decent race paddle around $200?

[fosterbarefoot]

im looking for a faster paddle that is around the $200 mark. I have the isle spear 12'6 race board and normally like a more narrow paddle.  any recommendations, or anyone know if this would be decent? https://www.islesurfandsup.com/sup-paddles/carbon-elite-fixed/

[Wetstuff]

I am not a racer by any means but I kinda like paddles.  I also tend to like the brands where the shaper/paddle designer is known.  I remember seeing a promo on a Chinese sourcing site a couple years ago of a paddle maker that had a potential to deliver 20,000 carbon paddles; I hope I never get one of those...   

You're going to be pressed to get a really good one for ~$200. 

I would look at Craigslist. (I bought a Werner Gran Prix I like there for $150.)   Using https://www.searchtempest.com you can look out of your area.

Check here in classifieds  ....and the Mullet.  http://distressedmullet.com/classifieds/

Good hunting.  (and if you find something good—report back)  Cheers.

Jim

[TallDude]

That Isle Surf and SUP paddle is 27.3 oz. !  That is a very heavy paddle.
https://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,32316.msg361910.html#msg361910

Like WetStuff says, check CL.

It looks like SUP ATX is having a sale on Puakea paddles. $199. on the Blue model which is the largest and thickest blade. It's 22 oz.  http://www.puakeapaddles.com/

So the weight of 2 beers is better than 3 

[fosterbarefoot]

https://www.standonliquid.com/riviera-paddlesurf-vantage-art-series-pink-plaid-carbon-paddle

This is my current paddle, i just want something a little better. I prefer my $30 amazon paddle over this usually.

[baddog]

Don't believe the doubters...  Just over $200 will get you the best, a Quickblade.  Glass blade / carbon shaft and the new Hybrids are $229 for the Flyweight 83si size, .  I have a $400 14 oz Quick and had a $500 Quick V-Drive.  I am just as happy and fast with my glass blade / carbon shaft version that weights 15oz and I paid exactly $200 for.  You can also get a glass / glass version even cheaper.  They're nearly as good, just a couple oz's heavier.

[seadart]

January is a pretty good month to walk into a local shop and make a deal.  This weekend is also pretty good for making deals since depending on the tax laws where you live the shop may have to pay tax on in stock inventory.   In january a couple of years ago I got an excellent surf paddle for ~200 which was more than half price of what it goes for on line.

I would encourage you to support local shops it pays off in the long run.

[robon]

You can definitely get a quality paddle right now for around 200 to well under 300. It depends what you consider a race paddle, as some paddles are billed as "all water" but you can get a quality, higher cadence paddle to use for racing on a budget for sure.

Kenalu has the wiki on at a good price at multiple dealers these days and it can be configured multiple different ways with shaft stiffness, blade size, xtuff construction etc. Going the fibreglass-carbon blend route has been mentioned for brands like Quick Blade.

[PonoBill]

Check out Linter's ad in classifieds. A KeNalu Maliko for 175.

[Eagle]

Seems this should be ok actually even with the extra weight graphics.  I started out with a 116 standard black Vantage and still have it for sprints and getting into bumps DW.  Requires high level technique and powerful traps to pull that blade straight.  But that thing pulls like a train.  Any skilled racer should be able to pull that perfectly fine.  Still looks the same as the day I bought it from a racing buddy who sold me his Dom and AS23.

If wanting a bit narrower -> get any high aspect carbon blade.  Personally use a SB but other brands also make quality ones.  Get on sale or used and pay less than $200.  Most quality paddles will be $400+ retail.  We paid only $100 - $200 Cdn for ours used demo and new.  No need to pay full price unless you want or have to. 

[Eagle]

Here are 3 different shapes and sizes.  All still paddle like new ranging from 116 to 78 to 67.  The 78 high aspect and 67 teardrop are much less demanding physically -> but require much more concentrated technique to eke out maximum speeds.  Basically it is simply impossible to go as fast with the 67 vs the 116 when all out sprinting. 

Any cheap heavy low quality paddle will feel like complete crap comparatively.  So would always recommend testing paddles yourself to determine what will work best for you and the conditions you paddle in.

Connor uses a 79 Bolt and a 82 Lima.  While Fiona uses a 74 Bolt and a 75 Lima.  These 2 are both winning top level elite racers.  Even my puny 67 I bought for my wife and for going long distances -> pulls like a train.  But does however require perfect technique with a deep zero splash.

[fosterbarefoot]

The quickblade kanaha hybrid comes out to $265 which is a little more than i wanted to spend but looks awesome: http://www.quickbladepaddles.com/store/Kanaha-Hybrid

It doesn't say how much it weighs like all the other QB do.  It also doesnt say the riders weight limit? the other quickblade hybrids do and they are 110 and 150lbs, im 220 so dont want this to snap like my last paddle.

[TallDude]

The description of the QB hybrid says about 20 oz depending on the configuration. I haven't used it, but typically the fiberglass / CF mixes are a little more flexible. That helps the shoulders on long paddles. I have a hybrid Werner paddle and it's super durable. Though my Werner is more like 28 oz. The QB looks like a good choice. You can call them and ask them directly about it. They are a hard working small company. I've been to their shop a number of times.

[Eagle]

That Isle carbon might be durable if it is well made with quality products.  Generally light often expensive carbon race paddles can crack and snap under high loads.