C-Forum

okay, I paddle one, I like it, I also like my 3M. I was just curious as to other peoples thought's on the blade? I just had mine out today for the first time in about 7 months in favor of my 3M. but i feel it's slightly small surface area wise. Estanguet doesn't seem to have a problem with it though.
Prost
-Isaac

Isaac,

I would be interrested in your experience with these two paddles, 3M and TE5. I am looking for an upgrade from my Mitchell, carbon blade/carbon shaft, 57.25". I am growing weary of the way it jitters through the water when feathering the paddle on an offside stroke. Maybe it is just me. Also, do your paddles have the bumped out shaft in the grip area? Plus I think my paddle needs to be longer, like 58".

Thanks,

Tom

the 3M in my experience is essentially a stiffer, smoother catching, larger, and slicier paddle than the mitchell. they feel really similar though, except it seems that the 3M is more spooned. if you aren't in a rush, I can bring them both out when I go to Louie fest or whatever it is, and stop by in maryland which I wanted to check out the dickerson course. so it is on the way. the TE5 is a completely different beast, it is a bit weird at first, and every time I paddle it, I am unsure for the first minute, and then i realize how much easier of a paddle it is than the 3M. It is a bit smaller, but the catch is way better, and being bent, it releases a little smoother as well, but it is definetely meant for longer more powerful strokes versus the 3M you can hammer on and it works as well as taking longer strokes. I have a TE5 and a 3M that are about 58".5, and a 3M that is 60, I enjoy the 60 of the 3M more, it is a little slower, but I am able to use my long arms then. I just ordered a TE5 from Silvan with the Patrice shaft which will hpoefully be 60".

and as for the bumped out shaft, yeah I have the Patrice on most of my Gala's. It is a carbon tapered, with an inlaid ovalized grip area, and a slight bend at the throat. about 2 degrees. it is with out a doubt, my favorite shaft, it just feels natural, and distributes flex very evenly throughout the paddle. my Magnum came with the JRS and a plastic ovalization kit, which I forewent.
Prost
-Isaac

Very nice looking paddles. Im in the market for a new one too. I love my waterstik zen, but need a new one as it has 2 seasons on it and it is so light im afraid i may break it. Whats your take on the "Demon" from Galasport? It looks like a nice quality/price ratio paddle.

Tiggy, What part of colo are you from? I go frequently to the Boulder/Denver area, and up to Breck.

as to the Demon, I have no experience with it, one of my friends has one, I have a magnum. which is a slightly larger version with out as much of a dihedral on the catch side. a little broader, and squatier. but I really enjoy that as far as durability, however, Larry horne (I think)has broken two. I haven't come close. the JRS material shaft is pretty flexy, so it's not as stiff as the zen anywhere. I haven't paddled one extensively, but I have tried one out.
anyhow, Happy Neew Year
Prost
-Isaac

steamboat springs. if you are ever up this way shoot me a message. Our local river is the yampa, town run, cross mountain canyon, gore canyon colorado river (havent run this most difficult stretch), north platte, encampment river(trying to get on this in spring).
Dont like the sound of a $200 paddle breaking, doh!! I have paddled most of my time with a norse, nice blade but its a freaking club.Definitly liking the carbon fiber.

actually, i broke three of the magnums...

i also have a demon that is cracked... for river running, it's too flexy and the blade seems, in my opinion, a little small... (it might just be a little bit short), but i really like it for playboating.

larry, I have seen a little of what california has to offer, and then viewed more in the movies, but i am still amazed, I haven't done anything to mine. you must simply be a beast.
Prost
-Isaac

nah, i just had some bad luck. and i'm sure it is just luck. but then, i've used other paddles for years without breaking themso who knows..
i do think that magnum is a real fine paddle.. why else would i buy three of 'em! a buddy of mine (ex boat builder) is fixing one of them for me, should be better than new when he's done!

i also bought one of the h2o paddles but haven't been able to use it yet..