I ended up with this paddle, rather by accident, as it was included with a used kayak I had purchased, and I could not be happier. At the time, my primary paddle was a $350.00 Werner Camano Carbon, which developed cracks on both blades. Werner told me they would repair my Camano, for $260.00, which is roughly $130.00 more than the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon costs, brand new. With the Sting Ray weighing only 5 ounces more than the Camano, I simply could not see any reason to go back to the Werner.
The Sting Ray uses a carbon fiber shaft, which cuts the weight down considerably, and fiberglass infused blades, which, judging by the amount of physical abuse I tend to throw at my paddles, are considerably sturdier than the more costly carbon fiber blades on my Werner. Another point in the Aqua-Bound paddle's favor, is the shaft locking system, which they call Posi-Lock. This ferrule is as adjustable as that found on my Werner, however, it is far more forgiving. My Werner was constantly getting stuck together, as I was fairly negligent in cleaning the internal parts. My Aqua-Bound has never stuck together.
It's at this point that you need to ask yourself, is it worth it, buying a Werner? They cost $240.00 more than an Aqua-Bound, are less forgiving than an Aqua-Bound, are not as durable as an Aqua-Bound, and all that they offer is weighing 5 ounces less than the Aqua-Bound.
For me, it's a no-brainer.
