Glass is cheaper. Does this mean you get what you pay for?.. I would like to save money and get the glass-will it hold up to rock bashing?
you mays your money . .
. . and you takes your chances.
Glass will generally hold-up better than Carbon for rock work. Glass is easily repairable when the edges start to get too rough.
Carbon is stronger and is most often used to build lighter paddles, great for touring and other non-impact paddling. For heavy rock work I use glass. For general paddling, training, distance, I prefer carbon.
The extra cost of carbon may or may not deliver any real value to some. I paddle enough and so-like my carbons that I use them when a prudent man might use glass. My carbons show scars from rocks but the scars don’t really bother me or the paddle all than much.
Cheers,
Jed
Werner Glass Is A Good Bet…
Durable and can take a pretty good beating. If you have small hands, get the small shaft rather than the regular.
Blade size, you may want to consider the midsize models. The bigger size blades are overwhelming if you not used to it.
sing
Thanks guys!
You just helped me save some money!I’ll get the glass.
Camano
Linda, the glass Camano is a really nice paddle… I tried a carbon Camano and it was amazing…almost made me “deconvert” from my GP.
What ever you do,
don’t pick up a Werner Kalista. You won’t be able to put it down, at least my wife couldn’t 
Ooops… Forgot…
FYI, I use a 180 cm for surf and 185 cm for white water. I am 5’3". I wouldn’t recommend going over 191 cm for you.
sing
good point
All ofthe Werner foam cores are truley smooth handling sticks. I sold off my Camano’s the day after the Kalliste arrived.
Both the Kalliste and the Ikelos/Shuna are in a completely different class from the Camano / Molakia, etc in either glass or carbon.
Jed
Go Onno
Look at the reviews for Onno paddles. My Werner Camano is now my “spare.”
Onno Paddles
Not only will it be stiffer and lighter than anything out there…but it will be about the same price as the FiberGlass Werner!! Talk about having your cake and eating it too!
Onno…spelled backwards is…onnO… ;^)
Werner paddles
I have a fiberglass Werner San Juan. It is very light and you could chop wood with it, but if you have a very strong stroke and you use a long paddle, it will feel like a rubber band when you push it. It’s a great paddle but…if you’re willing to be patient, call Patrick at ONNO. I have one of his paddles. For less money than a Werner fiberglass paddle you could own a custom made paddle made just for you. How often do you get to have anything custom made in this lifetime? I had an extra wrap of carbon put on the shaft. To say it is stiff and strong is an understatement. I had an extra layer of carbon applied to the tips. Some times you may find out too late whats actually under the water. I had a problem with my first ONNO and Patrick FINALLY at no cost sent me another. He does stand behind his work, but you may have to be patient. Patrick is a one-man-busy person making lots of custom paddles. You’ll love the paddle. they’re ultra light and refuse to flutter regardless. But on the other hand, if you are not a paddle stroke guru, why not buy an Epic mid wing. Once you get used to it you’ll never want to use (or be able to) use a standard paddle again. Food for thought. Good luck! Franklin
San Juan
A San Juan (Camano’s older bigger brother) was my first decent paddle. It was quite good, and it’s big blades were well matched to the WS Tarpon 160 I bought it for. Super tough, light enough (before I got completely spoiled). Going to a narrower SINK it was just too long (240).
I have tried a Kaliste (Grayhawk’s) - which is super sweet indeed - but not enough to beat out my current favorite - my Superior Carbon GP. I also have an EPIC Mid Wing (formerly Grayhawk’s!). Between these two 24 oz wonders I really have nowhere to go but down! It will be replacements of these only, except I might add a Beale 2 piece GP for travel, and if I take up Surf or WW someday (if I ever live near any!) I’ll need a short aggressive euro. For that I’d consider going back to Werner - but several options look decent.
kayak
spelled backwards is kayak
Werner Glass is a good way to go
I have one that’s at least 10 years old, faded to yellow but no worse for wear and extremely durable. Not much heavier than carbon. A great value.
Neither glass or carbon or wood
will hold up to rock bashing!
If you are serious about the bashing, you will have to be constantly repairing the tips of the blades with epoxy on any of the above.
Cheers,
JackL
I’ve treated my Werner glass
– Last Updated: May-12-05 8:07 AM EST –
paddles roughly and they are holding up very well. Never tried an Onno so I can't comment on that brand.