AquaBound paddle durability

[FullGnarlzOC]

How long have your aqua "breaks' lasted? I picked mine up the week before cheatfest(may 1st)....and joe and tony rolled up to my driveway, and when showing them my 'sweet new paddle'... Joe says "oh...Aqua Break...yeah you'll break it this weekend"

He was dead serious too. Said not to get any 'knicks' or scratches on the shaft, because that's how they'll break.

After paddling hard every weekend all summer... the 'Stinger' still lives on(knocked on wood). There isn't a spot on the shaft where it doesn't have major knicks. It takes most of the damage during roll scenerios, where the paddle take the hits instead of my face(knocked on wood again).

This past weekend, i rode a huge rock brace all the way down and out from a 10ft drop, very similar to wes' gorilla brace during the race. Paddle handled that no problem, even with all the gouges in it. I had my weight leaning on it too... that was the only thing that saved me from being windowed.

[FullGnarlzOC]

and only $80. Anyone else still use an AB? If not...have you used one? or many? tell me ur AB story!

[TheKrikkitWars]

It takes most of the damage during roll scenerios, where the paddle take the hits instead of my face(knocked on wood again).

I think I can see why they thought you would break it...

[Jim]

I beat on my AB paddles. They are my favorite training paddle- there is some flex to the shaft, and more to the blade, which protects my shoulders and arms. Like you, I have braced the shaft off rocks and they hold up... and low water paddling (that I do not want to do with a nice Mitchell or Symmetria paddle) slowly grinds down the blade but otherwise they are fine. I consider them to be a great $ deal for a paddle.

[oopsiflipped]

wow, eddie. maybe you could try sucking less and they would last longer. just an idea.

[FullGnarlzOC]

lol, i'll keep that into consideration 'oopsiflipped' heh. even with a summers worth of suckage, it still held up.

[AJ]

Quite a few of us use them in our Colorado mank. Our shallow creeks are hard on good paddles. ABs are inexpensive and Bending Branches will fix them versus having to buy a complete new paddle like Werner for example.

I have never broken an AB shaft, but the blade, when it breaks, it breaks all the way. It can be ugly, if your in the meat.

[markzak]

I broke my aquabound the first day I used it on the spine. For the way that I paddle, a plastic blade with a hollow core is just never going to cut it.

[FullGnarlzOC]

maybe i got a good one? if it last for another couple of months... i have to say... i might get another one or 2. they r cheap. and paddles r like hockey sticks... they are going to break regardless. it's only a matter of time and luck.

I could use somethign stiffer tho. what do you mean on it's spine? back of blade?

[marclamenace]

I also think they are though and inexpensive but less than desirable to paddle with. They just flex so much you feel like paddling with a jello stick. I use mine as a spare, serves a double purpose by motivating me not to break the other one, for I just don't want to end up using the AB.

[FullGnarlzOC]

definitely paddling a noodle...

[marclamenace]

Yeap, and when in need of a short, quick and strong stroke... Annoying.

[phreon]

If you want a stick that's cheap, hardly gives and don't mind weight, check out a Grey Owl Hammerhead. Fiberglass laid up wooden paddle. Hard to find in the States, but I had mine shipped from CA for around same price as a AB Carbon. Great T-grip shape too. They say it's for Class I-III, but it's *at least* as strong as an AB; I swear I could dent a tank with mine.

It's a flat blade, but definitely has a stronger catch than my AB. Granted I'm not in the same shape as many of you, but I've never been able to make it flutter. Underwater recoveries are pretty clean too, but with a tiny bit more drag than the AB given the blade is thicker.

Doug

[gumpy]

i've broken 3- 2 blades, 1 shaft. bending branches replaced the 2 broken blades and i fixed the shaft with a dowel. the shaft was my fault.

[jscottl67]

Mine is still doing ok. Plastic blade is a little chewed up, but shaft is fine. How are most broken (at joint of blade to shaft would be my guess)? And Eddy, were they yakkers (much longer shaft)?