Crystal-X 2.0 (Bent Shaft)

I cannot say enough good things about my Crystal X 2.0 bent shaft paddle at 220cm. I was lucky enough to buy out a kayak outfitter in 2021, and that sale came with over 20 high-end European paddles from makers like VE and Select. Kind of the "Werners of Europe". I received my H2O paddle about 3 days before that purchase. For the last 9 months, I have paddled everything that VE and Select has to offer. I've also paddled the H2O. Although the VE and Select paddles had adjustable length sizing (the only win over the H2O), I have ended up using the H2O as my go-to paddle. As a person with larger hands, the ovalized grips and the larger circumference shaft of the H2O has really sold it for me. Also, the ease of use of the center mating adjustment is just worlds beyond all of the other paddle manufacturers I've used. That includes Werner. I also owned a straight shaft Crystal X 1.0 for almost 5 years before upgrading. Listen....I beat the stuffing out of that paddle and it was good as new when I sold it to upgrade. I paddled with the guy who bought it from me just tonight and it is still going strong. These paddles are exceptional. The center mating mechanism is the best on any paddle I have ever used. Being able to adjust feather without flipping open a toggle is not a "thing" I have ever witnessed on any other paddle. It was also the "thing" that also made me not want to buy this paddle years ago with the 1.0. I thought that, surely, I'm going to accidentally adjust the paddle with forces from paddling. But...that actually never happened. Not even once.

This paddle is amazing and sets a new standard, particularly in the center mating mechanism.

I recently took possession of a new Crystal X 2.0, carbon bent shaft, by H2O Performance Paddles. After one outing I am hooked. The paddle is much lighter than my old fiberglass shaft with plastic blades paddle. The carbon bent shaft of the Crystal X is easier on my wrists and the oval grip areas fit my hands perfectly. This is a two piece paddle with adjustable feather angles. The sections fit together snugly with no slop or play. The push to adjust and pull to lock took a bit of getting used to but was not a problem. The translucent nylon blades are moderately sized and shaped for a medium to high angle of paddling. The blades seem strong with a bit of flexibility but moved through the water with no flutter. Sculling was a breeze with this paddle. I dealt with Brad at H2O and received excellent service and communication. I had the paddle constructed to a custom length of 215 cm so it took a couple of weeks to build and arrive. I do like the fact that this is a Canadian company and that you can call and speak directly with them. The price is also very reasonable for a higher end paddle and the translucent blades look cool. All in all I am very pleased with this paddle and would recommend H2O to anybody looking to upgrade or buy new.

I have used this paddle about four times now, all on trips lasting about two to two/half hours. Overall, very nice feel and well made. Good feel in the water. If it were a tad lighter and the shaft were an oval shape it would be a 10.