Re: [Paddlewise] paddle suggestions

On Apr 12, 2004, at 10:58 PM, Gordin Warner wrote:
> As I see it the only advantages of a take apart are, ease of 
> transport, and providing either a right or left feather.  Short of 
> those I've concluded that a solid shaft has to be better - if ease of 
> transport is not an issue.
> It can be glued up to accommodate feathering.  Because there is no 
> ferrule they're lighter and stronger.
> Care to comment?
> I'm also looking at the possibility of a carbon fiber paddle.  I've 
> narrowed the choices down to Werner, Epic, or Lightning.  If anyone 
> has an opinion regarding the merits (plus or minus) of any of these 
> I'd love to hear from you.
>

Last summer I had placed an order for a Lendal four-piece paddle.  In 
the time between
placing the order and its arrival, a local paddler decided to quit 
kayaking in favor of
a major investment in road biking...so kayak yard sale deluxe...and I 
had a second
set of Lendal four-piece paddle parts to mix and match.  All have the 
pad-lok system
that allows tightening the fit at the ferules.   I can switch from 
straight to modified crank shaft,
vary my feather, etc.  I couldn't be happier...I can switch out blade 
shapes and materials to best suit my
intended paddle. Banging in the rock gardens? Use a more durable blade 
material...cruising for distance,
go light, etc.  It's easy to stow extra blades and shafts in a hatch, 
too.

I've put these various pieces through enough use and abuse to trust 
them,
and to make use of the variety they offer.  If one piece breaks, the 
paddle isn't a total toss off.

The pricing has also become more reasonable over the past year as well.

-Will
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