Impression Solo

260–280
Length (cm)
44
Weight (oz)
$224.95
MSRP

Impression Solo Description

The Bending Branches Impression Solo wood canoe paddle will not disappoint traditionalists with its eye-catching basswood and red alder construction. This is the perfect paddle for the solo canoeist who wants maximum stroking efficiency, whether in ideal conditions or against a headwind.The Impression Solo has a solid, ovalized shaft with a snug-fitting snap button ferrule that provides both 0 and 60 degree options, L and R. Its sturdy blades have the extra protection of Bending Branches’ Rockgard® edging.The Impression Solo canoe paddle is available in lengths of 260 cm and 280 cm. It is handcrafted in Osceola, Wisconsin.

Impression Solo Specs and Features

  • Material Description: Red Alder and Basswood Blade, Solid Basswood Shaft.

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Bending Branches
Impression Solo Reviews

Read reviews for the Impression Solo by Bending Branches 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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5

I transitioned from a…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 8/25/2022

I transitioned from a traditional paddle to the double bladed solo canoe set up. My Bending Branches 260 cm is just right for the task. I like the fact that the blades like to come up on their own when completing a stroke. I recommend this paddle. I use a Bending Branches Navigatot 220cm with a carbon shaft for my Current Designs Kestral 140. Bending Branches designs are great value and great quality.

5

I needed a longer double…

Submitted by: aablodgett on 7/11/2022

I needed a longer double paddle than my old kayak paddle to use with a new solo canoe. It's not a pack canoe so the seat is higher. The 260 cm model is a perfect fit for the boat. The paddle is well made and the finish is perfect. The layup is laminated basswood and red alder making it fairly light in weight at 44 ounces for a wood paddle. I prefer the bit of spring that a wood shaft gives you. It's easier on the joints. The socket is tight and feathering adjustable by 60 degrees left and right. The blade edges are Rockguard lined. The catch and control are very good at high or low angle. Highly recommended for solo canoeing.

5

I paddle my kids about in…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 5/8/2018

I paddle my kids about in Pakcanoes (see my reviews). Sometimes I do not have another adult to help and the wind bullies me around, or, the long boring stretch of (usually slow moving, lower) river goes on for ever. Then I reach for my two piece, twin blade. It’s like firing up an outboard motor. There are two different lengths, and I have each for either of my canoes (Pakcanoes 165 and 170). Great to bring on every trip and other people’s kids use them as make shift paddles when joining us. Saves on the number of spare junior paddles I have to pack. Every family paddler should have one, or, both in the range.

5

I love the beauty of wood and…

Submitted by: Nmsquares on 9/12/2016
I love the beauty of wood and my Bending Branches Impression kayak paddle is a beauty to look at, and extremely functional to use! I get a lot of compliments when I\\'m out on the water. The different shades of basswood make it a piece of art that is extremely functional and reliable. The ferrule is made of composite material and is as good as the day I started using it 3 years ago. It is light and slices through the water nicley. In the off season I have it in my living room as a peice of art along side a 4 foot carved wooden kayak!
5

This is more a review of the…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 5/31/2014
This is more a review of the Bending Branches Customer Service than a review of the paddle itself, and should apply to all Bending Branches products.

I bought a Bending Branches Impression 280 cm paddle for use with my new Kevlar canoe. It was definitely not inexpensive, but seemed a good, lightweight paddle for use with my lightweight canoe. It was also the only double ended, kayak style paddle long enough for my canoe manufacturer to recommend for use solo from the center seat of the canoe.

After the first outing of this year, I noticed that paddle had split through the "rock guard" at the tip of the paddle, and the split extended about 5 inches toward the paddle shaft. The paddle was about 13 months old at the time. I emailed Bending Branches with a description of the break, the purchase date, and the dealer I had bought if from. Within 5 hours (excluding the Memorial Day weekend) they replied and asked for photos, which I promptly sent. The next day they shipped a replacement paddle, and asked me to return the damaged paddle in the same box using a prepaid shipping label to be included with the replacement paddle. Unfortunately, the return shipping label was not in the box. I notified them of the missing shipping label and within a couple hours received a reply indicating they had failed to inform the shipping department to include the label, that they did not really need the paddle back because they had my photos, and that I should keep or dispose of the broken paddle at my discretion.

At no point did anyone question the 13 month age of the paddle. (The Bending Branches web site mentions a 1 year warrantee.) And no one questioned if I might have abused the paddle. (It might have broken when I tried unsuccessfully to stop a strong current from carrying me downstream by pushing the paddle into a rocky streambed. Abuse? I don't know.)

I have not seen better customer service from any company and have only seen equivalent service from a few. If only all companies treated their customers this way.

5

I purchased this paddle to…

Submitted by: ghhunter on 7/26/2013
I purchased this paddle to use when I go out in my Old Town Discovery 119. It is made of wood and is very lightweight, also very comfortable to use. I have found this combination to be perfect for my needs.