Double blade paddle . . . worth it?

[recped]

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.

 

[tketcham]

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...

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.

 

[gumpus]

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.