Anyone have an opinion on using a paddle edge guard on a wood paddle?

[1paddle2paddle]

Good idea or waste?

My sense is that if anything the paddle would get damaged prior to the board getting nicked up, but wanted to see what others' experience was.

Thanks!

[andygere]

I am using the Infinity clear paddle edge guard on my home built wooden paddle, and it does a good job of protecting the paddle and the board.  It has no impact on the way the paddle handles, but provides good protection and safety.  My paddle blade is glassed, and is foiled thin, so the the guard will help protect me if I get whacked by the blade some day. 
http://www.infinitysurfboard.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=181

[Allan Cheateaux]

Or you can pay a tenth of the price for door edging at an auto parts store.

[1tuberider]

I used mastic. 

Without the edge protection you are going to get nicks but the worst for me was when I pulled my paddle along the rail to get up.  I split my paddle blade as it pulled onto the outer fin.  I had to force it off the fin and it had split the blade.  I glued it tight and put the mastic on it.

No more problems with chips and it is a lot easier on the board should you whack it.

[andygere]

Or you can pay a tenth of the price for door edging at an auto parts store.

Allan, that's exactly what I thought, but at least in my area did not find it to be true.  I was unable to find any door edge guard that was symmetrical, and clear stuff was just hard to find in general.  Also, most of the auto parts stuff was really stiff.  It could be we just have lousy auto parts stores on the central coast (seems true for other parts needs as well) or I'm just looking in the wrong places.  In any event, the Infinity stuff is really nice.  It's pliable and the self adhesive stuff inside the groove works really well.  I used a dot of Crazy Glue on each end where the edging was splayed open a bit wider.  It's been on for several months of abuse, and is none the worse for wear.  I say it's worth the $4.50 investment, and I don't mind supporting a custom SUP board maker in the process.  I phoned the Infinity shop and they had it shipped to me in about 2 days.

[surfcal]

Steve's edge guard is the most plyable out there but he won't even tell me (one of his dealers) where to get it. I found some online that we promo when you buy a paddle from us but it is stiff.  On the wood paddle I go with the mastic, you can stretch it thin.

[1paddle2paddle]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

My buddy had some extra Infinity edge guard which he gave me and we epoxied it on to the paddle.  Its black so it stands out but who cares?  As long as it protects the paddle and board I'm happy.

[Allan Cheateaux]

Or you can pay a tenth of the price for door edging at an auto parts store.

Allan, that's exactly what I thought, but at least in my area did not find it to be true.  I was unable to find any door edge guard that was symmetrical, and clear stuff was just hard to find in general.  Also, most of the auto parts stuff was really stiff.  It could be we just have lousy auto parts stores on the central coast (seems true for other parts needs as well) or I'm just looking in the wrong places.  In any event, the Infinity stuff is really nice.  It's pliable and the self adhesive stuff inside the groove works really well.  I used a dot of Crazy Glue on each end where the edging was splayed open a bit wider.  It's been on for several months of abuse, and is none the worse for wear.  I say it's worth the $4.50 investment, and I don't mind supporting a custom SUP board maker in the process.  I phoned the Infinity shop and they had it shipped to me in about 2 days.

There is something to be said for conveinence.