Do you guys/gals reckon there is much difference between a $50 paddle and say a $500 paddle? If so what are the likely differences?
Greeny,
I'm getting closer to taking the plunge and making a purchase just have to weigh up a few options between a couple of newies and 2nd hand as well as length of board.

Sure does.
I spoke to someone about the star boards and they come with a carbon paddle so that is obviously worth taking into account from what you have said. If there is a big difference weight between ali and carbon, thats going to be pretty knackering on the arms over a long distance.

I don't think it's such a big deal...Sure it's nice to have a light paddle..but not nessesary...IMO.

It's like buying a bicycle...Let's say a Mt Bike..You can buy an average heavy bike ..or the lightest carbon frame bike...I comes down to what you can afford.

Sure a lighter bike is a bit more fun to ride..but not absolutely necessary to have fun and get fit...I like paddling to keep fit and I used to think that having a light paddle was like drilling holes in the weights at the gym so they are easier to lift.

I've been making my own paddles for years..Alloy with a plastic T grip and a stiff plastic straight blade...They work great...Really great...and cost me only $50 to make.

The problem with some cheap paddles is that the blade is crap..A soft plastic blade will flutter all over the place when paddled hard.

Also..There's nothing wrong with an alloy shaft..The only thing is they can be a bit stiff and may cause joint pain over time..Carbon is a bit more flexy/springy..at least alloy should not brake like carbon can..but it can bend.

When swapping between the Naish carbon and Naish alloy the weight difference seems to be in the blade end..not so much the shaft.

But this extra weight can also be a good thing when learning..You will often swing the paddle to get you balance..You will do it a lot...But when you swing a light carbon paddle there is no weight there and you will probably fall in.

The next thing is the off-set blade (about 10-15 deg)..Most cheap paddles have a straight blade.

An off set blade does three things.

1...it gives greater reach when dipping at the start of the paddling stroke.

2...it gives a more forward push at the power part of the stroke..and is less likely to lift water at the end of the stroke.

3..at the end of the stroke the paddle will lift out of the water easier than a straight blade..It seems to just slip out without a splash.

But even without these three things a straight paddle works great..just not quite as good.

Once the paddle is being pushed through the water the light weight means nothing..Where you do notice it is in the swing weight as you bring the paddle forward or swap sides.

I've been using my home made paddles for more than two years now..and I only have a carbon paddle now because I won it....and I use it all the time now..I love it..but it is a little short.

With a cheap paddle you can treat it rough..drop it..push yourself off rocks..dig it in as you stand on to the board..An expencive carbon paddle needs a cover or bag and baby it more...well I would.

Today I ordered myself a alloy Naish paddle and I intend to take the blade off and mount it on my home made paddle that is the length that I like for flat water paddling..and just use it for long flat water paddling trips..like in the river etc.

Here's a pic of my home made paddle..and a few different shape blades that I have tried.

DJ

WINDY MILLER said...



just wondered where your getting the T Grip for the top, can't seem to find one here in WA... or do u make your own?

Hi Windy,

We sell the T-Bar handles in a couple of different diameters. Hopefully we would have one to suit.

Drop in and check them out.

WINDY MILLER...That mast top idea should work fine..I wish I could find myself one to try also...They always break in the bottom section and you can't just buy half.

This is the blade and T grip that I buy from my local canoe/kayak shop.



The alloy that I use..also from the canoe shop.



This is the first paddle that I made..It was just a cheap secondhand kayak paddle..I cut one blade off and stuck in a T handle...It was way too short..and the blade was way too soft..It would be ok for kids to use.



It's interesting that in that great new Robby Naish vid with him on those huge waves et****hat he is using the cheap alloy/fiberglass paddle..yet he has a custom board..Just goes to show a cheap/heavy paddle works just fine.

It's a shame that there are not more cheaper paddle options out there.

DJ

Hi DavidJohn

From all I've read on SUP forums you seem to know your stuff on paddles as I've seen you pop up all over the place

Question for you mate.

I see you recently won the Naish carbon paddle hows that working out and do you now reckon carbon is the way to go? Also do you reckon the sleeve join between the shaft and the blade is a week point?
I reckon your also right that it looks like it came from the same factory as the GSI paddle as I've looked at them both and other than logo's they look the same.

Cheers