C_S,

My double was made by/for Mohawk Canoes, and was sold as a double CANOE paddle, not a Kayak Paddle for canoes. They still make Mohawk canoes, but don't know if the still sell paddles?
It's 9 ft, tip to tip. Mine is aircraft aluminum, with a plastic paddle.
The paddle tip is similar to the aluminum type paddles you'd use on whitewater river paddling.
It's very stiff, no noticeable flex in shaft, but obviously heavier than a single paddle or a upscale kayak paddle, that has the tapers type paddle blade and graphite shaft. It can be set for a feathered or conventional angle.
I wanted something affordable and rugged, this filled the bill.
I double portage, heaviest pack and day pack first, then lightest pack and canoe. I use the double paddle as a 3rd leg when needed. It's saved me from falling many a time. In camp, I even used as 2 fly poles for my tarp, when the tree selection was farther away than I liked. End of trip, I have to smooth out any nicks or cuts in blade, and maybe put a bevel on the edge. For $50 it can't be beat.
Of course being lighter is a big plus, but rugged counts for something too?
I just wouldn't spend a bundle, until you KNOW the double paddle is for you?
 280cm between blades plus another 2 ft or so of blade would be about 11 ft or so overall. The 240cm shaft measure, plus blades is closer to the 9 ft OVERALL that I use. Just for the heck if it, measure the 240cm, tip to tip? Should be pretty close ;)