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Name: darreneaton
Most Recent Reviews
The added weight isn't prohibitive compared to the full carbon model, the shaft is carbon, and the blade is a fibreglass over foam setup. The foam in the paddle blade seems to lift the blade out of the water making setup for the next stroke almost effortless. The ergonomics of the bent shaft work for me. It's my first, so I wasn't sure. I've bought my last straight shaft paddle.
My other paddle (22oz) seems almost too light. When the wind catches the blade, I've almost lost it a couple times. High wind with this paddle isn't an issue for me.
I've really experienced no negatives with this model. It's not a 10 because I don't know how it will stand up to the test of time yet. So far so good. Last point on aesthetics, the red on one side, and white on the other paddle blade is unique, and I get a lot of comments on it. I think it's cool too.
As for the blade design, If you have a high angle stroke, you'd be better off with a different paddle blade shape. Unfortunately, I have quite a high angle and as a result I work harder to keep up than I should. I have a fast boat, and move along better with a heavier, longer bladed paddle.
I also noticed the blade chipping somewhat as I paddle rocky bays. I felt my use was normal, but it's getting chipped up a fair bit. My heart sinks when I see the chips due to the cost of the paddle.
This paddle is so light I've almost lost it a number of times when high winds hit the exposed blade. It sounds like a con, but it's not really, I guess. Just hang on tight...good news is, it floats! Keep a spare paddle handy, or a good paddle leash!
It's a great looking boat. Fit and finish are nice. Impex does a nice job here. Comfy seat. It has an IR seat, with a low back. It's the nicest seat I've had in a kayak.
Surfs great. I've just started to surf in this, but so far so good. Not too corky either. I feel like I am in control of this boat. Cuts through waves efficiently. It has a nice combination of buoyancy and efficiency. I had a P&H Orion that made me feel like I was fighting the sea when in heavy waves; cut through them instead of over. Robbed a lot of energy.
It's not as fast as I was hoping. It holds it's own well, but you're not flying in it. It also turns great on edge.
Cons: Beam & aft quarter seas, it's all over the place. If your skeg isn't down, you're not going to track straight. Compensating strokes don't do it alone. I edged and compensated for several days (in similar sea conditions) before I gave up and used the skeg. Head on into wind, waves or tide, it's fine. I'm not sure why my review on this aspect differs so much from some of the other ones. Most reviews on here are positive about almost everything. I don't understand that. Just being honest.
Seems to be susceptible to weathercock as well. I'm not sure if I have figured it all out yet in this regard except to suggest that even at apex tide, flat water, aft wind really affects its tracking.
The hatches seem dry. I'm no lawyer, but I think I could store my legal documents in the day hatch, and they'd stay dry. I've seen a few drops come in around the skeg. I could fix it easily, but it's not much. A few drops (literally) in the front too.
It holds an edge fairly well, but not the best I've seen. I really need to work at it to hold it.
I've owned a Diamante (Impex), Orion, Sealutions II and a Kyook. The Diamante would still be my first choice if I hadn't "outgrown" it. I'd give my Diamante an 8.5 if I could.