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.