Double blade paddle . . . worth it?

I'm quite sure of the reason for most/many people.....the price!

A reasonably nice wood paddle can be had here for CA$75 - CA$125
An all carbon paddle starts at about CA$300

For the rest they simply don't know what they are missing!

And then there are the "traditionalists" while they might paddle a "plastic" boat they would insist on a traditional wood paddle.

recped said:

I'm quite sure of the reason for most/many people.....the price!

A reasonably nice wood paddle can be had here for CA$75 - CA$125...

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You won't find a $125 paddle that weighs 10 oz.

It is true that carbon paddles are generally more expensive, but a high end wood paddle can approach the cost of a carbon paddle. I have noticed, though, that the price difference between a top name carbon paddle and a quality wood paddle is widening, which is unfortunate. On the other hand, I don't know of anyone that's making a nice carbon paddle for freestyle anyway.

When the question is straight shaft wood or bent shaft carbon I couldn't help but tease when my personal favorite is straight shaft carbon.

My best straight carbon paddles are no longer made...including the Black Bart Troublemaker and Moore Cue. ZRE also sold a true symmetric mini-beavertail blade (with asymmetric grip) for a short time in the 1990's. I like a symmetric grip too and modified a Bending Branches carbon shaft paddle so it's now fully symmetric. My Troublemaker and Cue are not super light (15-17 oz) but their balance is exceptional so they feel lighter than they are, and the blades are quieter and cleaner than any wood paddle I've used except a Quimby. They are also very strong for their weight

Regarding cost I think the top freestyle paddle on the market is the $700 wood Quimby. The last carbon paddle I bought was a six degree GRB bent blem for $175. I have a friend that finds used carbon paddles bargains often.

But I'm not making any recommendations. I know more canoe paddlers that insist on wood vs carbon. I appreciate a good wood paddle too. I think folks should use whatever paddling gear that makes them happy.

gumpus said:

My best straight carbon paddles are no longer made...including the Black Bart Troublemaker and Moore Cue.

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I saw the photos of the Moore Cue and you can see the workmanship that went into that paddle. I was just reviewing past threads regarding carbon straight-shaft paddles here at Canoetripping.net and Paddling.com and was encouraged by the number of people that owned them or wanted to buy one. It seems odd then, that freestyle carbon paddles aren't available anymore. But as mentioned previously, there's probably not enough demand to make it profitable. Too bad.

maybe.
Hit and switch with a very lightweight bent shaft paddle is wonderful and calls for some coordination and practice. If you drop the paddle in the water when you switch you all know the name of that creek. A double avoids this
Most single blades are 20 inches. You need to put the paddle in the water for the paddle to work as it should. If you don't have 20 inches of water depth you are back up that creek.. A double takes about four inches of water.

If you are in confused seas a double will give you an instant brace on either side.

But I don't see that happening in the BWCA

the portaging thing is another issue. Break apart doubles do not like sand stuck in the ferrule. A non break apart will need to be tied into your boat every time somehow.

I am just bipolar. My canoe go in both lake and because of where I live the ocean. However my Monarch does not like the double and will rap your knuckles if you try.

Stowing the double for the portage: Most canoes should allow to it crammed in using various thwarts and foot braces. Small strap if there is not a tight fit someplace. I like the solid handhold it then provides for easily keeping the canoe balanced.