Still digesting and disseminating. Only conclusion so far is that I won't be paddling with a cello.
Originally I never entertained the thought of a carbon whitewater paddle but am now considering it. I was worried about the strength but I see the weights of many of the carbon whitewater paddles are the same (24oz) as the wood paddles I was considering. From my experience I'd give the nod to carbon in terms of strength if weight is the same. The only functional concerns I have are the thinner blade tips and curved blade.
I realize the carbon tips will wear, I'm used to that from my Zavs. But what about strength of the thin tips? Would you be comfortable using a carbon paddle as a pole ascending rapids or snubbing with it going downstream? What about deflecting rocks? I don't mean simply pushing off them but sudden and hard contact with the blade tip where you're using it to stop most of your momentum or to shove the canoe over. Or using it as a pry if you get hung up on a rock? I guess what I'm getting at is are there scenarios where you'd feel more comfortable with a wood blade? Not necessarily from chips and wear but real failure.
And the curved blade: How different is the handling? I won't have a lot of time before the trip to get used to it. If the blade gets flipped and I'm using the non-power face how noticeable is it?
Today I'm going to talk to Midwest Mountaineering and see what they keep on hand for paddles and if they'll let me take a few out to a local lake to try out.
Stepping on it or dropping a pack on it are the two that immediately jump to mind. And the Zav sometimes gets used in questionable situations paddling up swifts/smaller rapids because I can get better speed out of it. And sometimes crap just happens. I normally wouldn't be that worried about it but this trip is long and very remote. Maybe up to 45 days and over 500 miles, some of it above tree line. I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't see another person the whole trip. I do know that on Nueltin Lake there is a fishing outpost and a landing strip. But whether or not anyone will be there I'm not sure.
Alan
Originally I never entertained the thought of a carbon whitewater paddle but am now considering it. I was worried about the strength but I see the weights of many of the carbon whitewater paddles are the same (24oz) as the wood paddles I was considering. From my experience I'd give the nod to carbon in terms of strength if weight is the same. The only functional concerns I have are the thinner blade tips and curved blade.
I realize the carbon tips will wear, I'm used to that from my Zavs. But what about strength of the thin tips? Would you be comfortable using a carbon paddle as a pole ascending rapids or snubbing with it going downstream? What about deflecting rocks? I don't mean simply pushing off them but sudden and hard contact with the blade tip where you're using it to stop most of your momentum or to shove the canoe over. Or using it as a pry if you get hung up on a rock? I guess what I'm getting at is are there scenarios where you'd feel more comfortable with a wood blade? Not necessarily from chips and wear but real failure.
And the curved blade: How different is the handling? I won't have a lot of time before the trip to get used to it. If the blade gets flipped and I'm using the non-power face how noticeable is it?
Today I'm going to talk to Midwest Mountaineering and see what they keep on hand for paddles and if they'll let me take a few out to a local lake to try out.
What would happen to your Zav if you've got a good whitewater paddle that you feel comfortable with? It will remain safe. If your other paddle is solely a backup whitewater beater you'll use your Zav when you shouldn't and put it at risk.
Stepping on it or dropping a pack on it are the two that immediately jump to mind. And the Zav sometimes gets used in questionable situations paddling up swifts/smaller rapids because I can get better speed out of it. And sometimes crap just happens. I normally wouldn't be that worried about it but this trip is long and very remote. Maybe up to 45 days and over 500 miles, some of it above tree line. I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't see another person the whole trip. I do know that on Nueltin Lake there is a fishing outpost and a landing strip. But whether or not anyone will be there I'm not sure.
Alan