We fly with our two Feathercraft K-1's frequently. I always just nest the four-piece aquabound paddles in the kayak bags. The spare goes in the gear bag with the pfds, masts, tent poles, etc. More than 30 flights and never a damaged paddle. It's never occurred to me that the paddle actually gets heavier as the day wears on! Obviously true, as water collects in the blade section. Learn something new everyday... douglas San Francisco *************************************************************************** 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 9/11/2002 5:55:45 AM Eastern Standard Time, rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com writes: > RalphD: You had two questions on 4-piece paddles: > > 1. Recommendations. My advice is to stick with a company whose bread and > butter is to offer good 4-piece paddles for its customers. And that is > Feathercraft. The company doesn't make its own but contracts out. It uses > Nimbus now but used Aquabound earlier. I have one made by the latter and > it > works well. RalphH: Excellent advice! Note that Alv Elvestad at Pakboats also has four-piece paddles made for him by name-brand manufacturers, for sale with his small-packing, double-paddle folding canoes, i.e., very much the same situation as with Feathercraft. (I hasten to add that I have no commercial affiliation with Alv!) I used various paddles that Pakboats stocks during a recent visit and test paddle and found them to be of excellent quality! (No "crankshafts" though.) Best regards, Ralph Ralph_at_PouchBoats.com www.PouchBoats.com *************************************************************************** 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 9/10/2002 10:26:20 PM Pacific Daylight Time, jwd_at_phonogram.net writes: > I'm looking for some recommendations for break-down paddles for travel > and use with folding kayaks (Feathercraft to be specific). For > compact storage and travel convenience, I'm most interested in a > four-piece break-down model. > I use both Werner and Aquabound 4 piece paddles and like them both. Both gain weight by the end of the day by emitting water into botton holes on the blade/shaft junction. Use dive regulator gaskets to minimize this. > I find the Lendal of interest, as I can get a bent-shaft model in a > four-piece paddle. Of course, given an order in the next week to > ten days, I might (if I'm lucky) see it by Xmas. > You may be able to get the Werner Kaliste or Kaui in neutral bent shaft, 4 piece combo. > > As an aside, does anyone have any leads on compact paddle bags for > 4-piece break-down paddles? I know Lendal offers one. I can't seem > to find any others, not anyone else who knows about any either. I > presently bags for 2-piece paddles from Salamander, and am VERY > pleased with them (as I am with every product of theirs I own). I > especially like the individual blade pockets (something not offered, > for instance in Werner bags), that keep the blades from chewing away > at each other during travel. > I do not travel with paddlebags unless I absolutely have to. Why? Why carry the additional weight and bulk in a boat when you can take the 4 piece paddle apart and enable it to travel with the kayak. Fewer bags=less potential airline cost and less impact on camping gear. I don't worry about aesthetic damage to paddles because A.) I wrap the blades in spray skirts, sea sock, etc, and B.) I don't care. That being said, I'll bring a 2 piece paddlebag when I have to due to 2 piece paddles coming along, but that's the requirement, have to. 2 cents, Rob G *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
----- Original Message ----- From: <Rcgibbert_at_aol.com> Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle questions for folders (boats that is) > In a message dated 9/10/2002 10:26:20 PM Pacific Daylight Time, > jwd_at_phonogram.net writes: > > > > I'm looking for some recommendations for break-down paddles for travel > > and use with folding kayaks (Feathercraft to be specific). For > > compact storage and travel convenience, I'm most interested in a > > four-piece break-down model. > > > I use both Werner and Aquabound 4 piece paddles and like them both. Both gain > weight by the end of the day by emitting water into botton holes on the > blade/shaft junction. Use dive regulator gaskets to minimize this. I have found that the Aqualbound 4-piece takes on hardly any while the Werner takes on copious amounts. I inquired on this with Werner and after a bit of a runaround about my possibly dipping my paddle blade too deeply in the water (I paddle mostly in choppy conditions where the water has the rude trait of coming to meet my blade) they sent me some upgrade pieces. The one that proved most useful was the replacement of the snap button holding the blades to the shaft. The original Werner one for some reason has a slit in it that allows water to past directly into the hollow of the shaft and blade end. (The Aquabound is solid button with no such slit.) The replacement from Werner is also now solid. Leakage has dropped significantly. They also sent some gaskets to fit into the blade and shaft ends but I have not used them because it would mean that small amount of water that those sneak past the snap button would then stay lodged in the hollows of shaft and blade end. ralph diaz *************************************************************************** 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 9/11/2002 6:02:43 AM Pacific Daylight Time, teitelba_at_post.tau.ac.il writes: > I'm not so sure about this. This summer I flew several airlines: American, > United, Lufthansa, and Alaska. I carried two, two- piece paddles in a > Lendal paddle bag. I'll second yours on the not so sure, my 2 piece paddle bag was rejected for carry on by Alaska Airlines. Don't depend on carrying on board. I was a bit peeved when a guy with a Fender Telecaster walked on with his axe and my simple little paddles were sent to the belly. Rob G *************************************************************************** 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 9/12/2002 12:12:47 PM Eastern Standard Time, Rcgibbert_at_aol.com writes: > ... my 2 piece paddle bag was rejected for carry on by Alaska Airlines. > Don't depend on carrying on board. I was a bit peeved when a guy with a > Fender Telecaster walked on with his axe and my simple little paddles were > sent to the belly. ... RalphH: Hey, come on, a Fender Telecaster is a delicate thing of beauty -- before I would allow my Fender bass to be sent ot "the belly", I'd pay for an additional seat! My "rock shovels", on the other hand, should not have become paddles in the first place if they cannot take the abuse even airline cargo handlers can administer ... ;-) Best regards, Ralph Ralph_at_PouchBoats.com www.PouchBoats.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Rcgibbert_at_aol.com and > jwd_at_phonogram.net write: > > ... I'm looking for some recommendations for break-down paddles for travel > and use with folding kayaks (Feathercraft to be specific). For compact > storage and travel convenience, I'm most interested in a four-piece > break-down model. > > ... I use both Werner and Aquabound 4 piece paddles and like them both ... > > ... Lendal of interest ... bent-shaft model in a four-piece paddle ... > > ... Werner Kaliste or Kaui in neutral bent shaft, 4 piece combo ... RalphH: I may have missed previous comments on this, but does anyone have experience with the Mitchell 4-piece paddles? (Pakboats offer them as optional accessories with their Puffins; I've only used them briefly a couple of times.) Best regards, Ralph Ralph_at_PouchBoats.com www.PouchBoats.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
FoldingBoats_at_aol.com wrote: > .Rcgibbert_at_aol.com and > jwd_at_phonogram.net write: > > > > ... I'm looking for some recommendations for break-down paddles for travel > > and use with folding kayaks......... I'm most interested in a four-piece > > break-down model. > > > > ... > > RalphH:......., but does anyone have > experience with the Mitchell 4-piece paddles? (Pakboats offer them as > optional accessories with their Puffins; I've only used them briefly a couple > of times.) I ordered one of the Mitchell four piece from Pakboats this past spring and have used it with two or three different models of folding kayaks this summer. I liked the way it worked just fine. I think it is well made paddle with no play in the joints , it seems to lock together quite nicely. Yet I have had no problems getting it apart at the end of the day. And when taken apart it fits quite nicely in the bag of the Feathercraft Java sot for which I originally ordered it. My other models of folding kayak all pack into bags long enough to fit inside a standard 2 piece paddle. That being said . When I ordered my paddle I seem to recall that Alv said he only had a few of them left and he would be offering a different paddle in the future because Mitchell had changed the way they were making the blade attachment to the end of the shaft which would make it difficult or impossible to continue make it in a four piece model. So I think they may no longer be available. I think the four piece Mitchell was not a standard paddle offered by Mitchell but was instead a special model made for Pakboats. But, if you might be interested don't trust my memory. Check with Pakboats. Or Mitchell. Regards, David *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I have a Mitchell 4-piece and it is soo uncomfortably heavy since I'm used to paddling with a mid-Swift graphite/carbon paddle. Swift quoted me $300+ for a 4-piece..but their regular translucents are in the $220+ range. Anyone know why? I wish there was somewhere I could try different 4-piece paddles at the same time. I also need a small shaft and the Mitchell is regular size. sandy kramer miami where my boss (Miami-Dade Police spokesperson Pete Andreu) stood in the hot sun at Alligator Alley while our Bomb Squad searched a suspicous/suspected terrorist vehicle. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Sat, Sep 14, 2002 at 08:57:02AM -0400, Gypsykayak_at_aol.com wrote: > I have a Mitchell 4-piece and it is soo uncomfortably heavy since > I'm used to paddling with a mid-Swift graphite/carbon paddle. Swift > quoted me $300+ for a 4-piece..but their regular translucents are in > the $220+ range. Anyone know why? Here are the current (2002) Swift retail prices: - Swift Breakdown ++ $239 - Swift 1 Piece ++ $215 - Swift Breakdown Fabric ++ $269 - Swift 1 Piece Fabric ++ $245 - Swift Graphite Breakdown ++ $375 - Swift Graphite 1 Piece ++ $336 - Swift 4 Piece ++ $305 - Swift 4 Piece Fabric ++ $330 The prices are for any of the three blade style. The non-graphite models are translucent fiberglass, amber, red, or blue. The "fabric" option refers to embedding one of a fair selection of interestingly patterned fabrics into the fiberglass (patters very from year to year, and the good ones always sell out early). The Graphite blades are, as one might expect, black. The shafts on all the paddles are graphite. So, to answer your questions, they're charging you $66 to add two extra joints to the shaft. How easy or difficult that is in the area of the blade of a Swift paddle, I don't know. It's raining cats and dogs here at the moment, so I'll skip the trip to the garage to inspect my 2-piece Swifts. > I wish there was somewhere I could try different 4-piece paddles at > the same time. I also need a small shaft and the Mitchell is > regular size. When you find a place, let me know. If you find a dealer that has one brand of 4-piece, you're lucky. The best bet I've heard of is The Kayak Center in Rhode Island. They carry Lendal, but with the way the Lendal system is set up, you can mix shafts and blades nearly to your hearts content, so you can try out a lot of different paddle combinations within a single brand line. I wouldn't be surprised if they carried Werner too, since it's such a big brand. > sandy kramer > miami where my boss (Miami-Dade Police spokesperson Pete Andreu) > stood in the hot sun at Alligator Alley while our Bomb Squad > searched a suspicious/suspected terrorist vehicle. Unless the "suspicious/suspected terrorist vehicle" was, say, a Klepper Aerius I Expedition that just happened into Alligator Alley, what exactly does this have to do with kayaking ;-) -.- jwd *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
thanks for the swift prices....guess I'll have to start saving my "pennies" again! I LOVE Swifts and I might as well get what I really want. In a message dated 09/15/2002 5:22:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time, jwd_at_phonogram.net writes: > <<<Unless the "suspicious/suspected terrorist vehicle" was, say, a Klepper > Aerius I Expedition that just happened into Alligator Alley, what > exactly does this have to do with kayaking ;-) >> ABSOLUTELY NOTHING...but when you think of what happend in NYC and Miami being a gateway city...we were concerned. But I did take my Puffin folding kayak on the Loxahatchee River yesterday....first time I'd used the deck and it was great. > > *************************************************************************** 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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