Interesting.

DJ

Hmm, Kialoa are also very fine!

JonWest said..

Interesting concept, but check out there production facility, no wonder they are the world leaders in paddles!

Whilst QB do make some great paddles, their presses are lightyears behind the latest gear being used in the composites industry.
I'm really surprised they are not using computer controlled hydraulic heat presses so the pressure and temp can be dialled in perfectly time and time again.

Deano72 said..

JonWest said..

Interesting concept, but check out there production facility, no wonder they are the world leaders in paddles!

Whilst QB do make some great paddles, their presses are lightyears behind the latest gear being used in the composites industry.
I'm really surprised they are not using computer controlled hydraulic heat presses so the pressure and temp can be dialled in perfectly time and time again.

So...does that make them an "artisan" paddle?

We have had a fair bit of interest in the V-Drive since the success of guys like Kai Lenny, Connor Baxter, Dave Kalama etc in the recent Molokai distance races.
Quickblade have set us up with a jig to cut the V-Drives to the customers specs (this was a problem because you had to custom order your paddle from the U.S.)
Pretty sure we are the only guys in Oz to offer this service.

I've cut v-drives to length three times now. Used a standard mitre saw. Worked fine. You could do it by hand if you were careful. The angled cut does make cutting the paddle to size a bit trickier than normal. But it is clearly worth it in that you really could just tape the paddle together without glue and it would probably be absolutely fine. The angled cut means that the blade and shaft will always stay aligned. I expect all brands will be doing it this way soon.

Nice paddle and I would consider buying one from a local stockist; however when there is $250 price gouge between the US($499 USD) and Australian($799 AUD) prices I just can't justify the expense.

I just bought one from the boys, $699. Take away Taxes and freight from US and I'd say it's pretty close to the US price ( which is excluding tax).

nosaj27 said..
Nice paddle and I would consider buying one from a local stockist; however when there is $250 price gouge between the US($499 USD) and Australian($799 AUD) prices I just can't justify the expense.

I agree.. These high quality carbon paddles are very expensive..

But look at what a cyclists pays for a carbon wheel.. $1,500 .. and yes.. that's just one wheel.. They must think we're lucky..

I am not having a go at the overall cost of the paddle. I totally agree that you get what you pay for and for a paddle as well designed and crafted as the V-Drive $499-USD is reasonable.
But as with a lot of US products sold in Australia it doesn't matter how high the Aussie dollar is we always pay a premium which is above and beyond the conversion rate between USD and AUD. I know that we have to factor in freight, taxes etc but does that really equate a 40-50% markup? I don't think so and that is what I was referring to when I was talking about a price gouge.

hahahahaha who red thumbed my mitre box comment?? Id say someone with a vested interest...



Get over yourselfs douches