solotripper wrote on Jan 27^th, 2016 at 9:58pm:

Are you a double paddle user now? If so, then you already know that to save that weight you going to give-up some degree of "toughness" sort of like you do with a super lightweight graphite paddle. I’ve been using a double paddle for a long time. I love it and because I value toughness/versatility over just being lightweight, I still have and use my first double paddle and IF something happened to it, I’d buy another. It’s my 3rd leg on rough area, can double split in two as tarp poles or in one piece as a pole for center of tent. I've used it standing up in canoe, legs braced against portage yolk and POLED my way thru low water areas rather than get out a wade in that cold spring time water. Lightweight aircraft aluminum so it’s very stiff. It’s drawback is that it’s not light compared to the higher end paddles available, but then it cost so little in comparison that the weight factor isn’t an issue for me, at least not anytime soon.   (You need to Login or Register The also sell those T-handle adapters and Drip rings too. I recommend it to anyone that has never used a double paddle or just wants it for certain wind conditions, like a strong headwind or a tailing wind when you want to get somewhere fast. IF you hate it they sell a T-handle kit for a few bucks and you end up with 2 spare single paddles. A double paddle for a canoe is going to be longer than a kayak paddle because the canoe is wider and sits higher off the water. IF you get to short a paddle, you end up having to do that high windmill stroke that is very physically taxing in a canoe. You’re also going to be banging the gunnels all the time too. My double paddle I use in bow seat of tandem canoe siting backwards is 9 FT- 274 CM.

Thanks ST! Good information and suggestions as always. I've been a double-blade user for the past couple of seasons. My paddle is an REI special, aircraft aluminum with poly/plastic blades and I've really become accustomed to it and its use.

You mention several things that I call 'adjustments' that have to be made when using and I agree with your observations. I'm still looking to cut weight but will keep my aluminum shaft paddle as a backup.

Good point as well on the longer length needed. I have been a gunwale-banger in the past but I think it's been more of a lack-of-focus than length issue.  ;D