Author Topic: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?  (Read 6371 times)

crtraveler

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Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« on: June 02, 2008, 03:08:54 AM »
Just wondering how many of you have tried the rubberized guard that attaches to the edge of the paddle?  Couple of questions:

1.  Does it really help eliminate the "chipping" of the outer layer of the board caused when an unprotected paddle hits the rail?

2. Does it affect paddle performance?

3.  Do they mount securely enough so they don't come off?

Thanks -
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Fanatic Allwave 9'2"
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Jamie Mitchell LK 12'6"
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Dwight (DW)

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #1 on: June 02, 2008, 04:06:28 AM »
1. yes

2. yes, but less so if you don't cover the bottom edge.

3. they fall off eventually, so I tape over them.

Tom

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #2 on: June 02, 2008, 06:15:57 AM »
I put white duct tape on the side of my board and that works well, but looks a bit odd.

motopilot

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #3 on: June 02, 2008, 08:45:29 AM »
I just use electrical tape around the edge of the paddle.  Works fine and is cheap.  Its so thing that is does not really effect the performance of the paddle too much.

stoneaxe

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2008, 09:12:27 AM »
Ditto on the electrical tape...but I use the heavy mastic or lineman's tape. PonoBill has a how to on KeNalu... http://www.kenalu.com/2008/03/do-it-youself-paddle-protector/

1. Definitely helps

2. I don't notice any performance difference using the tape.

3. I've found that it lasts about 2-3 months of heavy paddling before needing to be reapplied. One roll of tape ($6) gets you two applications.

It will leave some black marks on your board but it come right off with a little "goof off"
Bob

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Admin

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2008, 09:21:29 AM »
Ditto on the electrical tape...but I use the heavy mastic or lineman's tape.
It will leave some black marks on your board but it come right off with a little "goof off"

Hey Bob,
I use Mastik too.  The answer to the black marks is one layer of white electric tape over the mastik.  Electric tape sicks OK directly on the paddle, but it sticks perfectly to Mastik.  This came from another user's suggestion here (I forget who).

Hope that helps.

Tony DaKine

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2008, 03:03:30 PM »
I recently applied helicopter rotor blade tape on my molded board to prevent paint chipping. It's thin and clear so you hardly notice it's on. No paint chips so far. The only place I'm aware of that sells it is Tropical Blends in Honolulu.

For my hand glassed boards I use nothing and the rails look fine.

I tried the mastic tape on my paddle but really noticed a difference. I guess I prefer a clean paddle as nature inteded it.

linter

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #7 on: June 02, 2008, 04:16:17 PM »
is it this stuff?
http://tinyurl.com/69h55q

Tony DaKine

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #8 on: June 02, 2008, 06:09:56 PM »
I'm pretty sure that's the stuff. About 3 inches wide. Not sure on the thickness though - I'm guessing it's the 8 mil.
« Last Edit: June 02, 2008, 06:21:03 PM by Tony Myers »

dmayo32

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #9 on: June 04, 2008, 02:38:05 PM »
I used black automotive door edge guard on my paddle edge and insulating tape on the bottom area of the shaft. Can post pictures if anyone cares. Works great in protecting the paddle and the board.

David

Byronmaui

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #10 on: June 04, 2008, 02:59:47 PM »
I used black automotive door edge guard on my paddle edge and insulating tape on the bottom area of the shaft. Can post pictures if anyone cares. Works great in protecting the paddle and the board.

David

Post pics. Would love to see the many options.

Aloha

Byron

skyfish

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #11 on: June 04, 2008, 04:30:46 PM »
Between 3M and Mastik ...Mastick, it s thicker and wider, last about 3 weeks before it either wears out or falls off.
 I've been using SURFCO's product,so far, no marring on the board nor signs of coming off. super cleaned the blade and it's been on for 3 weeks so far.

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #12 on: June 04, 2008, 04:44:56 PM »
Mastic, its thicker and wider, last about 3 weeks before it either wears out or falls off.

Wow, my experience has been very different.  We tape our paddles once, and that's it.  If the tape gets really beat up from rock or reef as happened on one of our paddles, it is actually really hard to get off.  The trick is that you need to short measure and stretch.  The tape should be cut to about half the length that is needed.  When you put it on, stretch it enough to double the length.  That will reduce the width by about 1/2 and the tape will conform around the blade edge.  Then work it on with your fingers with hard pressure.

The brand we use is Plymouth.
« Last Edit: June 04, 2008, 04:46:27 PM by Admin »

dmayo32

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #13 on: June 04, 2008, 05:35:20 PM »
Here's some photos. So far this has kept me from bangin' up my board but keep in mind I've only lake paddled. I haven't had a chance to get to the ocean yet.
« Last Edit: June 04, 2008, 05:38:34 PM by dmayo32 »

skyfish

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Re: Paddle / Rail Protectors - How well do they work ?
« Reply #14 on: June 05, 2008, 10:00:58 AM »
I've been stretching it as so, however it really doesnt just come off. As it chafes the board it opens up in the middle and then it is time to change. I just pull it stright off.
What water trmp are you in? this may be a factor.

 


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