Reviewed Gear:

 

 

Kayak Paddle Reviews

 

Simon River Sports X-Wing ($365)

SRS X-Wing Paddle for Adventure Racers

Epic 4 Piece Hybrid Wing ($400)

Epic Hybrid 4 Piece Adventure Race

The Epic four-piece hybrid is a well made, light weight paddle. The first impression out of the box is that this is one beautiful paddle -- its silver blades feature a complex carbon fiber pattern and the paddle shaft is a deep emerald green. The feather angle is fully adjustable and the length adjusts in a 10 cm range. At 765 grams, the Epic is light by hybrid standards (almost 4 ounces lighter than the all carbon SRS paddle. Unlike the SRS paddle, the Epic initially feels slightly wobbly although after a few hours of paddling, the wobbling became unnoticeable. The two piece version of this paddle is $60 cheaper and rock solid and is probably a better paddle for most racers. However, if you are planning on traveling with your paddle, or expect to encounter a race where you'll need to carry a paddle, the Epic 4-piece is a fine paddle.

 

 

Werner Little Dipper ($250)

Werner Little Dipper Adventure Racing Paddle

The Little Dipper is designed for smaller paddlers and delivers less power than the SRS and Epic paddles reviewed above. The paddle face of the Little Dipper is significantly smaller than a standard mid-sized paddle face, and unlike the wing paddles reviewed above, the LD's paddle blade is flat. The paddle can be used by newer paddlers, but can also be an effective tool when one member of a paddling team is significantly smaller or less experienced than the other team member. The paddle is durable and rigid. While the paddle probably isn't the best choice for an experienced racer, for a rookie or an intermediate paddler, the LD may be a great choice.

 

The SRS paddle features a unique five piece all carbon design. As you would expect of an all carbon paddle, the SRS is reasonably light. It is also very rigid. Some four piece paddles feel wobbly, but the SRS paddle feels like a traditional two-piece paddle. The paddle's feather angle is fully adjustable and the length can be adjusted from 200 cm to 250 cm, an important factor for adventure racers who may be racing in many different style boats. While the price of the X-wing is high in absolute terms, it is a fair price when compared to other all carbon paddles.