The Levas don’t have as much tip material before getting into the core as a Zav. If the tip gets a hangnail like piece of graphite torn loss the tip should be sanded smooth before it rips any farther.

Zavs have 3 components, blade, shaft, and handle, that can be replaced if damaged beyond repair. But check first with a racing group and there’s a good chance you’ll find a guy doing very good repairs.

Yeah, nice compromise.  I love my Zav.  I used to use a wood BB Expedition and it's amazing what you get used to.

You are going to love it, it feels unreal, or toy like, when you first pick it up.
Then, every other paddle, even a nice 20 oz wooden paddle, feels like a 2x4.
I also think they feel nice in the hand, I was worried that I would miss the feel of the wood.  Hasn't been a problem!

Nice paddle.

Sew up your fishing net. Tie up some spinners. Dremel the barbs of the new lures. Bring out your maps. Time to reseal the tent/hammock or rain fly. (my to-do list over this winter

Thanks, all, for your inputs!

I decided to go with the ZRE Medium (see: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) ), a "blemished" Factory Second, of course.  I managed to get stranded in their on-line system, somehow, so I phoned in my order.  I believe I was speaking with Bob Zaveral, himself.  Anyway, when I asked for Customer Service, I got "Bob."

Whoever it was certainly knew paddles... his paddles, competitors' paddles, etc..  After listening to the type of paddling I do and where I did it, etc., he recommended their best-selling ZRE Medium without hesitation.  He even suggested some modifications from standard specs, which I gladly accepted.  Anyhow, I got to spend those Christmas gift dollars that were burning holes in my pocket.  My leg would have been singed had I waited for CanoeCopia and, besides, this particular paddle won't be sold there anyway.

Can hardly wait to give my new 10 ounce paddle a try.  I guess this is pretty typical of the mental tricks we employ to get us through the hard water season.  For my next such trick, I suppose I should start my annual packing, unpacking, repacking routine.  I only have 5 more months to get it right, you know!

Later,

Jimbo   

Jimbo wrote on Jan 13^th, 2018 at 11:23pm:


That's great info on the Levas paddles, thanks! FWIW I spoke with my friend who paddles with one last night. He's been using his for 5 seasons now with no issues, but he did say he babies it.
I'm not that careful with my gear, so personally I'm a little leery of using a paddle that's not quite as durable. But on the other hand 6.9 ounces is pretty attractive. 

I should have realized that the one length was simply an uncut paddle with a grip that you glued in place.

That's exactly how Grey Owl sells their carbon fiber paddles. When I bought mine I had to cut an inch of the shaft before gluing on the grip.

All good stuff, solopaddler!

So, this morning, I contacted the fellow who used to be the dealer in MN.  Here's what he had to say:

"Specifically to your inquiry-
1. The Levas paddles are probably the lightest paddle made. They have a smaller blade (as most true racing paddles do) and are designed for higher cadence paddling, which is typical in Marathon canoe racing. Do they withstand wear and tear-yes and no. If you were to compare them to a bending branches paddle, no. But compared to other racing paddles, yes.

There are other heavier carbon paddles which are heavier and more durable, such as the ZRE medium, which also has a larger blade, and is heavier at 12-13 ounces. It’s my preferred paddle for day tripping and early season paddling. Wenonah Canoe also carries a knock off of the ZRE paddle

2. Many racing paddles are made in small shops with maybe 1-2 employees, except Zaveral, which is more of a higher end performance company, uses their carbon fiber shafts in a variety of applications and industries, so the shafts come in 1 length, with grips not attached. We then cut the shafts down, and epoxy the grip on place.

Race boats tend to have less freeboard than touring canoes, and with long shaft paddles, cadence becomes an issue. It’s a lot of paddle to swing around. I’m 6’, and use either a 49” or 50” paddle. Rarely do racers go much longer."

His point #2 explains why the paddle only comes in one size.

Thanks for the Grey Owl referral.  You'll note their "usage" comment indicates "marathon or outrigger racing" as its primary application.

All of this is great food for thought.  Thanks!

Jimbo   

Jimbo wrote on Jan 13^th, 2018 at 2:41pm:


This is the paddle that was recommended to me recently by a paddling friend of mine who has used one for several seasons. I had no idea about the sizing thing until you mentioned that. I agree it is kind of weird. All I can tell you is my friend raves about it.
I'd probably reach out to the guy directly and inquire.
Grey Owl paddles are another highly regarded Canadian brand that I actually have paddled with. Their carbon fiber bent shaft retails for around $240 Canadian, so roughly $192 U.S.

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Solopaddler -

You're right, I've never even heard of him before.  That's a remarkable-sounding (& looking) paddle, however!  Do you have direct, personal experience with it or know anyone who has actually used one?  The paddle appears well-suited for "race conditions."  I'm wondering how well they would hold up in normal North Country usage?  While I would do my best to protect my investment in a 100% carbon fiber paddle, I guess I'm not familiar enough with them to know whether or not I might bust one the first time I graze it on an unseen rock (or two) underwater.

Also, it appears the only bent shaft they offer is 55 inches in length.  I normally use a 54 inch bent shaft paddle, so I doubt I would have an issue.  Still, I'm a bit surprised a bit by that.  Perhaps I am reading their description incorrectly?

On the other hand, 6.9 oz is extremely attractive at that price, as you say, given the current exchange rate.

Thank you for the recommendation!   I hope to secure more information (testimonials, etc.) before I make any decisions.

Jimbo   

I'm guessing these paddles aren't quite as well known Stateside, but Michel Levasseur makes an absolutely stunning 6.9 ounce carbon fiber bent shaft paddle. At the current rate of exchange you'd be looking at roughly $240 US dollars to buy one.

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