Eagle Ray Carbon 4-Piece Snap Button

I purchased the Eagle Ray 230cm, all carbon, TLC as an upgrade from a Carlisle paddle. Make no mistake this was very a advantageous move. I liked it very much. Over time it has proved to be very strong (I keep it by my bed to beat burglars away), in my area we have many oyster beds and rocks to deal with and it has found them all it seems. After an estimated 35 trips it has a few scratches and a scar for showing its worth. In the performance department it has proven to be a great relaxed paddling machine. It propels my 16'10" boat at a nice comfy pace. Minimal flutter, easy entry and exit, and light weight to boot.

I give it an 8 due to having to work pretty hard with it in rougher currents (should break out a high angle at these times). And that I do have a more natural high angle stroke. I have to keep telling myself to relax with this paddle. So if you are into a nice cruising speed instead of an aggressive run, then this is your paddle for big boats.

My wife and I have used these paddles for >2 years and have quite a few hours of paddling both fresh and salt water. They are good paddles for the price except for the TLC. We have had problems both keeping them locked (we replaced our original purchased paddles as they would not lock at all) and in getting them apart especially after an ocean paddle as they get sandy when we land. We are going to sell them and get another brand even if they cost more. It is not worth it to stand at a launch site and take 10 minutes to either assemble or disassemble these paddles. The company needs to re-assess this design.

I have been guiding trips on lake Michigan and Green Bay with this paddle for the past two seasons. It works well enough; if I don't notice anything wrong with it, it's OK by me..."Set it and Forget it." That said, I have noticed this paddle a few times.

Firstly, I have had a problem with the TLC loosening for the last two months or so, usually after a few hours of paddling at a 60deg feather. Recently my paddle has ceased to pull apart anymore. I know that I have had a problem with my lower-end rental paddles not coming apart (apparently the ferrule swells for some reason), so this must be a problem through the line.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the shaft of the paddle has a series of small, raised ridges on it, which prevent it from being totally smooth. I am not sure what purpose the ridges serve, but I think that it takes away from the overall feel and appearance of the paddle. Also the carbon layup is not quite as nicely executed as other paddles; there are some inconsistent spots where the carbon has apparently stretched. This may actually be a cosmetic blem, now that I think about it...pro purchase is usually factory "seconds."

Usage wise, the paddle does pretty well. I have always felt that the Eagle-Ray blade design is pretty solid. While not a standout for either surfing or long distance touring it does both reasonably well. It also handles most maneuvers, including rolling adequately, though for whatever reason, I have had more luck with other paddles when doing a sculling draw.

All in all, this has been a pretty good paddle for me. If I were to buy a lifetime paddle, this would not necessarily be it, but as someone who earns their living with a paddle and kayak, it has served me quite well.

I have only had this paddle a couple of weeks and I am really enjoy the feel of it. I have paddled it on lakes and slow moving rivers. It is very comfortable and gives me plenty of power when needed while be exceptionally light in my hand. On longer paddles it is comfortable and flexes just enough to take the stress off my joints while maintaining power and consistency.
The feathering mechanism is easy to use and allows for good adjustability. I have not had any problems with coming apart or loosening up.
Great paddle for the money $150 REI Outlet. You won't be disappointed.

This paddle is a piece of art, do not mistake it for its more inexpensive eagle ray brothers made of partial CF or fiberglass.This is an all-carbon paddle that is extremely well made with attention given to the details.I have abused many CF and fiberglass Werner and Aquabound paddles in the past,and can now qualify this all-carbon paddle as one of the best.It has almost perfect balance end to end, no blade flutter, tight connection, superior finish,low 20's wt. and a competitive price.