This is what I bought in 2016.  It's a nice compromise down from the powersurge. (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
I couldn't be happier with it and frankly, don't want anything lighter.  Mine is 12oz. as I got the carbon fiber grip instead of plastic.  I asked for a blemished model and saved $20.  I'm still not sure where the blemish is.

Yeah, they're "blemmed" up pretty good after the first trip anyway.  Why not put an extra $20 in your pocket. 

Whenever I'm offered a blem model on anything I jump at it.  I got a blem stove floor model, a blem space heater, and bought a blem tarp last summer.  It's another reason to love distributors like Sierra Trading Post.

I had been looking at the Bending Branches Black Pearl because I really like their grips and love my BB Sun Shadow 14 degree wood paddle, but about the time I was ready to buy, they stopped making it.  The deal was they had been getting too many returns about edge damage.  My thought is that was more due to the paddler and not the paddle. 

Last year I found the Werner Algonquin at Copia and got the show discount on it, as the BB folks did not have any plans on another carbon blade (so they said).  I am very happy with it and it is slightly under the ZRE in price at $289 list. It is just under 11 oz.  I find the blade a bit on the smaller side, but they claim it provides a softer 'catch', so maybe easier on the muscles. At 95 sq. in. it is only marginally smaller than the BB.  It performed well on last summer's Q trip and it has become my go to paddle. 

That said, BB DID come out last fall with the Black Pearl II.  It lists for $249 and comes in at 16 oz. with a reinforced edge.  Area is 105 sq. in.   I have no experience with it (yet), but plan to check it out at Copia this year. 

pd

portage dog wrote on Jan 10^th, 2018 at 12:31am:


pd -

Is that Werner paddle of yours a bent shaft?  I can't seem to find any bentshafts on their website.  Their touring paddle comes in at "under 12 oz." but the one I find seems to be a straight shaft.

gymcoachdon -

"Cheap" is often synonymous in my mind with "best possible use of my limited canoe-camping dollars! "

Jimbo   

gymcoachdon wrote on Jan 12^th, 2018 at 4:39pm:


Amen!

Jimbo   

Jimbo,

You're in the right spot, the devil is in the details.  I blame Werner - they are primarily a kayak paddle maker so they are just learning to speak 'canoe'.  The Algonquin is only available in a straight shaft...however....IF you look at their webpage in the different shaded blue table and click on Blade Shape, it says "Canoe Touring - 10 degree offset".  Sooooo, the SHAFT is straight and they consider the BLADE offset...or bent, if you will.    Seriously?  Mine is a 52" and I believe I weighed it at 10.75 oz, but now, of course my scale is not working.  For something slightly heavier, but a Bennie cheaper, the Churchill is a 'glass paddle and 16 oz. - about the same as the BB Black Pearl II. 

I agree with your definition of cheap!  I almost never by anything at full price.  If you are patient, everything goes on sale at some point. (portage monkeys included)  I declared mine a self-birthday present.

The thing about light weight paddles is they spoil you and even a 20 oz. wood blade feels like swinging a log around after that.  It's so light, occasionally, I mis-position a brace or stroke.  As Solus said, thousands of strokes, it takes a lot of weight and wear/tear off the muscles and joints. 

pd

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   

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   

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   

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!

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.