Contemplating a new stick . . .

[Walsh]

I lowered my OC saddle, got a c1 and need a shorter stick.
I currently have a 60" Galasport 3m in carbon/aramid and love it. My better half's 56" Bandit does the trick, but it's stiff for my taste and flutters all over. I decided two days ago that I DON'T need another boat (which I budgeted for), so I'm going to get the paddle I want. [It's funny - I'll paddle anything that floats and don't care what anyone says about it, but I am a total snob about what I paddle it with. Can't help it. It's the only thing I'm not cheap about.]

I'm contemplating the exact same paddle (reinforced straight shaft 3m maxi, all carbon/aramid) in 56". For the same price, though, I can get a Mitchell, wood shaft/carbon spoon blade. Durability has never been an issue for me, but I'm planning on turning things up a notch this coming season, and I assume the Mitchell would be a little stronger. As well as much prettier. My biggest question before ordering is whether the Mitchell blade is as well-behaved as the 3M when slicing through the water on the offside recovery.

I'd love advice from folks who have paddled both blades, or who think I should seriously consider something else based on my preferences.

Jon

EDIT: Just saw bearboater's comments on this comparison in the TE5 thread . . .

[Sir Adam]

Your current paddle is really a nice one.

If you want variety though, the Mitchel is a great stick, albeit a bit heavier than you are used to if you go with any wood in it (great feel, though).

For lighter weight, almost as good feel, try a ZRE paddle. Just paddle in deep water....

If you like wood I'd also check out Backlund and Echo (look under the "Paddling Links" page above for links to paddling manufacturers that most folks here 'approve' of...).

I'm not sure, but I think the new Echo's are a little lighter in wood than the Mitchells (just based on feel), but you can't beat the Mitchell repair policy either!

Depending where you are located you may be able to check out other's paddles too...I have a small collection, as I'm becoming a paddle snob too it appears (as is my wife ).

If you (or anyone else) is near the Saratoga / Lake George region of NY you're welcome to come check out paddles, boats, or both...I've got water (albeit flat water), plenty of paddles, skirts, and pfds, and " a few" boats....

[sbroam]

Whew - this thread saved us from having about the slowest day ever on CBoats!

I'm not familiar with the construction of your current paddle, but could you shorten it?

The paddle snob angle is understandable - I have heard many wise paddlers opine that upgrading your paddle is very important as that is where the "rubber meets the road". Kind of sad to see somebody in a decent boat trucking along with a Carlisle!

[bearboater]

well, you know how i feel, they both have a nice and very quick inwater recovery. i think that the gala is a bit thinner for most of the blade. but what it really boils down to is wood core(Mitchell) versus foam core (Gala) and my carbon gala holds just as well as my carbon/kev gala.
Prost
-Isaac

[Sir Adam]

I must say that I can have fun with ANY paddle on the water (even a stick..and I'm talking about a real tree-stick, not one of those funny shaped things most of us use), but after splurging on a high-end paddle (purchased at cost:) ) with tip money saved from a summer of guiding during college, it's been REALLY tough to not become a bit of a paddle snob.

Paddling a good paddle is joy in and of itself.

Thankfully, there are a lot of really good paddles out there right now.

The 3M definitely has one of the best water-feels of any paddle, especially given the weight.

The BEST paddle, EVER, imho, is my old Schlegal FGC Carbon. Weighs less than my ZRE (Harold Deal designed) stick, yet feels better in the water, and has an aluminim tip. Unfortunately, I purchased it in 1995 and i don't trust it anymore, and haven't for a few years. It has cracked and sagged, but is still a nice stick...just one I don't want to be 10 miles from nowhere with.

My current stick, that I think is a truly great paddle and i wish they were easier to get in the US, is the Rough Stuff...almost indestructable, nice and light, and decent water fell (not as good as the 3M, ever so slightly heavier, but BUILT like anything).

One of my favorite things to do at Armadas has been to swap paddles...and watch folks in squirt boats for the first time

[Walsh]

I'm not familiar with the construction of your current paddle, but could you shorten it?

The shaft is a foam core with a carbon/kevlar layup around it. Yes, I could shorten it, but I really can't stand taking a hacksaw to a paddle that nice, and will still use it for OC-2, and probably OC-1 from time to time.

The Mitchell would have a little more traditional appeal, would be more durable, and would certainly be a change of pace.

The 3M edges out the Mitchell as far as lightness and "bling" factor.

I dunno, it's a tough choice . . . although the truth is whatever I get, my girlfriend is going to steal it and I'll be paddling with that darn glass Bandit. (No, its not a bad stick. It's perfectly good. I'm just a paddle Prima Donna.)

[bearboater]

I have used the glass bandit for about 1500-1700 miles of river tripping, and my initial oc-1 blade, loved it at the time, until I found out through this site actually that there were better blades to be had.
the reason I posted was that I don't have a foam core in my gala shaft. you said you had the carbon straight shaft, with which I have no experience, I being as nit-picky as I am mainly, only use the patrice with my racing blades. regardless, there is more bling with the gala.
Prost
-Isaac

[sdbrassfield]

Walsh,

I have a ZRE Power Curve, 55", used twice. I would consider parting with if you are interested. Nice stick, I just have too many right now...

[keez]

I got the Mitchell paddle you are contemplating at the begining of the year to replace a worn Aquabound carbon shaft.
What a difference. Smooth and consistent in water recovery, very little splash in the catch phase (which was a real problem witht me), and very little signs of wear though I paddle some pretty shallow rivers.
Only critique would be that the shaft is a little too flexible for my liking, though I could probably bend a 2x4.
Great stick, and I hear their repair policy is exceptional, when needed.
Happy hunting.
Geoff