C-Forum

I'm in the need of a new paddle. I've found a seda kevlar paddle and wanted to get some feedback on it. Is it durable, stiff. I found one for 100 bucks. is that too expensive?

Thanks,

AdamT

I have a couple of them - one is 15 years old and now a break down, the other is 12 yo and still in use. They develop stress cracks across the spine halfway up the blade. A strip of S-glass on the spine fixes that. Think they sold $130 new last I saw. They used to be on sale X-mas for $105 a few years ago.

Thanks, maybe I should just get a regular wooden mitchel paddle. they are about the same price.

Let me confess right up front - I’m a representative for Zaveral Racing Equipment and as such I have a built in bias - but - every time I hand my ZRE Power Curve whitewater paddle to fellow paddlers on the creek, they instantly develop a case of paddle envy. At 22 oz, the paddles are built out of carbon fiber, air and a wood “T” grip. They had a problem with the original design wood “T” grip breaking (I managed to snap two of them myself) but that issue has been corrected. I don’t think you could break the new grip with a hammer. By the way, IMHO it is the most comfortable grip out there and, it affords excellent control. The down side is that the paddles are expensive - very expensive, but people who try them keep buying them. Like I said, I have a built in bias, so you can take this for what you paid for it. Now if I could talk Zaveral into building a near indestructible 2 piece breakdown paddle that you could actually fit inside these short boats.........

While I agree the Zaveral Power Curve is a phenomenal paddle, I also consider it a paddle for rivers that are not rocky. For weight, control, etc... it is the second best paddle I have ever owned. GREAT water feel (tiny bit of flutter when feathering through the water...that's the only very tiny downside). That and the unreinforced tip being prone to damage and the price:). I use my Zav for deeper water, and my Rough Stuff for rocky stuff (indestructable paddle, really light (but a few oz heavier than the Zav), but water feel is not as good).

The "best" paddle I ever owned was LIGHTER than the Zav, and had a alum. tip...was a Schlegal FGC carbon paddle. If anyone knows of a NOS one let me know....mine is beat at this point (shaft is weakened and worn so it's rough on the skin, and the blade is cracked just above the tip insert. Stupid rocky bottomed rivers!)

Zav is a close 2nd though:)