Viper Paddle

After much research and query I decided on the Bending Branches Viper which I purchased through Austin Kayak with a nice promo code/coupon from previous purchases through them.

Sizing worried me a bit but the folks at both Bending Branches and Austin Kayak were really friendly and helpful. I decided on the 50" after a long chat with Austin Kayak about sizing, canoe width (Penobscot 16RX) and torso length.

The paddle is light and enters the water beautifully. The longer and wider blade moves some water - something I really like on the lake...especially when the winds pick up (I mostly paddle Lake Dillon at 9,000' and the winds can get kind of intense).

If you're looking for a really nice double bend paddle with a beautiful face... get the Viper!

CONS:
The Viper advertises the ergonomic bend to the shaft and claims to relieve sore wrists. My wife does claim it helps with her tendinitis but isn't sure if its just the light weight. This is where it looses points. It's unique, but I think the claims of BB are a bit lofty.

PROS:
This paddle is light weight, fast, and sexy. I prefer this paddle to any carbon because:
1)I don't race
2)Pulling wood is easier on the joints after a week of 10 hour paddling days on extended trips. Where I LOVE this paddle is that the bend in the stick allows it to do what no other bent shaft could. I am primarily a canadian style paddler. I paddle on one side and constantly cycle through canadian, indian, draw, and pry strokes. I never liked how a bent shaft hindered all of these strokes but I wanted the added efficiency. The bend in the shaft allows me to change my grip and have the blade enter at a right angle when I want that perfect draw or pry stroke. Canadian and Indian are still best done with a straight shaft (Never leave home without one). But for all day trips, this is the paddle that covers the most distance for me. Should make any advanced paddler happy. Hope this helps!