bent shaft vs. straight shaft

[jjones03]

I own a bent shaft paddle, and its really the only one ive ever used. I think im about to get a new paddle in the near future and i'm thinking about switching to straight shafts. Just wondering some opinions on if bent shafts are really that much better than straight, and if its worth the money. I really dont see it being enough of a difference to throw down an extra 100. its probably eventually going to break anyways....

[jjones03]

oh sorry about that.... im definitely talking about kayak paddles. i know bent shafts are generally heavier, i was just wondering about the performance aspect...

[RomanLA]

I swapped from straight to bent, due to carpal. I personally like my bent shaft paddles more. I've heard people say that they prefer straight for creeking for the strength aspect though. Here's a link to the last time this topic came up...
http://www.arkansascanoeclub.com/mb/vie ... 34&p=62943

[CapnTom]

Just my 2-cents worth...
Every angle presents a new breaking point. With that said, probably accounts for the weight difference.
Have never used one..; but I wonder about the disorinentation of the grips on the paddle under water?
Will it make a difference if you lose your grip under water??? Is it as easy to re-aling the paddle as a straight shaft?
Just Curious...
Tom.

[jjones03]

yeah i actually posted this before the other one...but i just now got on and noticed it...and pretty much got everything i need to know from it!

funny that they were posted so close together

[jjones03]

oh and ive never had a problem rolling or losing grip orientation underwater with my bent shaft. as long as i can get some paddle resistance, i can get my roll...

[jjones03]

actually i didnt post this before the other one...oooops

[RomanLA]

oh and ive never had a problem rolling or losing grip orientation underwater with my bent shaft. as long as i can get some paddle resistance, i can get my roll...

I think it's easier with a bent shaft. The paddle only feels right when it's in the proper orientation.

[JTarver]

Roman basically set up the points I wouldve made word for word. He is right, the bent shaft only feels right in the right position..and I actually found it eaier to regain my paddle position due to the curvature of it. I don't do a huge amount of steep creeking, but the paddle has held up very well for me, and I tend to abuse it pretty well in a bad spot.
Also from the pain aspect, my wrists used to hurt using straight shaft, now they don't. That was enough for me to switch. I do love my bent shaft paddle. =)

Joe

[Jeremy M]

hang on Joe...you're really setting yourself up here....

We could go this direction, "Yeah but how does your wife feel about your bent shaft?"

Surely this was an innocent comment, but I thought...WWJD

What Would Joe Do?

[El Dino]

after about a decade of using my straight shaft werner, it finally showed signs of emminent blade breakage. So i recently got a bent shaft AT. I love it. I no longer grip the shaft mostly with my index and middle fingers. All fingers grip the bent shaft firmly which is more comfortable. It is different though, and I'm still getting used to the straight-bent transition. The ladies like it bent too.. :)

[JTarver]

Ohhhh touche' J Mack. I was hoping it was a matter of time before someone chimed in perversely. I have influenced you well sir. How very duuuuude of you. =)

STFU Donnie..you're outta your element!


Joe

[Ben Rodda]

I have been using a Seven2 for several seasons and I love it. The benefit of a straight shaft is a more natural feeling flex in the shaft, As a reference I used a custom Silver Creek paddle made out of wood for years and liked the feel of it. Flex is a good thing in that the tension in your joints and muscles is lighter in the begining of your stroke and increases through out the stroke. The tension is released at the end of the stroke versus feeling the tension throughout the stroke. This was particularly noticable when paddling 9 foot boars. The benefit of a bent shaft is ergonomic and will relieve the strain on your wrists. And yes as others have stated bent shafts are in someways easier to roll with, as well they are pretty sexy....

The Seven2 is a great compromise. It is a straight shaft with ergonomic grips. While the shaft is synthetic it does have a far better flex than a bent shaft. Seven2 had some durability issues about 5 years ago and has since left an awful taste in peoples mouths. I have not had these problems and have heard that they have worked these issues out. I did choose to protect the blades with auto door trims as most of the paddling I do is in cement play parks which are bad on blades. I have also done a decent amount of creeking with the paddle.