Am planning to purchase my first kayak paddle and want to spend the extra money to get good quality and light paddle. Have been researching the Internet and wanted to get opions from anyone who has paddled with a AT Xception paddle(carbon model). Also would like your comments on other carbon based paddles that I might consider. Thanks, *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Jeff, I bought a Werner Camano all carbonfiber paddle a few months ago. VERY NICE!!! They are very expensive but the light weight make a big difference in reducing arm fatigue on long paddles. My typical paddle is 20 to 30 miles on the open ocean. I had used wood paddles before which I loved the looks of but I am now a believer in carbonfiber. Also depending on where you are paddling and the distance you are going I would highly recommend you carry a spare paddle. I have broken two paddles in the last year. Lucky for me I was very close to shore but it could have been very ugly if it had happened off shore. I would recommend you talk to dealers about the AT Xception and find out their thoughts as well. Find out if they have ever had them returned because of problems and how good is the warranty service. Hope this helps, Vinny No financial interest in Werner. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 11/18/00 5:51:21 PM Pacific Standard Time, jrowland_at_sprynet.com writes: > Have been researching the Internet and wanted to get opions from anyone who has > paddled with a AT Xception paddle(carbon model). Jeff, I've only used the AT touring paddle a few times (a 2-day trip and a day paddle or two), so I was waiting for those who own the paddle to review it for you. I know there have been members who have crowed warmly about the AT on this list in the past. I found the paddle to be exceptionally well made, light (with very low swing weight) and very beautiful. It has a smooth contour to the blade and shaft that are both pleasing to the eye as well as being clean and stable in the water. Since the blade and shaft are made in one piece, there is no unsightly, heavy or weakened join between the two. This also lends to the clean lines, making it one of the sleekest of all the top-contender paddles I've experienced. Blades are of small-to-medium area which makes it excellent for long days of paddling, *if* you like the feel of a high-cadence paddle. I would judge it as being somewhere between the power of a Little Dipper and Camano. The grip has plenty of indexing and is comfortable in my hand. It is of a somewhat triangular cross-section, which gives it a different feel from the round or oval shafts of other paddles -- something which shouldn't take long to adjust to. The crank angle seems about right for me. The model I used was feathered. In spite of the fact that I usually use a straight, traditional paddle for touring, I found it easy to use the paddle with low-hand control. I found it liked to be held at a rather higher angle to the horizontal than I use with the Greenland stick, but I felt a cleaner entry and more power at the steeper angle. Downsides? $$$$$$$ The push-button take-apart had only one hole (feathered). I would have preferred using the paddle at 0 feather and would order the paddle with the second hole to allow switching. The distance between the blades and the crank are fixed, regardless of the paddle length. I found the cranks a bit far apart for my style of paddling on the 230 cm paddle I used. I think the 220 cm would be just right for me (which is OK since I prefer the shorter paddle}. But the point is to make sure you try the paddle in the length you intend to buy to verify that the spacing matches your build and style. > > Also would like your comments on other carbon based paddles that I might consider. CD Crank (I don't know the model name)-- If you are specifically looking for a crank paddle, also look at the one offered by Current Designs. Not as clean in construction, more traditional in that the blade and shaft are made separately and joined together, but paddles just as sweetly and has a few advantages over the AT: A bit cheaper in graphite. The distance between the blade and crank can be varied by the manufacturer irrespective of the paddle length. I don't know whether they maintain the crank-to-crank distance, but the 230-cm paddle I tried had just the right spacing for me. The grip area is a large oval which is the most comfortable grip I have ever experienced on a paddle. Gave me superior index awareness and grip security without placing stress on my hand or wrist. Werner-- Can't beat the quality. Unfortunately, they don't have a crank model and they discontinued my favorite shape -- the "skinny dipper" long version of the Little Dipper. Beautiful, light and very light in glass and carbon. The one you see on the water. Can't go wrong with the classics. Swift-- Swift makes some moderately priced paddles which are very nice. Not as beefy as the Werners, not as nicely made as the AT or Werners. No crank. If possible, get out and try as many paddles as you can. Compare different sizes (length and blade area) in one model until you get a good idea of the size paddle you want, then demo different models in like sizes. Good luck and happy paddling, Harold *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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