Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

My first demo boat is on the way, so I'm shopping for whitewater paddles. I was thinking about getting an AT4 River E and Play E initially. That way I could use them until I found something better for myself and then I would still have them for demos. Anyone have experience with either of these paddles?

AT4 Play E $169
http://staging.atpadd.cascadewebdev.com ... 4Play.html

AT4 River E $169
http://staging.atpadd.cascadewebdev.com ... River.html

the only AT I ever knew of around here, broke at the shaft under light duress. They might have improved,never know. If the price is right, it'll make a decent first paddle.

turboturtle wrote:the only AT I ever knew of around here, broke at the shaft under light duress. They might have improved,never know. If the price is right, it'll make a decent first paddle.

I've found several reviews saying they beat the heck out of them and they held up great. I'm probably going to get the River in fiberglass, even though it's 44oz...yuck. Now I just gotta decide if I want 30 or 45 degress feather. I normally paddle with no feather, due to carpal, but I do paddle at 30 degrees sometimes. This thing has a bent shaft, so I guess there would be no drawback on 45 degrees either. I also have to decide on a length. I had planned on going with 197cm, but just noticed they have 200cm available too. I'm currently using a 230cm for flatwater and it's the right length for me (stretch up and can just get my fingers over the tip of the blade)...decisions decisions.

Cannot speak for the late model AT paddles.

I had issues with them when they first came out and crossed them off my list.

Maybe the new ones are ok, please let us know how yours works out after about a year.

AT paddles is all I've ever used.
I have three, the ATX, AT2, and AT3.
Never had a bit of problem with them.
They are tuff as heck and wear better on the edges than any other paddle I have ever seen.
The ATX and AT2 are pricey but worth the money in my opinion.
The old ATX is almost 4 years old and has been down some fair stuff,...
Bobtail, Richland, Stepp, Crooked, Baker, Osage, EFLB, and lots of others!
Its scratched but still in good shape!
LOL with yours!

The AT4 paddles don't have the protective material on the edges. This picture is after a single use in class II water. I'm glad I didn't spring for the carbon shaft.

i use the AT3 Edge and the only problem i have with them is that the blades have "stars" on them, it looks like a rock hitting a windshield. it is just a cosmetic problem, the paddle doesnt appear to leak water. i read somewhere that AT fixed the problem with the breaking shafts but with all bent shafts you will run a risk of breaking it because the bend creates a weak spot. the nylon edge around the blades works great and doesnt seem to wear it is sad that they didnt put it on your AT 4

I just got an email back from them. They said it was going to take damage, but they ensured me nothing I could do would break it. lol