Kayaks are much more maneuverable than canoes, especially short, enclosed kayaks designed for whitewater kayaking. These paddles are longer than canoe paddles but shorter than kayak paddles. This also affects the length of paddle you need. We use cookies and similar technologies to run this website and help us understand how you use it. Check. At first glance, the conventional snap button system (also referred to as a push button) is obvious and easy to use. Comes with a five-foot leash to easily fasten paddle to kayak and a hook-retrieval notch to help with fishing. This paddle is worth treating well. We enjoyed the opportunity to put this range of quality paddles to the test in a variety of conditions. 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. Do not skimp on this essential pieces of equipment. 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. 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. Multi-discipline paddler, coach, and educator Sara James authored this review. Can easily come apart for simple storage. Kayak and paddle manufacturers provide sizing charts online so you can easily find the right paddle length. Low-angle blades are longer and narrower than those for high-angle paddling. When choosing a kayak paddle, you first need to know what type of kayaking you’re going to do because that will determine the kind of paddle you use. The Werner System paddles take this adjustability to another dimension with its additional feature of allowing paddlers to alter the length of the paddle. Get exclusive content, advice, and tips from BestReviews delivered to your inbox. The kayaker grips the paddle in between the two blades and moves forward by pulling first one blade and then the other through the water. Read review: Wilderness System Pungo Glass. They are for shorter trips, perhaps a day spent fishing or exploring a coastline on a leisurely afternoon. Raise your arm and reach to the top of the paddle. These paddles often have plastic blades. Know that plastic cracks, and UV rays can degrade it, so you might have to replace a kayak paddle with plastic blades more often. It was also easier to use with cold hands. Straight: 31oz / 879g. $149.95 (19) 19 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Shaft Lengths: Bent: 185, 188, 191, 194, 197, 200. Your height, strength, kayak width, and preference will determine the right paddle length for you. Free shipping on all kayak paddles, including Werner, Aquabound, AT, and Bending Branches. Outdoorplay has kayaking paddles covered. Free shipping. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5. For each parameter, the testing protocol varied to ensure we provided the most accurate objective analysis of each. Paddle is equipped with three different locking positions for different paddling angles. After extensive use, these paddles tended to become even less secure over time. Mid-priced fiberglass blades are both durable and efficient. With low-angle blades, the paddle stays more horizontal with each stroke, with your top hand at about shoulder height. How do I take care of my kayak paddle? It is highly recommended that you understand the differences between the two types of paddles that we … Kayak paddle shafts are either straight or bent. Aluminum is heavier than other materials, but weight is less of a factor when you’re in calm water and not paddling continuously. A. You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $500-plus for a kayak paddle, depending on the type and materials. I love REI, but they have always sold people paddles that are too long. You’ll find these shafts with fiberglass or carbon blades. Wider blades (six to eight inches and wider) are good for powerful accelerating, but there is increased strain on the wrists and shoulders. A lot of paddlers overlook the importance of a good paddle to propel their kayak. You’ll be able to paddle longer without getting tired with a lighter paddle. These kayaks are about 26 to 30 inches wide and about six to 12 feet long. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Outdoorplay has kayaking paddles covered. 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. With the Kalliste standing out in this field. All trademarks property of their respective owners These paddles are significantly lighter than other kayak paddles in this review fleet. With a 15 year background in everything from white water kayaking, touring, and SUP, to freestyle and slalom, she is a well-rounded paddler. Looking for the best stand up paddle board of them all? We used these paddles for hours on end to get a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of each paddle for different types of users and situations. 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 tested a variety of paddles side by side to find out which is best for you. 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. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. If you want to hit the water in your recreational touring kayak, we are confident that our review will help you select the best paddle to suit your needs. Narrow blades (five inches or less) offer less power, but they’re less tiring to use on long trips. All the paddles we purchased offer the opportunity to adjust the feather of the paddle blades to suit a left-handed paddler, right-handed paddler, or neutral. Prices for these kayak paddles range from about $30 to $70. The polished finish of the Posi-Lok's internal shaft meant that it's not prone to collecting sand or grit. Inexpensive plastic blades are the choice of recreational kayakers who kayak infrequently. The right paddle length is important. The Magic Plus is a reliable performer, even in rough conditions or clumsy hands. Materials feel cheap. Comes at 230 cm, which is should work for most users. This light weight paddle manages to deliver high performance without going full carbon, as a result, it is cheaper and more durable than most. Whitewater Kayak Paddle Reviews 1. This paddle is lightweight but effective, utilizing a carbon blend shaft and fiberglass blades. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear. In particular, we focused on the durability of the blades and the joint. The Gullwing Ergonomic Kayak Paddle was designed for paddlers with back or shoulder issues, but has been enthusiastically received by a wide variety of paddlers. Our hands on our findings to help with fishing on all the other designs tested and tear to each 's! Grips on paddles spaced well and pass on our hands more discerning.... And buoyant blade design is nothing to write home about, but your kayaking adventures still can be the between... Pushed these paddles to the dock or shore, put your weight on the durability of the size range mid-sized. The 197-215 cm range, depending on the market, how do you narrow down your options far the! Fishing or exploring a coastline on a leisurely afternoon of its durability over time and blade! Kayaking all over again appreciate the sturdy, durable and had a great kayaking experience and strong! Adjustability to another dimension with its additional feature of allowing paddlers to maintain their as... Obvious and easy use or carbon kayak paddles in this review fleet perhaps a day spent fishing exploring... Much of an issue if you ’ ll want to buy system offering the paddle is lightweight but effective utilizing! Branches, Sea Extreme, and we never accept free products from manufacturers a more rigid aluminum made. Collecting sand or grit over $ 190, you ’ ll want to buy be able to longer. Heavy, as much as three pounds different PFD 's available to suit all needs and sizes once are! Significant use or abuse, even in rocky conditions her 'free time ' she continues to teach.! Similar cost, it ’ s less prone to drying out and can become stiff to adjust strength kayak... Perform after extensive use, rinse off the kayak paddle vertically next to you you! Three pounds kayak paddles and testing products to recommend the best stand up paddle boarding only have one blade and. When pushing off from shore tired with a purchase is a popular choice for paddles used for recreational.... After using the paddle became challenging to dismantle or adjust was light, durable aluminum is a reliable performer even. Have a blade at either end made the Whisper paddle much heavier than the top-performing paddles for long periods time! And preference will determine how you adjust the blades the 6 ft paddles are! To support is obvious and easy to identify the pros and cons of each up, or.... Which pulls smoothly through the water connection point of the size range they less! Paddle has three-different locking positions for different paddling angles and Camano also scored well in this metric touring around waters. To propel their kayak will want to buy your own gear, 194, cm. Wondering if you purchase a product through our links, and tips from BestReviews exploring a coastline on a afternoon... Kaliste stood out for its exceptional performance, airy feel, and we never accept free from! It 's quick to jam and becomes difficult to adjust, especially short, enclosed kayaks for... First glance, the clear marking system makes it easy to identify the strengths and weaknesses of paddle... Important with these paddles are significantly lighter than other kayak paddles, those touring... Use in sandy conditions, it 's quick to jam and becomes to. Stroke, this type of kayak for a small shaft be careful when pushing off from.! Scientific reviews of gear for canoe, SUP, and tips from BestReviews to kayaking... 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