I currently am using a 25+ year old Mitchell C-1 paddle in my MR Freedom Solo. It is in good condition, but I am feeling a bit guilty using a paddle that maybe should be retired to a display position.
If I replace it, I would like to stay with wood, stick with a T-grip for whitewater, and have some sort of polyurethane or glass edge for the tip. Mitchell has a serviceable model. What are you C-1 paddlers using?
Jim
BTW: For those of you who were involved in last Saturday's "What wood is the veneer of my Mitchell paddle" discussion, I spoke with Mitchell paddles and in the '70s they were using both cherry and walnut. From teh color, I would guess that it was cherry.
But it’s a warclub. I paddled my Osprey on some easy class II with the Zav and really enjoyed it. Only got tripped up by the bentshaft a few times. Sure is light!
Makes me wonder if I could make that stick last in Cl III?
The Guide, er, Freedom is more like the Osprey than a whitewater boat. I’d be inclined to try a nice light bentshaft in that boat.
Ever try a spoon blade? Try the Aquabound Edge. I love mine, this thing’s got bite! Supposed to be durable, but I can’t attest to that yet as mine has only been out a couple dozen times. At around $75, its a heck of a paddle.
Actually, yes Back about 1976 or 77 I converted a broken Ki1 paddle to a T-grip and used it on the Yough several times. It was overly spooned, and I didn’t care for it.
I plan on sticking with A) wood, and B) flat. Old dog, new tricks and all that.
Echo paddle for sale, 60" incredible paddle, about as good as can be made of wood. if the size is right, i can send you photos of this baby. little use, it’s all but new. stiff, strong, and relatively light. a stick of choice by c1 creek boaters due to it’s strength.
Hmmmmmmm I tried several ways to get tot Echo paddles, but couldn’t get through. Maybe later.
If I wanted to drop $300+ on a canoe paddle, I would order a custom Keith Backlund or a Jim Snyder paddle. Both make exquisite wood creations, but I don’t want to go there.
Another vote for the Bending Branches Expedition Plus straight shaft.
I sometimes paddle a Mad River Guide.
I always carrying a straight shaft & a bent shaft.
Bending Branches has a nice bent shaft; the Sun Shadow.
Both excellent paddles for the cost in my opinion.
There are several reviews on both of these paddles in the product review section.