This question hasn't been asked LATELY

[Riverken]

It's been awhile since i bought a new paddle. I want to buy a good spoon blade, but $300 will be my limit (if I pay more than that, I'll lose it within a month). I do mostly class 3/4 and a lot of rocky New England rivers. My shoulders hurt so I'm looking for some flex. I already know about Mitchell, Werner, Aquabound, Echo, Galasport, Fox and Saltwood.

Are there other brands out there that I should consider? Thanks.

[Sir Adam]

Since I can't get a Schlegel anymore I've found my go to "expensive" spoon paddle is an Echo (carbon) or Fritz Orr (wood, though Echo makes some pretty awesome wood sticks too:) ). The others you mention are a pretty good list too.

I've heard Class V may have something interesting in the works as well.

For cheaper durable blades the "new" Norses are nice too (no spoons that I know of though).

[kaz]

Why do you want a curved blade?
Which leads me to say that you can purchase a "Millbrook" Norse from Millbrook Boats, and of course Norse paddles directly.

[milkman]

For flex, my wife likes her H2O C1 paddle. Not as flexy as an Aquabound, but still flexy. It's also proved extremely durable in at least 4 years of use now. In the same period of time I've gone through several carbon-blade paddles.

[stirlingn]

I have a Norse millbrook paddle I will let go for 100. Size 59

[kaz]

$100 ?
Where are you located?

[hammerhead]

Just to reaffirm; Mitchell, Echo & Werner. The 1st 2 were able to 'adjust' flex for Me, somewhat. I do like the Norse Paddle look & specs...I'm just not in the market now. This stick looks interesting as well, but again zero experience on my part.



http://www.paddlesandoars.com/PADDLES/C ... OE-PADDLE/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Paddle Power]

For rocky rivers/paddling look for a paddle with durable blade, or at least a paddle with a blade that wears well, maybe H20? That will also meet your flex preference. Aqua-bound Edge would also be a good flex and durable wear blade - cheap option.

[DougB]

Check out Shaggy Designs. Shafts are stiff but regular lay up blades have a good amount of flex. Synthetic tips are most reliable in rocky rivers although I personally miss the "bite" of an aluminum tip on rocks. Best of all for you is your dollar travels far here right now. I also love my Echo and Mitchell.

[Carnuwage]

I have an Aquabound and a Millbrooks Norse. I grab my Aquabound everytime, I cant stand my Norse once I tried my AB. And with the price difference I would go AB everytime.I cant wait to own a Echo tho.

[kaz]

Carnuwage, isn't the Echo more expensive than the AB?

[kaz]

I have a Mitchell and a Norse. I always go for the Norse first.

[Carnuwage]

um, yes thought that would be an obvious. That is why I said I cant wait to own an Echo paddle. And are you just trying to sell something that your company's name is on or do you really like your Norse paddle? I know a couple people that feel the same way. Norse paddle is very overpriced for what you get.

[wheresmyroll]

Norse overpriced?

[kaz]

I sell both. Of course I'm trying to sell paddles.
I like the durability of the Norse over the Mitchell.
For strictly slalom, I would use the Mitchell.