I have or have used quite a few of the paddles mentioned here including the Aqua Bound carbon Edge, the Werner Bandit (mine has a fiberglass blade), and the Mitchell Premier (carbon shaft, wooden blade).
For many years I used Harmony paddles with big blades, and I still have 5 of them because they were so durable. I did break the shaft of one onetime but Harmony replaced it.
I agree that Aqua Bound is a good, tough paddle for the cost, but I have never liked the feel as well as my Werner Bandit or Mitchell Premier for some reason. I do believe that it flexes a bit. The Mitchell with metal blade tip reinforcement is very tough. The Mitchell Premier, Aqua Bound Edge, and Werner Bandit are all curved bladed paddles, although the Mitchell Premier can be ordered with a straight blade. I agree that the Werner blade tends to chip, although the fiberglass blade seems less prone to do so than the carbon.
I have never used a Norse, although I have seen quite a few. Norse is in business and has a new paddle, the Millbrook, which John Kazimierczyk of Millbrook Canoe also sells:
http://www.norsepaddles.com/product.php?id=21A nice, though pricey paddle is the ZRE Power Curve designed by a friend:
http://www.zre.com/shop/power-curve-car ... -p-49.htmlFortunately, Kaz sold me a used one at a good price. It too is a curved blade paddle, and probably has the best feel of any I have used.
If you are looking for a tough, all wood whitewater paddle you might check out Cricket's Solo:
http://www.cricketdesigns.com/solo.htmThis is also a curved blade paddle that many whitewater canoeist seem to prefer these days. It has an S 'glass reinforced blade with Dynel edge reinforcement and a knitted Dynel sleeve reinforcing the shaft. The grip is unusual, rather huge, and asymmetrical, allegedly designed by Mike Galt. I bought one used in July and have not yet had it out on the river but it looks like one tough customer and appears well-made.