Bill: I bought the lightweight paddle. And it is significantly lighter than the Mid-swift paddle. It is graphite... as is the swift. I have had the blade on my swift chip, but I haven't noticed a signifant difference in paddling with it. I had used the standard touring paddle (lightening) in Gronseth's 5 day course and liked it very much. I didn't ask for a trial period, and just ordered from them directly... after a visit with Hank. He was extremely helpful. Actually, I was thinkng about a blade with a little more surface area, but Hank assured me that the standard touring paddle would be sufficient. He was absolutely right. I primarily tour the texas coast and surf. I wanted a blade that would offer a little more "purchase" for bracing and rolling in rough water. The lightening paddle gives me that. I had learned to roll with a lightening paddle. When I got home, back to my "Mid-Swift" I missed the first three rolls. This got me to thinking, both about my rolls and about my paddle. I did about 400 rolls with the Mid-Swift... and only start missing rolls when I get tired (isn't that when you need it the most?) So far, I would say that I prefer the Lightening over the Mid-Swift... hands down. Hope this is helpful. I would appreciate your sharing what Hank has to say. In fairness to the Mid-Swift, I would have to admit that the higher aspect paddle is easier to pull through the water... but, it is also much heavier. Robert cc: Paddlewise > >Right now I am shopping for a new paddle. I'm very interested in the >Lightning paddles. I see from a previous post that you are using a >Lightning Standard Touring paddle. I'm more interested in the Skimmer or >Off Shore, however I would like to hear from you you assessment of the >paddle you have. Did you buy the fiberglass or graphite? Why? Light >weight or expedition weight? > >I have a lengthy inquiry into Hank Hays, however he says he is just leaving >on vacation and will respond to me in a week or so. > >In a week or two, I expect the kayak shops to begin having their fall >sales. No dealer near me stocks Lightning, so, if I decide to buy one, it >would be by mail/email order. Did you buy from a local dealer or directly >from Hank? Was there a trial period? > >If I don't go for the Lightning, I will most likely go for the Werner Camano. > >Any information you can give is most appreciated. > >Bill Leonhardt *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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