Splake...you intend to do slalom? A light stiff blade makes a difference there. (except for the likes of Mark Shriver....who could use a tree branch and still do amasing things....incidently he paddles with an Aquabound I beleive?) If you are putting out over 200 for a stick you don't want to cringe everytime you hit a rock. I think breakage has something to do with luck as well....one of our friend broke 2 aquabounds in one season.....If you buy one of Andy's paddles (Echo) the indexer is nice
What about a lightning? I have one that I cut too short but it is a decent paddle, not as stiff but not as expencive either
anyone have experince with MEC paddles and know who makes them?
I have a Mitchell and like it but it is light and stiff and probably not suited to low water paddling, ( I use it anyway and pull out my ligtnighing when the rocks are more prevelant than the water) they have a range of layups and materials.
I figure if you are going to put out over 200 might as well get a good stiff carbon like Andy's (FYI he does do wood so check the website)
If you are looking to stay under 200 the Aquabound will do it for ya, it's just not as strong
So true about the grip...if it doesn't work for your hand then the paddle could be platnium, you still ain't gonna like it.
Doug....justification? bhahhhhhhh, my hubby has a favorite saying...it is better to beg for forgivness than ask permission........ and when that fails by two, one for her

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