You will definitly want to check out the newest paddle from Wiener Paddles. Its a handfull. I think the model name is the "Grabber" or the "Choker." I can't remember.

Copy and Paste Biatches!

Or click biatches <-functionality added by james



Edited by James - 15 Apr 2007 at 1:09pm

You mean the sho-gun?

I don't work for Werner, but it's the only paddle that I'd buy. I'm simply not willing to gamble with $300 to buy a paddle from another company whose products I have no personal experience with & whose willingness to backup their paddle is unknown. I made that mistake about 15 yrs ago when I bought a graphite paddle from an upstart local paddle company. I think it was called RGP or something like that. Anyway, after one short season, the blades delaminated and cracked to the point that it was no longer safe to use. I tried contacting the company, but they had so many complaints that they went out-of-business. It was an expensive lesson for me.    

There's a reason why retails stores stock only Werner paddles. They have good paddles and they back it up. If they didn't, stores wouldn't carry them.

With regards to your original post, I just had a discussion with a friend about the Zune so I edited your post a bit to reflect what he said about why I should spend $249 to buy the Zune instead of the iPod. I thought he was serious until he busted out laughing.

----

I hate to say this but I am starting to think (iPod) needs to be challenged... by the New (Zune) coming out of (Microsoft). I have heard good things and I personally think that although (iPod) has a good Product they need a good ding taken out of their budget to remind them that we are a competitive market place. It also kinda drives me crazy that we all stick to that brand and don't see many other options because shops are afraid of buying the competition and risking a loss. You all know I have a (iPod) so it's not like I don't like their (MP3 player), I just think there is other options out there.

I might be looking for that next (MP3 player) soon, and I doubt I will be looking at an (iPod), I just think that having a different (MP3 player) populate our area will do more good for our community, and help diversify a pretty one sided market.

I am totally lost on the whole Ipod Zune deal, I think your just mocking me but I am not sure? I think we're entering the realm of double or triple post baiting and I am starting to get dizzy. All I know is that the "Ding from the Budget "comment was the bait and it is freakin in your tummy nice and yummy.

I'm just saying I think it would be nice to walk into a paddle shop and see more than a brand sitting on the wall or maybe 2- 3 at best. It would be pretty cool to see more out there. There are tastes too, some people just have different preferences. Ken Whiting swears by Aquabound and I have broken so many I gag when i think about them. I would be bummed if there was only the Ipod out there too! there is nothing wrong with competing for the highest level for your field, application, or product. Thats how Werners are created and formed. Test, Experience, Research Development, Production, Sales, Experience, and so on.... I am looking for others, not everyone has too though.

So in short I am not in your situation Ron. I have only paddled a few different paddles out there. Mainly because thats all there is out there locally, and of those werner is the best for me. And I know it is a totally personal thing. But I know this too. If I stopped on my first choice I would not have tried Werner and until I have tried all the different paddles out there, how could I honestly say that werner is the only thing I will use or buy. I can't, and I although I want to try every paddle out there... I know that is kinda far fetched and it would take like 15 + years to know everything about them all. So in the mean time I would like to try more than just a couple brands.

Now I am not going to do the tit tat tally wack <~ what is that? but before you edit my little posts don't just cut important stuff that pretty much changes my whole statement and changes the whole perspective of what I said. The whole point of my statement is Selection benefits the community, I can't comment on what your trying to get at cause I am not sure, but based on your last post I think it was the opposite of what I am going for.

I say any paddles that are worthy contenders should be available or tested by our region and that can't happen if the marketplace is not open to new competition. I want an open minded marketplace, you are suggesting a close minded one and that is a bummer because that's just not how I swing baby yea!

~J

dude, i hear that harmony and AB both make bomber paddles.

If money is no factor then have some wicked wood paddle made. Do like something ultra light and rigid to your taste. Then you have flavor, design, sustainable materials, and natural strength.

I want to start trying wooden paddles but there really are'nt any around in the shops or rivers to try. And just hefting up some cash to try something new ain't gonna happen.

~J

Ya, I was looking at the player or the double diamond. I'll have to check out the player.

I prefer the feel of AT's overall, but they do have a better chance of catastrophically breaking than Werners do.  Saw Hotel Charlie last night and saw about ten broken AT's (ya, those were off of HUGE drops, I know). 

AT is a great paddle,, and they sell them off the shelf with 10 degree feathers.  I broke mine in the middle ( the epoxy joint failed)  it was repaired by AT, but I had to pay shipping down there and wait 3 weeks.

i'm pretty sure he uses the one larger than the player.

"...plus the only thing a 45 or 90 is good for is the wind". 

Uh... I would also say there are alot of other negatives with both also.

It is totally personal preference. Lower Feathers on creeks are more prone to shaft breaks, but less prone to hard pulling or shifting on entry with waterfalls. Higher feathered blades allow you to back deck roll with about half the amount of wrist cock to keep the blade face open. As you lower the feather you have to compensate more and more with your wrists.

ching ching
~J