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Bill Tuthill
 
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Default Carlisle RS kayak paddle from NZ

This is kind of a review.

Carlisle recently started selling the RS paddle made in New Zealand.
It is easy to find in 220 and 230 cm lengths, and is possibly available
in shorter lengths as well. It retails for $89 and is take-apart, with
unfeathered or feather angles of 60 degrees right or left. Shaft color
is black; blade is either cloud-blue/white or flame-red/orange.

Compared to a renowned lightweight paddle, the Lightning Freestyle
(also 220 cm take-apart with drip rings) weight is 1138 vs 1042 grams.
A friend's aging but durable Werner Wenatchee weighs a hefty 1212 grams.
This is amazing considering that Lightning's take-apart retails for $245.
The RS feels pretty good in the hands, although some people (especially
whitewater boaters) complain about small blade area.

I will say the Carlisle RS seems more likely to break at the joint
between shaft and paddle, whereas Lightning is more likely to break
where the shaft is ovalled (I've seen it happen twice, when the blade
got stuck in underwater rocks). The Aquabound AMT weighs and costs
a bit more, but seems no more durable.

At this quality/price radio, touring and inflatable kayakers almost
can't afford not to buy one. Hardshellers might inquire about shorter
lengths if a spare or guest paddle is needed.