I've used a number of carbon fiber paddles before. Typically they are designed for racing with a fairly small blade surface area. Bending Branches took an entirely different approach with this paddle. The grip is a comfortable palm grip, similar to their wood offerings. The blade is large. Before trying it, I wasn't sure I'd like a blade so large on such a light paddle. Not true. For slow, casual paddling and wilderness tripping, I have found the larger blade to be perfect. However, one important discovery I made, with such a large blade, order a longer paddle than you would expect. I recommend 2" longer than a standard bent shaft.

Reviewed by: Jon Stackpole from Madison, WI. on 11/3/2011