What are your opinions, on the best paddles?

My favorites - Kialoa Hybrid, Burnwater Reactor (I was lucky enough to get a 1st gen that doesn't bubble).

I just got the ZRE Dragon XL but haven't had a chance to paddle it yet.

The Merlin CD2 is pretty good... It has a nice flex and that creates a nice little whip at the exit which is nice. ZRE and apex Accelerator are super light but also very stiff. Personally I prefer having the paddle flex a little.

flex = lost power

zero flex means tough on your shoulders and joints

I think your actually serious. How much of a difference do you think a little flex will make in stressors on your joints?

Hit the gym, or paddle more and you won't have to worry about joint issues.

The flex feels better because you are loosing a bit of connection when it flexes and it seems easier to paddle because your actually pulling a bit less.

This is particularly evident on starts where a rigid paddle will feel way more connected.

It's losing, looser.

WTF? the more pressure you feel, the faster your going.

People make too big a deal of flex vs. non-flex.

"flex = lost power"

so
flex = lost power = less energy usage
no flex = more power = more energy usage due

At the end of the day, unless you can crank out 500m racing at 100% (which no one can honestly do), it's not going to make a big difference. A flex blade will mean less pressure in the water but will also conserve energy a bit better.

who says you can't go 100% for a 500m?

That's impossible. You can't go 100% for 500m. It's too hard.

That's why I always give 150% during race piece and 200% at the finish.

Re: Sept. 10 - 11:55

Ready and reach? lol

You like the Kialoa but have you now switched to the ZRE?

I would be very interested to here your take on the two paddles and there differences.

Flex gives you a little whip on the exit, like the shaft of a golf club... So no real loss of power in my own opinion...

This is probably the worst CF paddle that I've ever own and used. It is too bouyant. It weights more than the other CF paddles on the market (not really a con, just pointing it out). The blade edge is not very durable, compare to ZRE, Burnwater and the Jet.

Did anyone buy the $2,000 paddle at GWN?

Wow, what was it encrusted in diamonds or something?

It has built in measuring stuff supposed to accurately measure the strength/efficiency of your stroke.

I'm skeptical.

September 14 2009, 10:24 AM: i'll be using the ZRE XL in SF but, as of now, the Kialoa is still my #1.

Brasca is the best, followed by Burnwater then Grey Owl

ZRE is too light and palm grips suck (although you can change it).

Used the following, all notes are personal opinion.

- APEX Accelerator: very light, but feels solid and slices water well. Love the oval shaft and one piece blade/shaft design. My personal favorite.

- ZRE: also very light, but feels hollow/plasticky - almost toy like, but slices water well.

- Brasca: light, good balance, slices water really well. Shaft is not slippery, so don't need wax.

- Merlin CD2: almost as light as Apex and ZRE, but the blade is weighted (heavier). Takes a bit of getting used to, but nice feature especially in headwind. Blade edge is kind of fat and doesn't slice water as well.

- Burnwater: If rumours are true, Arin has finally secured new production facility and hopefully put blade bubbling problem behind. Very light, slices water like butter, but reliability and lack of stock for warranty replacement issues.

- Grey Owl: Heavy for Carbon paddle (some people like that). Found it hard to slice water well.

- SRS: ok weight wise, didn't like the feel much and tons of reliability issues.

- Typhoon 8: Also heavy for Carbon, but near indestructible one piece design (although I have seen one snapped before).

- Chinook: mid weight carbon paddle. non slip shaft. average all around perfomer. low price makes it good bang for the buck.

- APEX Ultimate: Heavy for Carbon, but easily adjustable length (not on the fly). Near indestructible also.

Apex - Accelerator - Great paddle, low weight, oval shaft cuts water nicely

Merlin - CD2 - Great paddle, weight distribution takes some getting used too but cuts like the Apex

Trvium - S12 - Adjustable to any length and lighter than all paddles. Silent entry and exit, buttery stroke...worth every penny!