Hi there, I’m new to kayaking and I’m trying to choose my first paddle.
I’ve been doing a little bit of research and from what I’ve learned is that it’s better to get the high quality paddles, but unfortunately that’s not an option for me since I’m in no position to spend that much money.
So I’m already thinking of getting one of these 2 paddles:
Aquabound Manta Ray Fiberglass Kayak Paddle
http://www.aquabound.com/kayak-paddles/recreational/MantaRay-fiberglass
Werner Tybee Paddle - Fiberglass
http://www.rei.com/product/785575/werner-tybee-paddle-fiberglass
So I want to hear what you guys think in which one I should pick, and If you guys know of other good paddles around that price then please let me know.
Thanks in advance!
one consideration to look at
I might be wrong but I think the ferule (the connection between the two halves) is better on the Tybee.
This topic
comes up quite a bit and everyone names another brand or model that you should consider instead. They often encourage the poster to spend more money or you’ll regret it later. This may be true but probably not. Truth is there’s not much difference between the paddles you’ve picked and you would have to spend quite a bit more to get something better unless you find something used. It never hurts to delay the purchase and shop around, some kayak shops will rent paddles if you want to make a more informed decision.
thanks
Dam those were some fast replies!, seems I made the correct choice in joining this community, very active indeed!
Thanks for your opinions, I wish I could delay the purchace and save a bit more of money to get a better paddle, but the used kayak that I bought came with this paddle lol
http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Tek-Paddle-Section-Aluminum/dp/B000FE5P0G
Yes it’s VERY light but I really need to put alot of effort to get some speed, and it’s getting on my nerves
Both good
I have a Sting Ray and the Tybee, both good paddles that you’ll enjoy. Upgrade to CF shaft if you can swing it.
Jim
another question
thanks for your reply, I’m now considering buying a carbon paddle, if I can find a used one at a good price.
Now what if I find a good offer for a werner paddle but the paddle is 220cm and according to werner’s site, my ideal length is 215cm, will those 5cm really make that much of difference?
agree with the trial suggestion
Otherwise I disagree with the above to a certain extent. A paddle can have subtle characteristics - shaft diameter, for example, or ferrule type for another - that can mean a lot to the individual. If you can, take the opportunity.
Aqua-Bound!!!
Truthfully, go with a 220cm kayak paddle. I know Aqua-Bound doesn’t go down to the 5cm variance but I am measured at a 215cm, and I feel much more comfortable in a 220cm.
Both the Tybee and Manta Ray Fiberglass are solid paddles ($20 difference in price). At $129.95, the Manta Ray Hybrid is also an amazing value as well…it has a carbon shaft and fiberglass blade (getting you closer to that performance). Just a thought…
I would do one of the three:
Aqua-Bound MANTA RAY HYBRID KAYAK PADDLE
$129.95
http://www.paddleva.com/product.asp?name=Manta-Ray-Hybrid-Kayak-Paddle&pfid=APP00078
Aqua-Bound MantaRay Fiberglass Paddle - 2 Piece
$109.95
http://www.backcountry.com/aqua-bound-mantaray-fiberglass-paddle-2-piece?CMP_SKU=AQB0019&MER=0406&CMP_ID=SH_FRO001&mv_pc=r126&mr:trackingCode=6EBE013C-1082-E011-AFE3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA
Werner Tybee FG IM Recreational Touring Paddle
$129.95
http://www.rockcreek.com/werner-paddles/tybee-fg-im-recreational-touring-paddle/16673.rc?ref=werner&utm_source=werner&utm_medium=buybutton
Carbon vs Carbon Blend
Now that you’re looking at carbon it would be helpful to find a paddle shop and look closely at the blade material. Most well known paddle makers are offering carbon blend blades in their lineup. They weigh a bit less but are still the same plastic material with carbon power added to make them black. On close inspection it’s easy to tell a carbon fiber from a carbon blend blade. Once you see these two types of blades in person it’s very easy to tell the differences. True carbon fiber will increase the cost a great deal.
Poly Blades
For recreational use, I like the carbon shaft with the poly blades. They are very light for the money and almost indestructible under normal use.
surface area
according to the advertised surface area numbers, the Manta Ray blades are 38% larger than the Tybee! you may or may not want that (I happen to own one of each among others, and think the Manta Ray blades are much bigger than they need to be). also the Werner has the better ferrule design unless you go to a more expensive AquaBound paddle.
fyi the Tybee in 210 cm has about the same shaft length as the Werner Skagit in 220 cm, due to the difference in blade shapes. so, take shaft length into consideration for your particular boat & paddling style, not just overall paddle length; try different ones out if you can.
True
The Manta Ray is a big blade compared to the Tybee, check out the Sting Ray, I’m sure it’s a closer match and it’s a nice touring paddle.
big blade
Yeah I also noticed the AB blade was bigger but thought it wouldn’t make much of a difference. Thanks for the replies I guess I should try out both paddles, but it’s a bit hard to do that where I live.
Different angles
I believe Werner markets the Tybee as a high angle style paddle, whereas Aquabound’s Manta Ray is for low angle paddling. The Stingray is supposedly more of an all-around.
Manta Ray is a nice paddle
I fell in love with kayaking using a Manta Ray!! It was powerful, had nice feel, so much better than anything else in the price range. It is a great paddle to let you see how you like the sport, good enough not to hold you back yet affordable. It is listed as a high angle paddle and was a fantastic starter paddle for me. I had this model:
http://www.rei.com/product/721662/aqua-bound-manta-ray-paddle
After 3 years I moved up to a lighter paddle but still have and will keep the Manta Ray.
Hope you find great pleasure and passion in paddling.
My bad!
It’s the Eagle Ray that’s low angle. Oops.
Paddle angle
There are only minor differences between a high angle paddle and a low angle paddle. But the most important point is that sometimes you need/want to paddle with a high angle and other times you need/want to paddle with a lower angle. Both styles of paddles work for both circumstances. You only need to know how to adjust. So don’t pay much attention to this. I have a wing paddle, a high angle Lendal paddle, and a Greenland paddle. All three can be used effectively with any angle.