TYBEE FG

Overall, a fine paddle in terms of weight and width, but for a paddle that is $180 I had two weird problems with it, not to mention glib lip service from Werner itself, which left me not wanting to give them my money again.

Problem 1: after using this paddle for 3 years, suddenly one day the two shafts stopped clicking in place. Somehow the clasp button feature that snaps the two shafts in place and then allows you to separate them, once connected, got damaged in such a way as to prevent them from staying in place. The paddle was still usable, but it felt very compromised -- especially if paddling rapids when all of a sudden the paddle comes apart!

Problem 2: when portaging around a huge logjam once, I threw the paddle atop the tall bank that I had to pull my boat up and over since it was muddy, I was frustrated, and I knew I needed both hands. When I relocated my paddle I found the shaft broken at its clasp. Just smashed. Now the paddle was totally dysfunctional, so I had to "doggie-paddle" with each blade/shaft in each hand, for 4.5 miles. I was not a happy paddler!

Werner offered no sympathy and stated that a "technician" would look at it, but (a) that alone would cost something like $60 (not including shipping it out to Washington),(b) there was no guarantee that it could be fixed in the first place, and (c) even if it could be fixed, that would cost additional money. Or...I could just buy a new paddle from a different manufacturer, thank you very much. Which is what I did.

I recently purchased the Werner Tybee hooked paddle, and have been cursing ever since - for having waited so long before making the switch! I was happy enough with my previous paddle (Bending Branches Bounce), but after a friend recommended the Tybee I decided to take a chance. Money well spent! With that said, it costs less than many of Werner's paddles so I didn't really break the bank either.

I have a wide SOT kayak which means I need a long paddle, so I got the longest one available (250 cm). Still plenty light for a long day on the water, and what a difference the hooked blade makes. Adjustable ferrule system makes it easy to separate and adjust for different angles, and locks securely in place. Highly recommended

I like high angle paddles and after trying many this is the first high angle paddle that is also light weight that can handle conditions of the small twisty Ozark streams that I like.

I got a Tybee at REI for $90, the only time I've seen it discounted from $130. It's a very efficient high stroke paddle, but what has surprised me most is it's toughness. I've dug out of sand and gravel shallows with it, banged it off rocks in whitewater, and haven't gotten so much as a scratch or chip. Highly recommend.