Manta Ray Hybrid

Bought a new kayak for the first time back in April and thought I'd treat myself to a better than aluminum quality paddle.

Since I'm 6'1" and I bought a fairly wide kayak, a Wilderness Systems Pungo 140, I bought a 230cm Manta Ray Hybrid blade. What an improvement over the "includes a free paddle" style! I love the Posi-Lock system, having all those options in feathering gave me the chance to really try out almost every degree before I found just the right amount of feather for most circumstances for me (0 degree, straight as can be).

As I put more miles on the paddle and got used to it, I found out a couple of things. First, I don't need a 230cm paddle (not their fault). I find a high angle to be the most comfortable when just cruising along. Second, the hybrid blade has a fair amount of bend to it. As I paddled I could feel the tips fluttering in the water and robbing me of propulsion. I guess this means that I've outgrown it.

Currently I'm in the market for something MUCH stiffer. A friend let me check out his Ty Warp 215-225 cm full carbon paddle and while I wasn't a fan of the extra weight, I LOVED the lack of flutter while paddling.

At the moment I'm torn between a Werner Cyprus or an Eddyline Mid-Swift in Carbon. Guess I need to check the reviews.

I received a 220 cm Manta Ray Posi-Lok Carbon fiber last Christmas. I've paddled approximately 30 miles with it ,mainly in a Dagger Alchemy 14L. Quality is very good, easy to adjust on the fly, light weight. Large blade really provides quick acceleration. It's a great value at its price point. The only complaint I have about the paddle is I don't get to use it as much as I would like, because everyone else in the family wants to use it.

I've had this paddle for about 6 mos, and have paddled mainly in open water. Conditions have ranged from placid to 15-20 mph wind and 5-7' waves. It's the 220 cm, 4-pc carbon model.

This is a great, high-angle touring paddle for active paddlers or rough conditions. I switch between it and Accent Lenai (low angle) depending on conditions and for variety.

While not as light as a pure carbon paddle, the Manta is more durable and still very light. Other than a few minor blemishes, it looks and performs as new. The shaft and blade is stiff, and I can detect no significant flutter. My only minor gripe is that the shaft is just a bit wide for me, but that's understandable: I'm an average-size paddler, and this paddle is intended for somewhat larger paddlers.

Though I don't feather, the Posi-Lock ferrule system is precise, durable, simple, and entirely wiggle-free. Unlike many other ferrule systems, it's also very easy to clean and less susceptible get jammed.

I'll conclude by arguing this paddle perfectly illustrates the 85/50 rule: Generally, you can get a product 85% as good as the top of the line for about 50% less. At list price of about $200, Aquabound carbon/nylon paddles are about 85% as good as $400+ paddles. Unless you must have the lightest paddle, this is a great paddle at a great price.

I bought my Manta Ray Hybrid at Canoecopia this March. I had been using a lower price paddle of similar dimensions, and wanted to go lighter. Although the charts all recommended a 230 CM for my size and boat, I went with 220 as my old paddle is adjustable from 220 to 230, and with my high angle style I put all the blade well under water at the 220 setting.

The Manta Ray is 13 ounces lighter than the one it replaced, and takes hard strokes without a trace of flutter. I chose the hybrid for price and weight. An all-carbon version is only three ounces lighter and cost a lot more. Further, I tend to be hard on equipment, I push off from gravel with the paddle and lean rather hard on it when entering and exiting the boat. The reinforced ABX blades are claimed to be better suited for this than carbon. The large blades move the boat rapidly when side sculling, and give fast reversal when I need to back ferry away from a strainer.

All in all I am very satisfied with the paddle, and rate it a nine. I rarely rate anything ten, as almost anything can be improved.

This review is of the Posi-Lok Dual Button Ferrule version of the Manta Ray Carbon. I bought the 240cm version to propel my Jackson Cuda around the many swamps and bayous I fish. I have also used it on a few 22 mile races that I participate for fun. I describe myself as a high angle paddler and try to keep a good "windmill" rhythm when I am cruising. When fishing I often stand and use the paddle as a Push Pole against rocks, trees, oysters, and sand. I am impressed at how well this lightweight paddle has held up. What I like most is that it doesn't flutter like others I have tried. My friends tell me I paddle to hard. Whatever, this works for me. No problems with the Posi-Lok! This could be made better with some slots to grab line cut into the blades. For me, this is the best paddle for the price ($200).