"jughead" wrote in
ups.com:

I definitly liked the straight shaft alot better. I'm glad I got the
Aqua-bound Eagle Ray. Very light and I could still get very good power
out of it. Glad I didn't skimp on a cheap paddle.

I don't think I've ever seen anyone complain choosing a better, more
expensive paddle than a cheap one. Over the years that this group has been
"in business" there have been lots of people coming here asking for
reccommendations on a paddle and the advice has always been not to scrimp on
buying a paddle and there is a good reason for that.

That said, I don't believe that a $400 super light carbon fiber paddle is
for everyone. While many of the experience paddlers here would hardly blink
about spending that kind of money on equipment for their passion, that's a
significant commitment for someone just entering the sport and still not
sure how into the sport they're going to get.

My Werner Cyprus arrived yesterday and I can't wait to get out and try it.
I paddled for nearly 10 years with a fiberglass paddle and it has served me
very well. It was really about time I splurged on a top-of-the-line paddle.