Re: [Paddlewise] Toksook Paddle

Hank Hays wrote:
> 
> >>He calls it Toksook.
> 
> Derek calls it a "willow leaf" shape, but if they're true to form, willows
> in England must have different shaped leaves than they do here in the
> colonies.
> 
> The couple Toksook paddles that I saw were pretty heavy (one was a 4 piece
> which aggravates that problem).  They are extremely overbuilt and could be
> lightened up considerably.  Derek was a blacksmith, by the way, so paddle
> weight wouldn't bother him.
> 
> I'm a "competing" paddle manufacturer so won't spout what I think are
> advantages or disadvantages of Derek's design..
> 
> Hank Hays
> Lightning Paddles
> 

Hank's Lightning paddles are terrible!  Don't go near them.  They are so
light and great that you will want to toss away all of your other
paddles, i.e. a very expensive experience.  :-)

I have resisted using a Lightning paddle beyond holding one for a
second.  But last year I did get conned by Ken Fink down in Delaware to
try one out that another friend, Jeremy Speer, had with him. (Jeremy is
a local NYC paddler whose Lightning paddles I had declined for years to
touch because I knew what would happen!  But I had to be nice to Ken
since he is kayak icon.)  It was a hateful experience in that it took a
long time to start loving my Werner Camano and other paddles again.  I
have 3 pr of Camanos (2-piece, normal layup, older model, which is a bit
heavier than current ones), a Feathercraft 4 piece (made by Aquabound at
the time) and another paddle carbon, forget the make as I covered its
black blade with reflective tape.  Only the last one comes near the
weight of the Lightning but the Lightning has the advantage of being
yellow bladed and a better feel.

Perhaps I should paddle one of Derek's logs so that my existing
inventory would shine once again.

ralph diaz
 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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