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ENDO
Splat Wheeler
Joined: 06 Jun 2010
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Posts: 146
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   Topic: Bent shaft or straight?
Posted: 21 Mar 2011 at 3:52pm |
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So finally, the poor young adult that I am, raised enough money to finally buy a decent paddle. I have been running with an old werner fiberglass, and theres practically no blade left. I need something to move myself down stream. Heres the problem(s)
1.straight or bent shaft? I have never really been in a scenario were I have been "man i wish i had a bent shaft right now"
2. Should I dish out for one of Werners super high end foam core paddles? The fiberglass has treated me well, and seems more durable. Also, I dont really see the point of the foam core, it seems like it would just weaken the blade?
Your input would be greatly appreciate
(oh and if you know of a creekboat for sale pretty cheap...)
Thanks,
Endo
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HINDS
Paddler
Joined: 07 Dec 2010
Location: United States
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Posts: 70
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Posted: 21 Mar 2011 at 4:05pm |
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Well, Going to have to say the foam core is pretty sweet for bracing and overall feel in the water. tough to describe exactly why the floatyness of the blade kicks ass so much... But it does. They are way more pricy and from what I see they are probably less durable for sure than the glass only blades.
Interested in a Pyranha Everest? Got one for sale for a good price...
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fiddleyak
McNasty
Joined: 26 Oct 2007
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Posts: 386
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Posted: 21 Mar 2011 at 4:17pm |
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I've broken two Werner foam core paddles. Yes, they are the best feeling paddle I've ever used. However, $180 for a new blade is too much. Better to use fiberglass which is much more durable, at least for those low water runs.
If you want to make the fiberglass last longer, you can try the "McKibbon" method. I purchased truck door liner (or something like that) at O'Reilly's Auto Parts. Aquaseal that around the paddle and it will never wear down. Only problem is you've got to replace the liner frequently.
Straight or bent seems to be a matter of preference. I personally don't think bent is worth the extra cash, but I'm young and don't have wrist problems yet.
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jhoff
Rock Bumper
Joined: 21 Jan 2011
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Posts: 27
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Posted: 21 Mar 2011 at 4:36pm |
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Bent shaft paddles are heavier, daintier, and costlier. That's why I've never wanted one. People like them because they set the wrist in a more ergonomic position, they're easier to keep your grip at the right spot and angle, and they're easier to re-grip at the right spot/angle if you're underwater and the shaft is knocked loose in your hands.
The foam core blades are real nice and definitely make a difference when rolling, bracing, bow stalling, cartwheeling, etc. But the Werner glass blades are the most bomber paddles on the market.
Those are the pros and cons to consider, but luckily it sounds like your poverty takes the weight of this decision off your shoulders - just go with a good deal on FSBO or craigslist.
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irenen
Big Boofer
Joined: 24 Jul 2009
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Posts: 525
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Posted: 21 Mar 2011 at 4:49pm |
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It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle.
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ENDO
Splat Wheeler
Joined: 06 Jun 2010
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Posts: 146
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Posted: 21 Mar 2011 at 7:28pm |
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HINDS: thanks, but its a bit big, looking for something a bit smaller
irened: thanks, but it looks like im probably going with a straight shafted powerhouse.
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dave
Master Poster
D4
Joined: 29 Apr 2005
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Posts: 4226
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Posted: 21 Mar 2011 at 7:51pm |
Once you get used to a bent shaft...you will never go back....no more wrist or forearm pain when paddling all day. Bracing is so much easier with a bent shaft.
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Nomad
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dave
Master Poster
D4
Joined: 29 Apr 2005
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Posted: 21 Mar 2011 at 7:52pm |
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I use one sea Kayaking too...
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Nomad
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Courtney
Big Boofer
Whitewater,sea kayaking, snowboarding, backpacking.
Joined: 22 Mar 2005
Location: United States
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Posts: 662
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Posted: 22 Mar 2011 at 7:47am |
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Yes the best shaft is nice and so are the foam core blades but if you're not having wrist or forearm problems there's no need to spend the extra money. Since you like the way your fiberglass blades perform then stick with them and the same goes for the straight shaft.
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James
Admin
Sum Dum Guy
Joined: 31 Dec 2004
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Posts: 3595
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Posted: 22 Mar 2011 at 8:38am |
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I used to paddle with a straight shaft long ago ... I remember wondering why I would want a bent shaft. I did not need to change, and I had no reason to want, but like many fat happy kids of my age I splurged and bought a new fancy paddle while I was still in debt. Now like a crack fiend I can't imagine going back. My advice, pay down your mortgage and get a normal paddle. The fancy Carbon is over rated, the foam cores seem to break like crazy and the bent shaft is a luxury that only a retired baby boomer needs.
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dave
Master Poster
D4
Joined: 29 Apr 2005
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Posted: 22 Mar 2011 at 10:31am |
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Once you go bent, you will never go back....straight shafts are for fags....
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Nomad
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dave
Master Poster
D4
Joined: 29 Apr 2005
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Posted: 22 Mar 2011 at 10:32am |
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OOps, politically correct term is quir.
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Nomad
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Kiwi
McNasty
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Location: United States
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Posts: 435
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Posted: 23 Mar 2011 at 7:56pm |
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you're poor and young, straight shafted paddles are your jam.
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ENDO
Splat Wheeler
Joined: 06 Jun 2010
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Posts: 146
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Posted: 23 Mar 2011 at 8:10pm |
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Damn it guys, this isn't helping! Im going with straight shaft for now, I can buy some other gear I dont really "need".
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JoesKayak
Rio Banditos
Joined: 07 Nov 2006
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Posts: 1245
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Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 10:14am |
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No one actually likes bent shafts. They just trick themselves into thinking they're better because they're more expensive, and even if they figure out how much it sucks they still tell everyone how awesome it is because they don't to seem stupid for spending 30% more money for an inferior product. It's a marketing ploy and nothing more. Straight shaft all the way. Save your money or the terrorists win.
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dave
Master Poster
D4
Joined: 29 Apr 2005
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Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 10:29am |
Umm, after 14 years of straight shaft and sore wrists, the past 7 years have been pain free with a bent shaft in both class V whitewater and seakayking. I tried my old straight shaft the other day and my left wrist was popping in and out of joint and it hurt. With a bent shaft, that NEVER happens.
Plus when you push down on the paddle to brace, it is in a nice power position unlike the straight shaft. Also getting a custom 15 deg angle is another key for a great paddle.
Buy, what do I know? I have only been paddling for most of my life...
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Nomad
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JoesKayak
Rio Banditos
Joined: 07 Nov 2006
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Posts: 1245
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Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 10:51am |
I guess that just means you're a pussy, Dave. 
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Wiggins
PP Junkie
Joined: 15 Aug 2005
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Posts: 858
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Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 2:04pm |
Hold on Joe. Either bent shafts don't work and are a waste of money, or Dave is a pussy for babying his little girly man wrist with a bent shaft to relieve the pain. You can't have it both ways.
Dave: I went to a domestic dispute between two homosexual men once where one of the many unfortunate tid bits of information shared with the group was a preference for bent shafts. It appears bent shafts are for everyone!
My first paddle was a straight shaft. A few months into the police academy the weekly beatings my wrists were taking from handcuffing practice and defensive tactics training caught up with me and it hurt like hell to paddle. I bought a bent shaft, foam core paddle and the pain went away.
I get an IK and I can't get a bent shaft long enough so I buy a straight shaft paddle. If I paddle the IK for a couple of days the pain comes back. I start canoeing, and buy a straight shaft paddle. Everyonce in a while the pain comes back.
If you get wrist pain from paddling bent shafts are the way to go.
Kyle
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I smell bacon
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JoesKayak
Rio Banditos
Joined: 07 Nov 2006
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Posts: 1245
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Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 2:15pm |
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Damnit, Kyle. Why do you hate America? I would expect better from you.
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Wiggins
PP Junkie
Joined: 15 Aug 2005
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Posts: 858
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Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 4:41pm |
What is more American than a pointless argument, and crude gay jokes? Both are in my post.
I love this country. That is why I throw things at foreigners!
Kyle
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I smell bacon
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JoesKayak
Rio Banditos
Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1245
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Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 6:08pm |
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Well you make a good point. You got me there. Wait. I just admitted I was wrong. Dammit, I'm not going to make a very good republican. I gave my best shot, though.
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James
Admin
Sum Dum Guy
Joined: 31 Dec 2004
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Posts: 3595
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Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 6:55pm |
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What? You just found out that you were honest this whole time but still wrong? Guess your a democrat just like me!
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James
Admin
Sum Dum Guy
Joined: 31 Dec 2004
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3595
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Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 6:58pm |
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Oh wait neither one of us said anything remotely truthful of the actual situation, Joe wanna run for president with me?
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James
Admin
Sum Dum Guy
Joined: 31 Dec 2004
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3595
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Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 6:59pm |
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We could give it a go on the green ticket that way it doesn't mess things up with the major TV networks.
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JoesKayak
Rio Banditos
Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1245
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Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 8:35pm |
Sure... the Gnar Party? 
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