When it comes to kayaking paddles, you’d be hard pressed to find a more trusted name than “Werner” (although, “Bestazy” also comes to mind).

Werner paddles are often deemed synonymous with the highest quality on the market. In fact, if you’ve read any paddle reviews on Amazon, you’ve probably seen the phrase, “If you want something better go with a Werner.”

This association is not misplaced. Werner paddles are truly phenomenal, and the Camano 2 PC Straight Paddle is no exception.

Here’s why.

This premium paddle makes use of some of the finest materials on the market.

The blades are made of very high-quality fiberglass. This fiberglass will keep you paddling longer and with more control since it's both lightweight and firm. This lightweight is essential when it comes to the blades since the weight at the end of the paddle is felt the most.

The shaft also goes above and beyond when it comes to material and weight. This carbon fiber shaft is our favorite on this list due to its fatigue reduction and comfort.

This paddle weighs in at 27.25 ounces, however, this will vary slightly depending on what size you chose. It comes in 220 cm through 260 cm lengths with 10 cm increments.

The paddle design also leaves nothing to be desired. It uses a mid-sized asymmetrical, dihedral blade (see: What You Need to Know). Functionally, this means you’ll be buying a much more functional and responsive paddle. In testing, we noticed zero fluttering as the paddle moved through the water.

The Smart View Adjustable ferrule allows you to set your Camano 2 to several different angles, while also providing a highly secure connection for this two-piece paddle.

Keep in mind that werner paddles come with a pretty hefty price tag. So you’ll probably want to keep your investment secure with a kayak paddle leash.

Now for the sexy part:

Warranty information. Werner paddles come with a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Features

1. Fiberglass and carbon fiber construction
2. Dihedral, asymmetrical blade
3. HD graphics
4. 2-piece construction
5. Smart View Adjustable ferrule

Aqua-Bound’s competitor to our top pick is nothing to splash at. Although Werner win’s best paddle, Aqua-Bound takes best blade. It's also our favorite choice for experienced kayakers.

But keep in mind: If you currently use the popular low-angle paddling technique, this is not the Product for you. This is a high-angle paddle. This means it's intended for very experienced kayakers who have perfected the high-angle stroke technique--a difficult task.

But if that’s you…

This is an outstanding option.

Aqua-Bound uses a patented material they call Carbon abX. It's lighter, more firm, and holds up better to abuse than fiberglass. The blades are asymmetrical and dihedral so you’ll definitely feel a power and responsiveness in your strokes.

Additionally, these blades are quite wide, which is to be expected from a high-angle paddle. This does add a bit of weight, however we found the power-boost more than makes up for extra load.

The shaft is made of 100% carbon composite, which compounds the effects of the carbon blade’s lightness. Additionally, the shaft is ovalized, which is always a welcome addition. In tests, we found that this paddle kept us comfortable for an extremely long time when used properly.

You’ll also love the total control over feathering you get with the Posi-Lok ferrule system. With this system, you can adjust the blades to any angle you desire. Bestazy found this system highly functional and easy to use.You can find this paddle sized in ten centimeter increments from 210 cm to 240 cm. It weighs about 29.4 ounces depending on the length you chose.

If you are a fisherman, don’t forget to tag a rod holder onto your cart at checkout! Additionally, you may also be interested in this article if you love to fish.

All about that warranty?

Then you are in luck. Aqua-Bound backs their products against all reasonable breakages for two-years. This is not an industry standard warranty--Aqua-Bound goes above and beyond in this regard.

Features

1. Intended for high-angle style stroke
2. Carbon blades and shaft
3. Posi-Lok ferrule
4. Ovalized shaft
5. Asymmetrical, dihedral blade

The Advanced Elements Ultralite Pack Paddle is an outstanding value option with a few tricks up its sleeve.

What are they?

This a rare four-piece paddle, which means that this is the most portable paddle on this list. For this reason, the Advanced Elements Ultralite is a great option for any backpackers or anyone with an inflatable kayak (that link also has my all time favorite fishing kayak).

This paddle can also be used without the middle section in case you are in need of something super portable or the lightest kayak paddle possible. In this mode, it's 20 ounces and 169 centimeters. This is a cool addition that may turn out to be extremely useful depending on the buyer.

If portability is important to you, you’ll have a hard time finding a better option than this paddle.

To go with that portability, this paddle also comes in an extremely lightweight--23.6 ounces.

What’s it made of that keeps it so light?

Nothing special. This kayak paddle is made with an aluminum shaft and a plastic blades. We would’ve liked to have seen something a bit fancier, but we also understand that this may have reduced backpacking viability due to durability concerns.

In our tests we did notice that this paddle was a bit less responsive than the previous options on this list--plastic simply isn’t as firm as other materials.

This paddle accomplishes its low weight by offering only a single, quite short length option. We’d have liked to have seen a little bit longer option on this paddle for anyone particularly tall or that uses a wider kayak. The paddle is 224 cm long.

The blades are asymmetrical and dihedral, which should do a great job of preventing flutter.

Our last criticism of this paddle is that the ferrules don’t seem quite as functional as they could be. There are reports of these connections being both too tight to pull apart and too loose for comfort.

This product has a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects. You’ll need to prepay for postage if you need repairs and commercial or non-recreational use voids the warranty.

Features

1. Four-piece design
2. Two functional states
3. Asymmetrical, dihedral blades

It's no coincidence that two out of three of our highest rated paddles are from Aqua-Bound. They make outstanding kayaking equipment. And when it comes to the Sting Ray Hybrid 2-piece paddle you can expect the same.

If you were impressed with the last aqua-bound but are wary of the high-angle stroke, this may be the paddle for you. It comes with many of the same features and is intended for the low-angle kayaking style.

Let’s take a look.

It has a flutter free asymmetrical dihedral blade. The blade on this model will be a bit skinnier than on the high-angle model. However, with a low-angle stroke, that's something you are going to want since it reduces weight.

This model uses fiberglass reinforced blades and a carbon shaft. This combination will make for an extremely light weight paddle that will hold off fatigue on long trips.

This paddle as two-piece construction, which makes it a bit more portable than a one-piece. The furrell holding these pieces together is made in the adjustable snap button style.

You won’t have as much control as with the Posi-Lok system, but you’ll still be able to choose between feathered and matched blades. It would have been nice to see a Posi-Lok option on this paddle.

In tests, we found that the blades were firm and that the paddle increased our tracking responsiveness. It performed best in flat water or slow moving rivers.

Bonus equipment: If you are an avid kayaker, you probably know how frustrating it's to have water sloshing around at your feet. If that sounds like you, consider purchasing a bilge pump.

Aqua-Bound has an outstanding two-year warranty that covers most reasonable breakages.

Features

1. Fiberglass reinforced blades
2. Adjustable blade angle
3. Carbon shaft
4. 2-piece kayak paddle construction

This is an excellent option for beginners, as well as those upgrading from a lower-end paddle for the first time. This model will get you most of those high-end features you need for relaxed touring without breaking the bank. You can’t go wrong with a carbon fiber kayak paddle.

With this model, you’ll be getting the best materials without all the frills that can run up the price. The shaft is 100 percent carbon fiber and the blades are a carbon reinforced polymer.

These blades aren’t quite as firm as some of the other high-end carbon fiber kayak paddles, but you’ll certainly notice an upgrade in feel if you are switching from aluminum, plastic, or wood. The blades are asymmetrical and dihedral, so you shouldn’t notice any flutter.

If this is going to be your first high-end paddle, allow me to introduce you to a product you are definitely going to want. A kayak paddle leash will keep your paddle connected to your boat so that no matter what happens out there, your shiny new paddle won’t get lost.

A kayak paddle leash is a necessity if you plan on getting a premium paddle.

This paddle weighs 29.3 ounces.

What’s the downside?

There are a couple.

First, you should know that this carbon fiber kayak paddle only comes in a single size--230 cm. That means if you fall outside of the recommended height range for a 230 cm paddle (see: What You Need to Know), then this is likely not the paddle for you.

Second, there have been a couple reports of breakages in normal use among other reviews. Although you’d likely receive a replacement, this could be bad news if you are deep into a tour.

No warranty page was available for this product, however Kerco states that they'll replace the paddle within the first twelve month if there are any breakages.

Features

1. Carbon shaft and blades
2. Asymmetrical, dihedral blades
3. Adjustable feathering

If you are looking for a solid beginner paddle that won’t break the bank, this is another great option.

Additionally, if you are thinking about upgrading from lower end models, but aren’t sure it’ll be worth it, then this paddle can give you an idea of what you are paying for. The Carlisle isn’t going to function quite as well as the high-end model, but it'll give you a sense for what a high-end model is and give you a nice performance boost in the meantime.

This is an aluminum shafted paddle, however, the aluminum is tempered meaning the paddle will be able to use less materials. This will decrease weight, increasing paddling stamina.

Additionally, you are getting plastic blades with this product, however this plastic is reinforced with fiberglass in order to give it a more firm feel.

You really shouldn’t compare this to a normal aluminum and plastic paddle, since this paddle is much more lightweight and responsive than those more cheaply made models.

One way they do compare, though:

We especially love this paddle because it doesn’t really cost any more than a typical aluminum and plastic paddle.

This paddle weighs around 35.3 ounces, depending on the length. It comes in three lengths 220 cm, 230 cm, and 240 cm.

This paddle also has a few other great things going for it.

Although this paddle isn’t quite as high-functioning as some of the more expensive options on this list, it's will be quite a bit more durable. Aluminum simply won’t break.

Our favorite feature of this paddle is the bent shaft. This is really an underrated feature that most paddles don’t include. In testing, we found that the bends in the shaft allow the kayaker to more comfortably hold the paddle, without having to put so much stress on joints. You’ll notice this feature’s effect in your stamina, but also after the tour since your joints won’t be hurting at the end of the day.

That makes this an especially good option for anyone with joint troubles.

In testing, we found this to be one of the most comfortable paddles to use--a great option for anyone looking for recreational kayak paddles.

Carlisle doesn't  mention their paddles on their warranty page, where it mentions a lifetime warranty. Bestazy is currently trying to pin down a warranty period for this product.

Since this is our choice beginner product, we would like to take a moment to remind readers that you should always wear a lifejacket when on the water.

Features

1. Bent shaft
2. Fiberglass reinforced blades
3. Tempered aluminum

If you are looking for something similar to the last option, but aren’t crazy about bent shafts this might be a great paddle for you (there’s probably a phallic joke somewhere in there about bent shafts, but I’m honestly a little bit afraid to find out what it's).

You’ll be getting a very similar product with this paddle, minus the bend.

The blades are again fiberglass reinforced plastic. This won’t function quite as well as pure fiberglass or carbon fiber blades, but they'll get the job done pretty well.

The shaft is also made with the same type of heat treated aluminum. Rather than a bend, however, this product uses an ovalized shaft to increase comfort. This is an excellent addition.

The feathering on this paddle is adjustable to three settings. This is a two-piece paddle, and the connection seems pretty solid. The drip rings on this paddle are a bit wider than average, which we found to be a nice, simple addition that went a long way with regard to comfort.

This paddle does weigh in quite a bit heavier than others on this list at nearly 40 ounces. This may be a better option for someone who doesn’t take particularly long tours. The paddle comes in three lengths: 220 cm, 230 cm, and 240 cm.

Buy with caution.

Although we do like this paddle a lot when shipped as intended, there have been some reports of sloppy business practices and quality assurance. Two other reviewers did not receive their drip rings and one received a broken shaft.

This product does come with a warranty that will cover you in the event that this happens to you. The warranty last one-year and covers defects in manufacturing.

Features

1. Ovalized shaft
2. Fiberglass reinforced blades
3. Adjustable feathering
4. Heavy duty drip rings

This wooden kayak paddle has several things going for it. And if aesthetics matter to you, you’ll have a hard time finding a better paddle to suit that need.

The Bending Branches Impression paddle is going to feel quite a bit different from you average kayaking paddle. Most paddles are going to put performance over comfort, however, this paddle is ideal for anyone in search of the opposite.

Why?

The wood construction of this paddle means that it'll have a bit more give than other paddles on this list. When it runs through the water, the paddle will give in minuscule ways, which eases joint pain and muscle discomfort.

This comes at the cost of paddling power, meaning that you won’t get as much speed as you would from something more firm. This paddle has extremely wide blades, however, which helps mitigate this factor.

Additionally, this paddle isn’t going to freeze or heat with the day’s temperature. You can use this paddle any time of year without needing gloves or other gear.

Here are the downsides.

This isn’t the lightest kayaking paddle around. The combination of the wood construction and wide blades makes this is a very heavy paddle. This is not the paddle you will want on a long tour or even a medium one.

If you are someone who kayaks primarily on small ponds, however, this may be a great option. The feel will be much less responsive, but you’ll be comfortable.

It does have some standard features that you might have expected to be missing in a wooden kayak paddle. It's a two-piece, which most wooden kayak paddles are not. Additionally, it has three adjustable feathering options.

All “reasonable requests” for breakages are covered by this paddles warranty for up to a year.

Features

1. Beautiful wood construction
2. Two-piece
3. Feathered

Turns out, Bending Branches makes great modernized paddles, as well! This beginner paddle is a great option for anyone who is just getting into the watersport.

For beginners, aluminum construction can be more of a bonus than for more experienced kayakers. If you aren’t very familiar with paddle upkeep, for instance, this paddle is going to be able to withstand a lot of that abuse that new users often put a paddle through.

This paddle won’t perform at a premium level, but it'll certainly get the job done for years to come. Further, the blades use a asymmetrical dihedral design, so they shouldn’t flutter at all.

Keep in mind that it's going to run quite a bit heavier than other paddles on this list, given that it's made of untempered aluminum. This paddle weighs in at just over 50 ounces.

This paddle comes in four lengths: 210, 220, 230, and 240.

As beginners often forget (okay, fine, as I did as a beginner), kayak paddles can sometimes float away. You’ll want to purchase one of these to make sure you don’t end up without a paddle. Also avoid Without a Paddle 2, because that movie was terrible. ?

All “reasonable requests” for breakages are covered by this paddle’s warranty for up to a year.

Features

1. Dihedral blade
2. Asymmetrical blade
3. Three weight options

If you are on a tight budget but don’t want to be stuck with a bad paddle, you came to the right review. There is a reason that this paddle is one of the most popular on the market.

Although this one might not be as high functioning as some others on this list, it'll also outperform its price point by a huge margin.

Given it’s aluminum construction, it's lighter than you would expect at about 35 ounces. It also has a good an adjustable feathering ferrule, so you should see a bit less fatigue from weight and wind resistance than other paddles at a similar price.

It only comes in one rather long size at 243 cm, so if you are in need of something shorter, you might want to look elsewhere (SeaSence has other good, affordable paddles).

The blades on this product are plastic. However, they’re still asymmetrical and dihedral, so you can expect your paddle to be flutter free.

Here is what we thought.

In tests, this paddle did not perform at a premium level, but it did greatly exceed our expectations.

This paddle comes with adjustable, heavy-duty drip guards which worked very well and kept our hands dry and comfortable. It has an added ridge in the shaft for strength and two-piece construction for portability and storability.

We were also pretty impressed with the warranty on this paddle. It doesn't  appear that SeaSense puts any warranty period restriction on their limited manufacturer's warranty.

Features

1. Two-piece construction
2. Heavy duty drip guards
3. Adjustable feathering