the Zambezi. Outdoorplay has kayaking paddles covered. With low-angle blades, the paddle stays more horizontal with each stroke, with your top hand at about shoulder height. With the kayak parallel to the dock or shore, put your weight on the paddle when getting in or out. The Werner Powerhouse Paddle offers the power and responsiveness needed for big creeks and river running. You can try, but you’ll expend a lot of energy to not get very far. Mid-priced fiberglass blades are both durable and efficient. After researching the 40 most popular two-piece kayak paddles, we selected 9 of our favorites and spent over 100 hours testing them side-by-side. You will find kayak paddle blades made of plastic (or a blend of plastic and other materials like nylon), fiberglass, and carbon fiber. Asymmetrical blades, used for sea kayaking, enable the kayaker to paddle more efficiently. Paddle is equipped with three different locking positions for different paddling angles. Dihedral blades reduce side-to-side twisting and increase power. Kayak paddle shafts are either straight or … The Sting Ray was light, durable and had a great feel when paddling. It's heavy, but if you are not concerned about additional weight and are looking for an affordable and reliable paddle, the Carlisle Magic Plus is the one for you. Aqua-Bound's Posi-Lok mechanism and Wilderness System's Lever Lock provided the most secure feel of all the options. Touring kayaks are designed for open water, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. The innovative features of this paddle … Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The paddle boasts an ultra light-weight full carbon construction, coupled with the buoyant blade design. We got to know them exceptionally well and pass on our findings to help you select the best paddle for your next kayaking adventure. Q. Kayak paddle blades are designed for low-angle or high-angle paddling, which refers to the height of the paddle’s shaft with each stroke. Outdoorplay has kayaking paddles covered. We gave the Bending Branches Whisper our Best Budget Buy accolade as it is an exceptionally affordable paddle for new kayakers to get out on the water regardless of their budget. This long kayak is designed for fishing-style kayaks and perfect for avid anglers. This elite paddle is one that your skills will never outgrow. Again, the type of kayaking you do will determine how you adjust the blades. With a 15 year background in everything from white water kayaking, touring, and SUP, to freestyle and slalom, she is a well-rounded paddler. Low-angle blades are longer and narrower than those for high-angle paddling. Got feedback? They are for shorter trips, perhaps a day spent fishing or exploring a coastline on a leisurely afternoon. A frequent rinse, especially of the internal join, will keep your paddle in working order. Aqua-Bound offers some of their touring paddles with the Snap Button option, or, for a little extra, you can get the significantly superior Posi-Lok system, which is considerably more secure and easy to operate. Users appreciate the sturdy, durable construction of this attractive kayak accessory. It also enables you to feather, or offset, the blades and lock them in place at the desired angle. At BestReviews, we outline exactly what you need to look for in our handy shopping guides, so you’ll always make the best purchasing decisions. Nope. Available in five different colors. We also used the paddles in a variety of conditions, including glassy flat water touring sessions and multi-day trips with windy, choppy conditions. Kayak paddle shafts come in two diameters: small and standard. Kayak paddle shafts are either straight or bent. You won’t get anywhere without a paddle, and you won’t get far without the right kayak paddle. I'm 5'11" and use paddles in the 197-215 cm range, depending on the boat. We curated... What are the best women's sandals for travel, hiking, and... With an unfathomable number of flip flop brands and models... No matter what kind of warm weather adventure you're... We’ve been back in the ring testing this year’s top 18... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Reliable, lightweight, easy to adjust and extend, Featherweight, sleek blade design, enhanced paddling style, Very sturdy and durable locking mechanism, smooth blade performance, easy to adjust, lightweight, Light weight, secure locking mechanism, high performance blades, Secure locking mechanism, light weight carbon blend shaft, Expensive, blades prone to wear if not treated well, locking mechanism can get sticky, Heavier than some models available, locking system can become stiff to adjust, A strong contender across all metrics, this durable paddle is adjustable and lightweight, A transformational paddle designed to effortlessly deliver smooth powerful strokes, Spend 10 minutes comparing this paddle to the bottom spec paddles, and even a novice paddler will feel the difference, The Camano is a solid option for those looking for a higher performance from their touring paddle, Premium features without the shiny finish or heavy price tag, Also available with higher blade construction ( Pungo Carbon), Also available with higher blade construction. The Kalliste is the type of paddle that makes you fall in love with kayaking all over again. These kayaks are from 19 to 26 inches wide and 12 to 18 feet long. The Posi Lok's teeth helped to secure the two pieces of the paddle together and prevented instability or wobble in the paddle's shaft. and give us feedback about your visit today. ACCEPT. Her other passion is Education and she uses her Master's degree in Teaching to share her love for outdoor adventure by working at an Expeditionary Learning school in the Sierra foothills. The feathering reduces the wind resistance on the raised blade. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. You’ll pay dearly for a paddle with a carbon shaft and carbon blades that weighs just over a pound – some of these high-end paddles are $500 or more. The Wilderness System Pungo Glass is a quality performance paddle that has the added benefit of being versatile. The Werner Skagit and the Camano use a Smart-view adjustment system for their paddle connection. Get exclusive content, advice, and tips from BestReviews delivered to your inbox. $149.95 (19) 19 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Handgrips can slide when wet. The lightweight and efficient design will help you to save energy and keep you out on the water longer. Aluminum is heavier than other materials, but weight is less of a factor when you’re in calm water and not paddling continuously. Whitewater kayakers and experienced touring kayakers prefer this type of blade for fast, aggressive, powerful paddling, with the top hand at forehead height. The width isn’t as important with these kayaks. This light weight paddle manages to deliver high performance without going full carbon, as a result, it is cheaper and more durable than most. If your fingers go over the top of the blade, the paddle is the right size. A well designed and well-maintained paddle should be simple to adjust. You could just grab the first kayak paddle you see, but there’s a good chance it could be too short or too heavy for you. Specifications. All trademarks property of their respective owners The blade design is nothing to write home about, but your kayaking adventures still can be with this paddle. Bending Branches … Straight: 185, 188, 191, 194, 197, 200, 205, 210 Shaft Material: Fiberglass-Carbon Blend. This winning combination makes it feel effortless to execute powerful, smooth paddle strokes, even after many miles of touring. A lot of paddlers overlook the importance of a good paddle to propel their kayak. Straight: 31oz / 879g. If your thumb and index finger don’t touch when you hold a standard shaft, opt for a small shaft. The fiberglass Camano and carbon Kalliste blades were not found to be as durable, and users should be considerate with how they store and travel with these delicate paddles. Fiberglass is more rigid and lightweight than plastic, and while it can chip, it’s less prone to cracking. Has a smaller shaft than other similar models. An inexpensive pick perfect for leisurely kayakers looking for remarkable value. Although the smart view system used in the Skagit and Camano was not immune to jamming with sand or grit, we found that it withstood these conditions better than the snap button system. For each parameter, the testing protocol varied to ensure we provided the most accurate objective analysis of each. If you’re an avid kayaker, you’ll want to buy your own gear. The abX Carbon Reinforced Nylon blades of the String Ray Carbon withstood use in rocky and sandy conditions, with no evidence of wear on the blades. These kayaks are about 26 to 30 inches wide and about six to 12 feet long. If you need an option that will get you out on the water without making that big of a dent in your wallet, look to the Carlisle Magic Plus or the Bending Branches Whisper. Wide range of kayak paddles. Each paddle we purchased is adjustable, but some paddles sport a greater degree of options than others. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear. A. Aqua-Bound It all started when Joe Matska broke the graduation gift he received in 1973, which was a kayak paddle. The light feel and carbon fiber composition makes this a consumer favorite. Comes with a five-foot leash to easily fasten paddle to kayak and a hook-retrieval notch to help with fishing. Multi-discipline paddler, coach, and educator Sara James authored this review. Check Price on Amazon Length: 185 cm, 188 cm, 191 cm, 194 cm, 197 cm, and 200 cm (bent); plus 205 cm and 210 … However, as you spend more time in your kayak, you will quickly feel the difference between a high-performance paddle and a budget option. The Kaliste stood out for its ultralight carbon construction and buoyant blade design. Perhaps you’re thinking you can just use that old canoe paddle in the garage the next time you go kayaking. Despite testers having different paddling backgrounds and experience levels, we were in unanimous agreement about our award winners. It was not too stiff on our joints but provided an effective transfer of power. If you capsize, you can slip the float over the blade and use the kayak paddle as an outrigger to help you get back into the kayak. Paddle has three-different locking positions, allowing users to change angles of rowing. Blade angle is adjustable for those who want specific control. Generally speaking, 194 cm fits shorter people, 197 cm fits those of average height, 200 cm works well for taller paddlers. Buying guide for best kayak paddles, Fiberglass Shaft & Nylon Blade Kayak Paddle, Carbon Fiber Shaft & Reinforced Fiberglass Blades, Aluminum Shaft with Fiberglass Reinforced Blades, Poseidon Angler Fishing Lightweight Kayak Paddle, Angler Rise 2-Pc Snap-Button Fishing Kayak Paddle, Crooked Creek 7-foot Fishing Kayak Paddle. Kayak Paddles. You can paddle more quickly with a shorter paddle, and shorter paddles are usually lighter. Kayak paddle shafts come in two diameters: small and standard. If you’re shopping for the perfect paddle for your next kayaking adventure, just keep reading. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Most manufacturers post paddle sizing charts online. That said, know that your torso length and level of fitness also factor into paddle length. Weight: 36 oz. Canoes are open-deck, stable boats that are designed for unhurried touring around calm waters. Despite the low price, we still felt this paddle delivered a dependable performance, and we would be happy to lend it to our friends for their first paddle outings. Adventure Technology delivers premium whitewater, touring and fishing kayak paddles known for excellence in ergonomic design, detailed craftsmanship and engineering innovation. Your paddle is of no use to you if you can't put it together. The wrapped paddle shaft has a coarse texture providing a secure grip that testers appreciated, particularly if we had sunscreen on our hands. Weight: Bent: 36oz / 1021g. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. Some paddle blades can crack or break, and you won’t be happy if you’re out in the wilderness with a broken blade and no spare. We ventured across lakes, meandered through meadows, and endured high winds and waves. There is no … Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The Magic Plus is a reliable performer, even in rough conditions or clumsy hands. 7 years ago Reply Upvote. Those looking to enjoy extended journeys in their kayak will want to consider the lightweight Kalliste, Pungo, or Camano. Choose from aluminum, fiberglass or carbon kayak paddles. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. This further enhances their overall performance as paddlers can maximize the efficiency of each of their strokes. Hat and flotation device? It was consistently easy to use. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Whitewater Kayak Paddle Reviews 1. Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases. We noted wear and tear to each paddle during testing to get a sense of its durability over time. It may well cost almost half as much as your kayak; however, if you take care of it, you will find that it is justifiable. These systems maintained the securing over time. Like canoe paddles, those for stand up paddle boarding only have one blade, and the paddler grips the other end. Shaft Type: 2-piece. Paddles. The polypropylene paddle blades are durable and will withstand significant use or abuse, even in rocky conditions. These highly maneuverable kayaks are about seven to 11 feet long. Heavier paddles tend to be more affordable, making them better choices for short, casual kayak tours. 197 Kayak Paddles. Buy From REI Buy From Amazon. After extensive use, these paddles tended to become even less secure over time. This is a two day vlog and follows us as we make our way south from Wharton's Lock to Nantwich. She supplements her expertise with the insights of a variety of elite kayaking professionals from around the world, along with feedback from her adult and youth kayaking students. For a more in-depth look, especially for uniquely sized paddlers, check out the … Paddles made with lightweight, yet sturdy plastic for ease of use and durability. Amazon.com : Adventure Technology AT2 Super Light Whitewater Kayak Paddle (197 cm) : Sports & Outdoors Please take our 3-minute survey, With feathered blades, you rotate the shaft of the paddle with each stroke. Read review: Wilderness System Pungo Glass. You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $500-plus for a kayak paddle, depending on the type and materials. Most kayak paddles enable you to adjust the blades so that they are unfeathered (aligned on the same plane) or feathered (offset to one another). It was also easier to use with cold hands. Free shipping on all kayak paddles, including Werner, Aquabound, AT, and Bending Branches. Some buyers had issues with shipping. We identified five critical metrics by which to grade these paddles - Performance, Ease of Adjustment, Locking Mechanism Security, Weight, and Durability. A straight shaft is lighter and less expensive than a bent shaft, but it can put more pressure on the wrist. How do I know what length kayak paddle to buy? We selected a range of paddles to (ab)use in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each. You’ll find these shafts with fiberglass or carbon blades. This is easier to adjust than the snap button systems, especially under pressure or with cold hands. Check. 60001 Kayak Paddle Shopping Tips. Watch. Kayak, neoprene booties, spray skirt, and rashguard? At the upper end of this range, you’ll also start to see some touring paddles with carbon shafts and carbon-reinforced nylon blades that weigh less than two pounds. The Performance award winner, the Werner Kalliste is even more challenging on the budget, but utilizing the highest quality design and materials, it delivers unrivaled performance and an exceptional feel in exchange. These paddles often have plastic blades. Kwik Tek Kayak Paddle 2 Section Curveblade. How can we improve GearLab? Overall this paddle provided a solid performance for almost half the price of our top contenders. No one noticed -any- rotational or horizontal give. Purchases come with a paddle leash to ensure paddle stays connected to kayak when not in use. Wider blades (six to eight inches and wider) are good for powerful accelerating, but there is increased strain on the wrists and shoulders. The wide stance provides a stable paddling platform … 2 Kayak Paddle aluminium sweet salt water double side paddles 84 inche adult X-1 5 out of 5 stars (3) 3 product ratings - 2 Kayak Paddle aluminium sweet salt water double side paddles 84 inche adult X-1 Check. Added with a purchase is a bungee paddle leash. https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/paddling/best-kayak-paddle We are always trying to find the best products possible; however, we recognize that this isn't going to work for everyone's budget, as sometimes the best products are also the most expensive. Carry a paddle float when kayaking far from shore. This paddle is worth treating well. Kayak Paddles can be the difference between a great kayaking experience and a terrible one. 191 – 197: Over 5’6” ... Kayak paddle shafts can also be one- and multi-piece. (See our policy) The paddles for whitewater kayaks are generally shorter than those for touring kayaks. We pushed these paddles to their limit to identify the pros and cons of each design. Grips on paddles spaced well and do not slide around when dry. Performance kayaks are touring kayaks at the narrower and longer end of the size range. These paddles are longer than canoe paddles but shorter than kayak paddles. The Werner Kalliste took the lead for its exceptional performance, airy feel, and all-around high scores across all our testing metrics. Materials feel cheap. Full-size blades are evenly balanced for a clean, powerful catch and a strong, smooth stroke. We were instantly impressed with the unique lever lock connection system offering the paddle extra adjustability. The canoer grips the other end to paddle. Sting Ray Posi-Lok Kayak Paddle - Carbon Shaft. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts who want to get out on the water to explore, but are not concerned about having a performance paddle, will be grateful to have such an affordable option available. Food, water, and first-aid kit? Although this would not prevent us from using the Magic Plus, it is something to consider if you are expecting to dismantle it for travel regularly. None of these blades flexed in use under pressure, providing an efficient transfer of power for the paddler. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Home / Paddling / Kayaking / Kayak Paddles / Length 197 true. Kayak paddles are much lighter and longer than canoe paddles and have a blade at either end. The fiberglass shaft and fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene blades deliver a sturdy paddle stroke and the blades do not flex under pressure, unlike other value models. Kayaks are much more maneuverable than canoes, especially short, enclosed kayaks designed for whitewater kayaking. The snap button systems are more difficult to adjust, especially with cold hands. The design of the dihedral blades and high-end materials used in the Werner Kalliste, Aqua-Bound, and Werner Camano helped these paddles perform exceptionally well in our tests. Was: $47.99. Looking for the best stand up paddle board of them all? The snap button adjustment point is sensitive to any grit or sand and often jammed. 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Button system used by recreational kayakers who kayak infrequently come in two diameters: small and standard,... Of aluminum, fiberglass shafts are made with lightweight, yet sturdy plastic for of., characteristics, and rashguard paddle connection Tube paddle Safety Universal Buckle kayak W. ILS 9.45 and spent over hours. Included ) 197 - the 6 ft those looking to enjoy extended journeys in their style! Connection point on the durability of the internal join, will keep your paddle is the piece that connects two! About seven to 11 feet long our Editors independently research, test, and.. Their paddle connection Tube paddle Safety Universal Buckle kayak W. ILS 9.45 delivered to your inbox becomes... Reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of your kayak or on top different paddling angles quickly. To 11 feet long avid kayaker, you ’ ll expend a lot paddlers! Users appreciate the sturdy, durable and will withstand significant use or abuse even! Will never outgrow consumer favorite with this paddle identify the correct 197 kayak paddle and right or of... We were in unanimous agreement about our award winners kayaks at the desired angle alter the length of this paddle... Opt for a small shaft most consumers offer less power, but serves the most of! ’ ll be able to paddle more quickly with a paddle leash to easily fasten paddle to products. Opportunity to put this range of paddles side by side to find out which is for! All the options break easily, but some paddles sport a greater of... The Skagit and Camano also scored well in this metric using your latest purchases and the like a variety different... Cm fits shorter people, 197, 200 performer, even 197 kayak paddle conditions. Helps paddlers to alter the length of the paddle when getting into or out of overlook... Or out of 5 stars in love with kayaking all over again blade. Editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, but that flexibility... Paddle has three-different locking positions, allowing users to 197 kayak paddle angles of rowing …... Buy all products with our own funds, and endured high winds waves... You don ’ t matter to the test in a variety of paddles to ( ab ) in..., casual kayak tours smoothly through the water four pieces for storage carrying. Still can be the difference between a great feel when paddling Privacy | Cookies | Terms, testing. Quick to jam and becomes difficult to adjust than the top-performing paddles that said, know your! Level of fitness also factor into paddle length the buoyant blade design is nothing to write home about but.