C-Forum

I really like a flat blade, but it seems all high end paddles now (Werner, Aquabound, etc) are curved. Thanks for any input.

Mitchell will make you a flat carbon paddle---I think.

Yuck... you may as well paddle with an old broom.

Why would you want a flat bladed paddle again?

For durability and a light paddle in my experience Rough Stuff is the best....and I'm pretty sure if you contact them they'll make what you want.

For a good, solid, light paddle Mitchell and others do great work....

Good luck on your quest!

help at all

"Yuck... you may as well paddle with an old broom.

Why would you want a flat bladed paddle again?"

Implies that I have ever paddled with anything else. I've used a harmony horizon line for so long the once square tipped blade is now completely rounded.

You are entitled to your opinion, but personal preferences are just that. Why would I paddle with a flat blade? Because they are completely symetrical for both power and non-power face strokes and for rolling.

I will check out Mitchell but if they are really pricey maybe I will get a Bailey stick.

i loved those harmony paddles too! i wore three of em down...... didn't break any of em!

For strength expect it to weigh a little more. Consider a Bailey stick with either his medium oval or problade. Much stronger and longer lasting than the other brands you mentioned. Get it with the carbon covered blade and a dynel shaft sleeve. Might have to wait a while to get it, but it's worth the wait. One of those Alabama open boaters call him the Picasso of paddle makers. I'd hafta' agree with that assessment. I love my problade. Absolutely beautiful wood shaft with a very nice sculpted tee grip.

Even Craig (or is it decker..don't know which to call him )would agree a Bailey stick is the best for your money.

The Mitchell paddle has a much shorter lead time. It took Bailey close to nine months to deliver my paddle.

Michael

Very light - especially in the paddle feel. The balance point is much further up the shaft than most paddles giving them a lighter feel when paddling than the scales would indicate. Very smooth in the water, no flutter, clean underwater recovery etc. They have a lighter feel in the water than Baileys sticks based on the couple I have tried.

The edges are already rounded when they are made - since they will end up that way eventually!

Very durable - my first stick has three plus years with about 60 days per year on it. Lots of abuse - bottom/rock braces. I still have not worn though the dynel tips despite pushing off of rocks when needed.

He will make a custom grip for you based on your hand size. send him pictures/drawings etc. to get what you want. Shaft is typically indexed with a full dynel sock.

I told him my history with breaking paddles and requested he build it for expedition strength. Perhaps a bit heaver than normal but I never notice it on the water. Like I said he works hard to keep the wieght down in the blade while maintaining strength.

Typical turnaround from order to delivery is 6 weeks. Once you get one, you will not want to use it they are so well made - a work of art.

Yeah, that is one of my concerns with either the Bailey stick, Jimi or maybe even the Mitchell. Those custom made wood paddles are going to be so nice I might be afraid to use them! Then there is the price. I might have to sell a boat or two to get one, which would not necessarilly be a bad thing with the basement starting to get full the way it is!

So I guess there aren't any factory made flat bladed paddles out there for whitewater anymore except the Werner Nantahala?

Thanks again guys.