Lightweight Paddles --> Opinions welcomed

[bing]

Great idea if you can maintain or exceed the strength of current paddles in this category.  I would like to try one out.  I am currently paddling a
QB V-drive.  It is weighing in around 15 oz. If you can get it down to 9 to 10 oz., that will be amazing.

[blackeye]

But you're right--maybe take it in the direction of a board wrap, or do a hollow board with an exoskeleton of this stuff, then stretch a cellophane-like, extremely lightweight skin over that to keep the air inside.

The proposed shaft could be wrapped in a film which might solve the whistling, the abrasion, add to flotation, and still look tres cool.

A matching board wrapped in film would complete the set.

[Beasho]

I am frankly horrified by anyone that would suggest lighter isn't better 

I started a firestorm a while back posting this photo comparing my 'New' KeNalu against the Kialoa.  I will restate that the difference in weight was significant and I eventually sold the Kialoa for $200 because it felt like a dog compared to the Kenalu.  Like paddling a 2 x 4 plank of wood.

The difference shown amounts to 2 oz, or 12%.  You can sling all the speculative sheisa you want about paddle shape, swing weight, oval shafts . . . . but I am just showing the data here.  Reminds me of a recent post "If there aren't any pictures it didn't happen."  I could start a new slogan:

"Show me the data or is all Voodoo magic and snake oil."     

[Beasho]

Before people start piling on where weight may be an advantage I will add one myself.  At Mavericks surfers add lead to their prone surfboards.  I carried Twiggy's board on my bike the other day and thought 'My god this thing weighs more than my 12 foot SUP gun.'  His board weighed 40 lbs. 

This newer shaft would give you the option to add weight back.  In the extreme cases where you think a heavier paddle might build forearm strength, add to conditioning . . . then add lead.

Personally I would take the 40% reduction.  If you can make a carbon nanotube paddle for 2 oz I'll take that too! 

Consistent with my data theme, running the numbers, 40% of 484 grams would be 193 grams.  Ohhhh look what I found that weighs 190 grams.  Now I can add this back to my paddle for free.   

PS:  And we all know there is no better selfie stick than your shaft.

[Bean]

PS:  And we all know there is no better selfie stick than your shaft.

Yet another reason to get a roll bar mount...

[Bulky]

I am frankly horrified by anyone that would suggest lighter isn't better 

Didn't mean to horrify you, Beasho.  (and a bit ironic that you might be horrified by a casual notion about paddle weights while I break out in cold sweats looking at the waves you ride  )

I certainly wasn't suggesting that lighter isn't better (if it was my comment that spurred this).  If all performance characteristics were the same, obviously go with the lighter one--provided that the cost is reasonable.  Reality for me is that, while I love having high-performance gear, there's a point where the full capability/benefit is limited by my own skills and condition.

I encountered the same issue when I used to bike alot.  The selling points for high-end components usually include the shaving of a few ounces.  A 40% decrease in paddle weight is significant, but not as significant as the paddler losing 10lbs.   

[mik911]

[/quote]
 A 40% decrease in paddle weight is significant, but not as significant as the paddler losing 10lbs.   
[/quote]

But it's much, much easier to pay an extra 10-15%, than for the paddler to lose 10.lbs.

[Weasels wake]

But you're right--maybe take it in the direction of a board wrap, or do a hollow board with an exoskeleton of this stuff, then stretch a cellophane-like, extremely lightweight skin over that to keep the air inside.

The proposed shaft could be wrapped in a film which might solve the whistling, the abrasion, add to flotation, and still look tres cool.

A matching board wrapped in film would complete the set.

That has already been done with surfboards (cardboard grid covered w/ FG)

[pdxmike]

WW--that's exactly what I was thinking of.  Thanks, I didn't know anyone had ever done that.  Seems like now much more sophisticated versions would be possible. 

[Weasels wake]

Yeah they've been around for awhile using lazar cut cardboard strips, and they are getting better at it. 
There are many resources online.  Sorry for the slight hijack, but it's all related.