C-Forum

Been narrowing down paddle search to galasport rodeo. Going for for the carbon/kevlar (aramid) version as it's lighter than the platinum. Some comments on dihedral nature of blade sounds like that if you like slalom paddles and more precise in-water feel of them, you would be somewhat disapointed with rodeo dihedral blade.

Considered adding one of their slalom blades, but there is some conflicting data out there about their durabillity in streams where rock contact is the norm.

Like the rodeo cause it's light and sounds very durable, but seems that handling may suffer unless just looking for a rodeo style blade.

preciate the help.

I have both gala paddles: a demon platinum (rodeo) and a pollert kevlar carbon (slalom) - this was made for me with additional strenght in the blade and it's a little more havy than the competition one.

The rodeo dihedral is fine while playing in a hole or wave. The blade have a good feel in the water, absolutely no flutter, and don't go under the boat in off side recovering. The shaft is quite soft, so is perfect if you have shoulders problem, but if you like stiff shafts this is not for you, definitely.
Strokes with this paddles are easy but powerfull when you need it.
The weight of the platinum model is about 700 gr. (24 oz ?)
I used it all last season for rodeo and it's in great conditions (but i don't used it in rocky rivers)

The slalom pollert is a more traditional model, I prefer it for river runner and open boat. The stiffness of the shaft it depends from the material, anyway it's more stiff than the demon.
The blade is really good, fast and precise and powerfull without flutter.
It's quite strong (but my one is a reinforced one) but not so strong like a mitchell wooden-carbon-rope blade.

I prefer the demon for rodeo and play and the poller for general river runnig.

Hope this help