That being said, we went ahead and did some pretty extensive research and testing, in order to find the best kayak paddle out there. Below is a list of seven options, each of which is excellent in their own regard, and we’ll take a closer look at them so you know which one to pick. So without further ado off to our winner for this years best kayak paddle, the Carlisle Magic Plus.
Quick Navigation
- Quick Summary: Top 11 - Kayak Paddles This Year
- 1. Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle
- 2. AquaBound Sting Ray Carbon 2 Piece Kayak Paddle
- 3. SeaSense X-Treme II Mix Kayak Paddle
- 4.SeaSense X-TREME 1
- 5. Advanced Elements Compact Touring Paddle 4
- 6. Cannon Paddles Escape E
- 7. Bending Branches Angler Classic
- 8. Crooked Creek C11370 Tournament Angler Fishing Kayak Paddle 7'
- 9. Backwater Paddles Assassin Carbon Fiber Paddle
- 10. Airhead Kayak Paddle Deluxe 2
- 11. Maxshade Covers Fishing Kayak Paddle
- How To Choose
Quick Summary: Top 11 - Kayak Paddles This Year
Our Reviews
The grip area is ovalized, which helps quite a bit when you’re picking out the ideal surface to place your hands on, and you can use it as somewhat of a guide. There’s also the adjustable feathering angle, which gives you three positions. This is pretty much standard on all the better paddles, and we’re glad Carlisle Paddle Gear have included it here.
With a wound fiberglass shaft, you have the perfect combination of the stiffness needed for a paddle stroke and flexibility needed to reduce stress on your joints. Available in sunrise and cloud colors, this awesome paddle comes in three varied lengths of 230 cm, 220 cm and 240 cm.
Additionally, with its lightweight carbon fiber blade, it provides you with the perfect combination of smoothness and stiffness. It’s that carbon fiber that makes it one of the lightest paddles out there, but it’s also what puts the price way above anything else on our list. You do get an ovalized shaft that gives you a bit more grip and comfort, and there are drip rings to keep your hands dry, too.
If you’re on a trip, you won’t find a better choice than Sting Ray! Moreover, this also comes with a 3 hole trouble free snap button ferrule with an option to rotate to 60 degrees. This does give you plenty of versatility, but thanks to the construction itself and the materials of choice, it doesn’t mean that you’re sacrificing any stiffness or performance.
If you are looking for a kayak paddle and your on a budget, then the SeaSense X – Treme II Mix Kayak paddle is a great option for you. It checks all the boxes for a great beginner paddle, but it has a few durability-oriented things that ensure it’s going to last you a while, too, and get you through to your first high-end paddle. With its aluminum body and feathered blade design, it helps you to traverse quickly through water. Since it is a two piece kayak paddle, it is easy to carry, lightweight and easy to use. With three available locking positions, it will make your grip easier – and so will the foam rubber grips that help you paddle with ease even in suboptimal situations. The paddles also come with ridges that add a bit more strength, and the two-piece construction will help you store it when you’re done. |
The blades themselves are black molded plastic. They work rather well, and they’re durable enough for daily use, which for this price, is more than enough. They also float and are lightweight, which is great. Last but not least, you do get foam hand grips for added comfort, as well as three locking positions and an asymmetrical design – you can set it up just how you like it.
The weight is pretty minimal at only 2.7 pounds, and the asymmetrical blades ensure no stroke is wasted. Unfortunately, there are no padded grip areas so you’re left holding the bare paddle, but the round shaft makes sure that you’re getting a rather comfortable experience anyways.
Last but not least, there’s the fact that this is a pretty versatile paddle because both a person who’s just getting into paddling, and an experienced one, can enjoy it just the same. If you’re looking for a great overall paddle that can fold down to a very compact size, go for it.
The blades are black nylon Escape blades which have been reinforced with fiberglass. Not only are they excellent in terms of performance, but they’re also very, very durable overall, and will last you a good while if you take care of them.
Last but not least, this is a two-piece paddle that allows you to set it up in three blade positions, so you get a bit of versatility and choice when paddling. It’s an excellent choice overall, and a pretty versatile one for any type of paddler.
The shaft can be locked in three positions, which gives you a bit of versatility in terms of feathering angles. And aside from the bright orange paddles that you just can’t miss, there’s one feature we’ve never seen before – there’s a notch in one of the blades that allows you to rescue your line and lure if something happens. It’s a great addition and we’re really happy you get it with a beginner-friendly paddle. It’s a great pick all-round.
How To Choose
Paddle Length
Material
Plastic - Pros: Cheap. Cons: Also heavy and a bit more flimsy then a more expensive paddle leading to more exertion and potential breaks and wear and tear.
Fiberglass - Pros: Lightweight, Less expensive though more expensive than aluminium and plastic. Can withstand more abuse than plastic and aluminium.
Wood - Pros: Less expensive though more expensive than aluminium and plastic. Can withstand more abuse than plastic and aluminium and possibly last longer then fiberglass. Cons: Weight
Carbon Fibre - Pros: Extremely lightweight great for getting the most out of your paddle and taking long trips. Cons: Much more expensive than other materials listed.
Design of the blade
Have you ever noticed the different shapes of the paddles? No, they are not just for making them look good, but they also enhance their productivity too. The common and the most popular designs that the kayak paddles are available in the market are as follows:
(1) Feathered
(2) Non-feathered
(3) Wing
(4) Touring
(5) Asymmetric
(6) Square-ended
Weight
Ideally, the kayak paddle should be light-weighed so as to provide easy handling and better control. Apart from being light-weight, it is essential that the paddles are strong enough to resist the wind and water flow effectively. A carefully chosen kayak paddle can effectively enhance the performance and level of comfort while you are in water.
Brand name
Frankly speaking, a well-established brand maintains a standard and sells the product according to its market reputation among the buyers. This standard makes the product superior than most of the other brands of lesser value.
Our Top 5 Kayak Paddle Brands of 2018 are:
Other Considerations
Low Angle Vs High Angle Paddle Stroke
The high angle paddle-stroke uses a paddle with a wider blade design and its a little bit shorter. The reason is as you are paddling it uses a-lot more aggressiveness as your dipping the paddle blades a lot closer to your boat.
Feather Angle
Customizable feather angle makes it easier for the rider to change the way he rides the kayak and they can easily cope with the different situations while kayaking. Alot of people dont know what a feather is when choosing a paddle. The feather of a paddle is the angle of the paddle tip in relation to the other paddle tip, for example twisting the tip facing upwards would give it a feather of 90 degrees.
Reviews
Reviews are another way to know about a product’s reliability and value. By reading the reviews, you can easily get an overall picture of the things buyers liked about the product and what the possible areas of improvement are. So, make sure that you have thoroughly gone through the paddle’s review before making a purchase.
Apart from reading the online reviews of the product, you can also consult with the other kayak experts who are living near you.