The Carbon Fibre Fad
The carbon fibre fad....
Some thoughts on weight, stiffness: Lightweight wood paddles aren't something the carbon fibre builders are promoting of course, but they have a lot of advantages that those builders won't ever mention -- one of the main ones being they are all somewhat different -- which is something molded paddles cannot be, other than the sticker you might apply yourself. There is no reflection of individuality, no custom aspect, nothing to distinguish your new ultra-stiff, lightweight, black, sun absorbing, easy to fracture, tough on joints stick. Of course, these are all the attributes those who make them promote -- the very things, that over the years, I understand make them even less likeable. Their durability is advertized as one of their attributes -- not if you happen to whack the blade against something that might fracture it. You see, CF isn't any tougher than fiberglass when it comes to impact resistance; its lighter and stronger, but how much strength does a blade need --after all, it's not an airplane wing. And the price? For hybrids, nearly $300? Why, if the shaft is wood? Is it the decal? The blade is the thing that costs so much, not the shaft -- so why so expensive? And if you are a parent, is this something you think is a good idea -- spending $300 on a paddle, just because it is trendy and has a nice decal, and you have been fooled into thinking it's ultradurable? If the paddle is lost -- which happens with kids...and others...is it the sticker that identifies it?
