Whisper Ottertail paddle

Whisper Ottertail paddle Description

The Whisper Ottertail paddle is a paddle brought to you by Harmony Gear. Read Whisper Ottertail paddle reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. Check out a few other paddle recommendations below or explore all paddles to find the perfect one for you!

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Whisper Ottertail paddle Reviews

Read reviews for the Whisper Ottertail paddle by Harmony Gear as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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3

I couldn't pass up the deal…

Submitted by: Steve_in_Idaho on 7/19/2010
I couldn't pass up the deal on this paddle at clearance from REI. $20 total with local pick-up. For that price, it was a steal. It is a functional and durable paddle that I am sure will last through many years of hard use, as long as the finish is kept up.

Make no mistake - this paddle is in no way comparable to a custom ottertail from the likes of Ray Kettlewell or other well-known paddle makers. It is laminated wood with a very utilitarian finish, and does not have the graceful shape and fine edges that make the better ottertail paddles such a joy to use.

The grip is too large and IMO needs reshaping for comfort. I used the roller end of a bench sander to give mine that "football" end with a concave grip area. Then I sanded and refinished the whole grip with Danish oil instead of varnish (my preference for comfort).

Although it is plenty strong, the paddle is quite light. And the blade has a plastic tip guard, which is good for use in waters that may be shallow in places. But the blade is also pretty much flat with blunt edges - so it doesn't knife silently through underwater recoveries or give an easy silent catch like a well-shaped ottertail paddle should.

For those on a tight budget or looking for a spare or loaner paddle - or one that you won't be afraid to abuse, this one is a great deal, especially at a sale price and especially if you have the ability to customize the grip to your liking.

5

I ordered the $29.99 Harmony…

Submitted by: mickjetblue on 4/19/2010
I ordered the $29.99 Harmony Whisper paddle online, only because I always wanted an Ottertail, but didn't want to spend over $100 for it. I lightly sanded the varnish off the shaft and hand grip, and oiled those areas. Paddling the 57" paddle is a true delight of aesthetics. Smoothest J strokes I ever did. Well made, and the best Ottertail deal of the century!