Re: [Paddlewise] Bent-shaft kayak paddles -- pros, cons, and recommendations

From: "James Durkin" <jwd_at_phonogram.net>

> 1) Are there other manufacturers I've missed?

Current Designs, AT, Phantom (or whatever it is from Wehnonah)

> 2) If you tried these paddles, what do you think of them as compared
>    to various straight shaft paddles?
> 
> 3) Theoretically, do you buy the argument(s) put forth for their
>    use?

I have a Lendal Archipelago and consider the bent shaft primarily useful 
if you need it.  Mine also has the variable center join so I can have any
feather angle I want.

If you tend to have joint problems, the bent shaft is worth it (assuming,
of course, the specific problem is in the wrist alignment that the bent
shaft corrects).  If you don't need it, then it's purely a preference that 
has a few real advantages and some potential disadvantages.

The disadvantages depend on whether you have a blade that leads the shaft,
trails the shaft or is neutral.  Few of the first are sold; most blades
trail the shaft.  Werner adds the extra bends to make it neutral.  If the
blade isn't neutral, it tends to "caster".  When I first used my Lendal in
a running draw, I nearly flipped over as the blade rotated in line with 
the water flow and pulled under the hull.

I like the way the paddle performs in rolling - it's easy to orient since
the bends make it almost self-orienting.  

The problem I have is that since making Greenland-style paddles (regular 
and a storm as a spare) I rarely use the Lendal. I just got back from 
Nova Scotia and used the Lendal to hold up the tarp.  I find the Greenland 
paddles provide the wrist correction (due to the closer hand position) and
also result in lower stress on the joints in general.  I'm seriously
considering selling the Lendal and sticking to the $20 paddles.

Mike
 


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