This question is for you folks that have one of Bailey's sticks. I recently sent my old Vortex paddle to him for repair. A large paddlesnake at Bull Sluice had broke the blade
I am ordering a new paddle from CRPC and want to know which blade size y'all prefer. I know Craig Smerda uses a CRP stick so I would like to know which one you own. Bailey sent me a full-size paper outline of the Pro and the Medium Oval blades. The Pro is the closest in size (width and length) to my old Vortex. I have one of his brochures with all the blade sizes he makes. There are many choices and combinations available.
He said that a 58" lg. paddle with the Pro blade (covered with carbon fiber), medium diameter shaft and dynel sleeve will weigh between 2 to 2.25 lbs. Is that close to the weight of CRPC paddles any of y'all own? Is this on the heavy side for one of his paddles or about average?
I want a lighter paddle than my 2.5 lb. Vortex, but I don't want to change to a less robust paddle. The Vortex is 18 years old and stood up to a lot of hard paddling with only an occasional refinish job. With the carbon blade I hope the CRP will last as long or longer than my old paddle.
The C/R paddle I have has the larger curved blade face and an extra layer of carbon as well as a carbon sleeve wrapping around the wood shaft about halfway up. I haven't weighed it.. but it's nothing like a carbon shaft lightweight race stick by any means. Frankly when most folks pick it up they ask how I can paddle with a club like that. The cool thing is once you are on the water the swing weight and balance are really equal. When I use a lightweight paddle it almost feels like there is something missing.
My recommendation would be to tell Bailey what you are going to use it for and how much abuse it will see. There has to be some give and take with any paddle if you want strength and durability and that usually comes in the form of weight. I am sure he will do you right. I can also tell you I have done things to my C/R that would have destroyed most other brands in a short span of time.
Enjoy!
Can anyone else give some feedback on their Clinch Rivers?
I like the fan tail spoon, except for the first one I've got ( of of the first six he ever made) all my other have been fan tail spoons and that is what he uses himself.
Folks who pick up my old Vortex call it a club too. It has a nice swing to it and recovers underwater nicely.
I understand that in order for it to be strong a paddle will weigh more than light all-carbon paddles. What I don't want to do is get a paddle heavier than necessary. Bailey said it is a matter of preference as to which paddle people order from him. I'll have another phone conversation with him before I send my deposit check and finalize my order.
Mine is maybe what you are calling a fan tail design. Bailey recommended it and let me use his personal one to try out. To be the paddle is very light because the blade has been cut down with the idea that the bottom have is all that is in the water according to Bailey. Bailey uses wooden dowels for handles. If you get one make use to sand paper the lower hand section prior to paddling or use "sex" wax because they are very slick.
Bailey also make the curved blade style, but not in the "fan tailed"version.
I have two Clinch River paddles with curved blades. I ordered one with the larger blade which is about 8" wide. Although I appreciate the extra "bite" and bracing support the larger blade gives, I have noticed that the narrower blade on the other paddle has better handling properties for compound strokes.
One of the two paddles, with wood oval "plate" shaft and aluminum tip, has been extremely bulletproof for solo open boat paddling. The other has a carbon/Kevlar shaft, and I use it for C-1 paddling.
If I were talking to Bailey, the only thing I would suggest to him is that he thin his blade molds to reduce the amount of resin in the curved blades and make them more flexible (like my Mitchell). In my opinion, a paddle is least likely to break if the bending under stress is distributed evenly through the shaft and the blade. My Clinch River blades are showing compression stress signs on the back face, which I think is due to the inability of the thicker (than Mitchell) blades to flex. However, I have seen no indication that these stress marks might lead to breakage.
I prefer a large blade, but recognize that some strokes are easier to execute with the a narrower one. I will have to consider which is more important, bracing ability or certain handling characteristics, in deciding which blade size to order. I am comfortable with a larger blade (wide and long with a large surface area).
If the blade of your paddle is showing compression stress marks on the back face, wouldn't the paddle blade have flexed to create the marks? If the front face is placed in tension the back face would be in compression.
Many thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences with CR paddles. I have much to consider before finalizing my order.
any chance of getting people who own clinch river paddles to post some photos? i've never seen one, & i'm curious. also, how would i get some info about ordering one of their paddles?
If there are any defects or repairs needed, he does them . His wife works so he ain't got no job, he even has her pay day care so he is at his shop all day and I don't think he even has his first beer till lunch , so he is good for a half of days work Monday thru Wed, (weekend begin on Thursday down here). He and I both got imported wifes, Mine is from Mexico, his is from Maine
He will send you a nice color brochure with pictures of all his blade, shaft and grip designs. That would be the best way to look at all the designs he has to offer rather than look at a few pics of owner's paddles. He is a true craftsman that will make your paddle to order. He is a one man shop. He makes paddles in small batches. They aren't hanging on a sales rack waiting for orders to be placed. He has three or four orders at this time. He will be filling these over the summer so be prepared to wait awhile to get a paddle. They ain't cheap either, but then nothing well made is.
