SKAGIT FG

Werner Skagit FG 2-Piece Paddle is durable and light. I have had mine for 4 summers and the kids often 'borrow' my paddle in the rocky and sometimes strong current of the Allegheny River and Georgia's Chattahoochee. Even tho' it has white paddle face, the red Georgia mud has not changed it's color. Paddles are still tight at connections and look great! Paddles could be lighter, but are plenty light for our use and hey, they're about $130 - not $400+ for ultra high performance paddles.

I bought my carbon shaft Skagit FG five years ago. I used it about 40 hours per year for easy ocean day trips and stored it indoors. Although the feathering feature was quite effective, I seldom used it, and after a year the decal showing the degrees of feather came off so the angle was guesswork after that. As a relatively new recreational user, I liked the weight and feel. Unfortunately the shaft broke at the joint last month while paddling slowly in calm conditions, so I can't recommend the carbon shaft for longevity. My friendly local specialty kayak retailer, after checking with the Werner rep, offered a small discount on a similar paddle with a one year warranty. I've moved on to another retailer with a better warranty policy, and I chose a fiberglass shaft on my new paddle.

Strong, adjustable, powerful. I'm very pleased with it's performance. I would recommend this paddle. Works great for even recreational use.

Being new to Kayaking, I purchased a low end Kayak and Paddle from one of the local sports stores just because the price was right. In less then 30 days I knew I had to up-grade, so I sold my first Kayak and purchased another, keeping the old paddle. Two trips on the lake with my new yak I knew I needed a new paddle, the old one (aluminum) was wearing me out. So I did what most people do, searched the internet, looked at the demo tapes, read the reviews and became more and more confused. Taking my confusion with me I headed to REI to just talk with someone, 20 min. later I bought the Werner Skagit FGIM 230cm.

I have used the paddle everyday (see I am retired and fish every day) since and believe it is the best addition I have made, the paddle is GREAT! Even if it only lasted a season, it is money well spent, however it is more likely to last for sometime due to the fine workmanship. You can not go wrong with this paddle.

This is an outstanding kayak paddle for the money. Great for a beginning paddler who needs to match usability with economy. It's not the lightest paddle, but its weight isn't unreasonable at 34oz. This straight shaft paddle is also a great buy for the more experienced paddler who wants to toy with feathering. Adjustable to 60 degrees right or left at 15 degree increments, the Skagit allows lots of options to discover your best set up for paddling. It was this option that made me replace a lighter wooden paddle with the Skagit on an endurance paddle because I could adjust to head winds much easier.

This paddle is so versatile and great. Very light weight and work great for all around kayaking. I love how the paddle is collapsible for easy storage and the shaft fits great in my hands with no blisters and great grip even in rough water.

I have a Werner Skagit FG IM in 230cm that I bought in 2011 to use with my Tsunami 140 kayak. It seem like an excellent paddle, far better than most other paddles I have used on borrowed boats. The current model ferrule system is brilliant, allowing the paddler to set nearly any angle of feathering you can imagine. Unlike my pricier Nimbus Mistral paddle, the ferrule on the Skagit is easier to break down for transport. Weight is nicely light compared to aluminum shafted paddles.

In use, I find the 230cm length is great for low angle paddling and the dihedral of the blade on the Skagit makes for smooth pulling action. The perfectly round shaft is OK for gripping but I do prefer the oval cross section shaft of the Mistral.

So now I use the Skagit as my emergency spare paddle and keep it on the foredeck of my boat. I plan to get a longer 240cm Skagit for my husband to use next summer when he gets a kayak. He also likes the 230cm, but thinks it is too short for him.

I purchased the Skagit through mail order based on Werner's fine reputation. It has the old style three position ferrule, which has a fair amount of movement at the joint. I realize this is only an entry level paddle but I had expected better from a leader in paddle design. If you must impress your paddling partners with the Werner name on your paddle, the Skagit should work well for you but there are many other quality brands in the same weight range for a lot less money.

I got the paddle as part of a package deal with my kayak, so price was not a factor. Well made, light weight, performs well, adjustable. I like it and might buy another with my next kayak.

I have a werner mid tour and i may not know much about paddles but this paddle is light and rugged.i have a dagger bayou II and it moves me at about 5mph average according to my gps.thats good enough for me.i was cutting through some ice just sun. apr 7 and man can that paddle take a good beatin'!