Do you know kayak paddles contain more than just their basic functions? Paddles vary in shape and size and are designed differently to perform specific functions. Selecting the right one will significantly improve your performance as well as your kayaking experience.
If you already have decided to buy a bent-shaft paddle, you have come to the right place. In this article, I will let you know about some of the best bent shaft kayak paddles that have gained wide recognition with positive user experience. Anyone of them can meet the requirements you are searching for.
Go through till the end and you don’t have to worry anymore to get the desired paddle to take your adventure to the next level.
What is a Bent Shaft Paddle and Why Do People Use It?
Most of the time kayakers choose either a straight or bent shaft model. Bent shaft models are mostly used by skilled and experienced kayakers. Besides, people going for a long kayaking adventure especially in whitewater use this model most. Also, paddlers having long tern elbow or wrist problems prefer them. If you experienced previous wrist injuries or carpal tunnel, bent shaft paddles will prevent the risk of further damage.
Other names of this type are ergo shafts or crankshafts due to their construction. They are slightly bent on each side looking more like an engine of a sports car. Their paddle position is easier compared to straight paddles with effective forward stroke. Besides, you can place your hand comfortably and grab them easily. The ergonomic design of the bent shaft paddle will enhance performance while ensuring comfort.
Comparison Table: 5 Best Bent Shaft Kayak Paddle
The following table shows the specifications of the above models at a glance:
My Top Picks!
Whether you’re looking for a straight shaft or a bent shaft, I’ve rounded up the top five for you here! We’ll rank them by price and durability so that you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you.
Whether you’re looking for a straight shaft or a bent shaft, I’ve rounded up the top five for you here! We’ll rank them by price and durability so that you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you.
📌Read More: Best Kayak For Rapids Water
Here is the list of the most popular crossover kayaks that I consider best:
- Werner Double Diamond Carbon Bent Shaft Paddle – Best for Overall Performance
- Z&J SPORT Carbon Kayak Paddle – Best for Ocean, River, Lake, and Sea
- Z&J SPORT New Whitewater Paddle – Best Within the Budget
- Werner Surge Fiberglass Bent Shaft Kayak Paddle – Best for Whitewater Kayaking
- AQUA BOUND Whiskey Fiberglass Bent Shaft Kayak Paddle – Best for Angle Adjustability
Top 5 Bent Shaft Kayak Paddle Reviews
If you are a kayaker, you know that a bent-shaft paddle can make all the difference. Let’s look at some of the best 5 on the market!
#1 Werner Double Diamond Carbon Bent Shaft Paddle – Best for Overall Performance
Werner Double Diamondis a perfect playboating or river kayaking paddle. It features the necessary buoyant strokes with strong down-tilted blades and ensures you have enough control and power. I could align my wrist naturally having less joint stress.
Specifications
- Blade Material: Foam Core
- Dimensions: 78 x 12 x 3 inches
- Weight: 5. 63 pounds
- Color: Black
- Size: 194 cm
How about the usability of the paddle? The core of the blade is made with foam and therefore they add buoyancy by being lightweight. Besides, a combination of dual Dynel layer and synthetic fiber Kevlar add more durability and high strength to the paddle.
You will find this asymmetrical carbon bent shaft very easy to control. Overall, it will be a perfect choice if you are looking for a high-quality bent-shaft kayak paddle.
Verdict: If you are looking for a paddle for river kayaking, this model will give you an all-around experience.
#2 Z&J SPORT Carbon Kayak Paddle – Best for Ocean, River, Lake, and Sea
Another great carbon kayak model is suitable for kayaking in rivers, lakes, and oceans. This 2-piece paddle is specially designed for recreational kayaks. Like the previous model, it is also asymmetrical in size and ensures smooth and controlled paddling.
Specifications
- Blade Material: PMI Foam
- Dimensions: 49.61 x 9.84 x 6.69 inches
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Color: Black
- Size: 200-210cm (78.7”x82.7”)
Is it strong and long-lasting? The multi-layer fiber of carbon made this paddle strong, durable, and lightweight. The adjuster made of aluminum alloy will prevent corrosion and adjust the length. It will minimize fatigue in the hand joint and ensures a comfortable experience.
📌 You May Also Like: Best Adjustable Kayak Paddle
It won’t swell in the heat and comes with a large storage bag for easy carriage. Water will not reach your hand and keep dry for the drip rings. You can easily grab it even with a small hand.
Verdict: You can buy it if you want something for long-distance kayaking in rivers, lakes, or oceans.
#3 Z&J SPORT New Whitewater Paddle – Best Within the Budget
A great whitewater kayaking paddle you can have a look at. Carbon filament and fiberglass made this extremely sturdy and long-lasting. Besides, the resin layer and PMI foam made it flexible to use.
Specifications
- Blade Material: PMI Foam
- Dimensions: 49.61 x 9.84 x 6.69 inches
- Weight: 2.20 pounds
- Color: Blue Cranked
- Size: 190 cm
There is an unassembled connecting tube made of carbon in the middle which separates the two parts. It contains hot glue. You have the option to adjust the blade degree as per your need by heating the glue.
The adjuster is of high-quality aluminum alloy and you can size it up as convenience. It is also lightweight and easy to store and carry anywhere.
Verdict: If you are looking for a long-lasting, strong whitewater kayak paddle, this is the go-to-go item for you.
#4 Werner Surge Fiberglass Bent Shaft Kayak Paddle – Best for Whitewater Kayaking
When it comes to whitewater kayaking challenges, this model is one of the best paddles for the job. It gets wide recognition after being tested by some experienced and prominent kayakers in difficult water conditions in various rivers.
Specifications
- Blade Material: Fiberglass
- Dimensions: 19 x 7.9 inches
- Weight: 2.36 Pounds
- Color: Gradient Blaze
- Size: 197 cm
How do I see the usability? The asymmetrical blades will give the necessary power and balanced stroke. Due to the fuller structure, they are ideal for bigger paddlers. You will have more control with high reliability. Besides, every stroke will be versatile due to the suitable shape of the paddle.
📌 You May Also Like: Best Crossover Kayak
The ergonomic hand-wrist alignment will ensure less fatigue and reduce the risk of any potential injury. It will enable you to generate more power with less effort.
Verdict: A strong white water kayaking paddle for comparatively larger and stronger paddlers.
#5 AQUA BOUND Whiskey Fiberglass Bent Shaft Kayak Paddle – Best for Angle Adjustability
Last one on the list but certainly one of the best models in my eyes. The fiberglass blades of this paddle are handcrafted with excellent skill adding more control. The shaft is made of carbon and the construction is completely corrosion free.
Specifications
- Blade Material: Multi-laminate Fiberglass
- Dimensions: 16 x 7.8 inches
- Weight: 1.75 Pounds
- Color: Fuego
- Size: 200 cm
How durable is it? Like other models above, it too is strong and durable. It is compression-molded which increases the durability and adds more strength. The large blades will deliver the highest torque with each stroke.
What I found more interesting is its angle adjustability featuring infinity feathering. It is suitable for high-angle and energy paddlers. Being lightweight you can take it easily anywhere without much hustle.
Verdict: If you are looking for a high-performing paddle that has great angle adjustability then this is the model you should pick.
Things to Notice Before Buying a Bent Shaft Kayak Paddle
Paddles play a vital role in the performance. Choosing the right paddle is important to enjoy kayaking. Often people ignore this part and buy the wrong product. You need to have detailed knowledge to avoid the problem. Here are a few things to know before buying a bent-shaft kayak paddle:
What Type of Paddle Should I Buy?
There are different types of kayaks based on their blades. Like symmetrical, asymmetrical, feathered, etc. Symmetrical blades are mostly for beginners since they can displace water quickly. Asymmetrical blades, on the other hand, are of different sizes but provide more control. Most of the paddlers use this type.
📌 You Can Also Check: Best Collapsible Kayak Paddle
Ideal Length to Get the Best Performance
Finding the paddle with the ideal length is another crucial factor for a better experience. Kayaking with a paddle that doesn’t match your body shape and height might give a bitter using experience. The universally recognized method of getting the right height is to find your body height and add 8-12 inches to it.
What is the Material the Blade Consists of?
Usually, most of the paddle’s blades consist of plastic and nylon. fiberglass, or carbon fiber. Fiberglass blades are decent and provide great agility. However, blades made with carbon fiber are the best and perform spectacularly. They are a bit expensive though. The size of the blade is also a thing to notice since bigger blades are more powerful and disperse water easily. Smaller blades, on the other hand, are efficient and easier to pull.
Shaft Material of the Paddle
There are shafts made of plastic as well as aluminum. Aluminum shafts tend to get heated or cold but they offer the best performance. However, not all aluminum shafts are lightweight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bent shafts and straight paddles?
Bent shaft paddles are slightly bent on both sides looking like a sports car engine. Straight shafts are straight and no curves are involved. They are lighter and less expensive compared to the bent shaft paddles.
Should you feather your kayak paddle blades?
When you are on a paddling tour, you can think of doing it. The usual design of the kayak paddles features no angle difference between the blades. If you feather your blades, it will offset the blades and you will get the most out of the paddle.
How do the blades of a kayak function?
Blades are used to generate necessary power and are placed on the two terminal sides of the shaft. They are a bit curved and with every stroke, they will scoop water around and send the kayak in the forward direction.
Conclusion
There you have it. I tried to gather my top 5 choices of bent shaft paddles. These are some of the best bent-shaft kayak models that have gained wide-scale popularity and recognition. Know the purpose of kayaking first and then see which model fulfills your requirement. Your body measurement also plays a great role in terms of choosing paddles. My suggestion would be to go after either one from Z&J SPORT or Werner Surge since these are particularly my favorites. However, anyone of the above is decent enough and will fulfill most of your requirements.
Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
