Is a $250 paddle worth it? I've been yak fishing for a few years now and have a decent $100 paddle...just wondering if you really notice a difference with a carbon paddle such as the Bending Branches Angler Ace or Angler Pro.  

5 minutes ago, Landis Carrier said:

Is a $250 paddle worth it? I've been yak fishing for a few years now and have a decent $100 paddle...just wondering if you really notice a difference with a carbon paddle such as the Bending Branches Angler Ace or Angler Pro.  

 

Landis, the answer will depend on who you ask...

Personally, I was able to score a carbon paddle for $120

from the dealer I bought my kayak from. It was worth
the price. Much much better than the fiberglass paddle
and aluminum one I started with.

 

Not really sure it is worth it to spend more...but that's 

me. I'm also motoring now with my yak. So up to you,

but this is my 2 cents worth.

I use my paddle as a push pole often enough that I don't mind having a cheaper/heavier one.  

 

What I really want is a paddle that 1) Floats, 2) is magnetic so I can rig a simple mount that I can use with one hand, and 3) has a retractable blade/claw combo on the end to help in retrieving snagged lures.  

 

 

Check out the Aquabound Manta Ray Hybrid. It's what I have and I absolutely LOVE IT. It's got a 100% carbon shaft and a ferule that can be changed in 15 degree increments, so you can have the blades offset 0, 15, 30, 35, 60, 75 or 90 degrees. It's ferule locking mechanism is also really nice and has ZERO play like many button lock ones can have.

 

https://www.aquabound.com/products/manta-ray-hybrid-2pc-posi-lok-kayak-paddle

 

And more to your post, it costs about half (140 bucks retail, I paid 115 on sale) of the paddles you are looking at and weighs about the same (I'm talking maybe an ounce or two difference). 

 

As far as carbon, it has more to do with weight than material but I no longer feel fatigue from the paddle itself. It's light and day over the crappy aluminium paddle that came with my first kayak. 

2 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

Check out the Aquabound Manta Ray Hybrid. It's what I have and I absolutely LOVE IT. It's got a 100% carbon shaft and a ferule that can be changed in 15 degree increments, so you can have the blades offset 0, 15, 30, 35, 60, 75 or 90 degrees. It's ferule locking mechanism is also really nice and has ZERO play like many button lock ones can have.

 

https://www.aquabound.com/products/manta-ray-hybrid-2pc-posi-lok-kayak-paddle

 

And more to your post, it costs about half (140 bucks retail, I paid 115 on sale) of the paddles you are looking at and weighs about the same (I'm talking maybe an ounce or two difference). 

 

As far as carbon, it has more to do with weight than material but I no longer feel fatigue from the paddle itself. It's light and day over the crappy aluminium paddle that came with my first kayak. 

I have this same paddle and it is a good balance between price and functionality.  I'd love to have  high dollar paddle but reality is I would rather spend that coin on other things right now.  

 

I bought the aqua bound manta ray hybrid also. I have not got to use it yet. I hope it's as nice as everybody says.

I have the bending branches angler ace and don't regret buying it. My paddle before was aluminum and half a pound heavier so the angler ace is a huge step up. I never got tired from paddeling before but a lighter paddle just feels better. I paid around $180 for it

I started with an aluminum paddle from cannon and eventually bought into the carbon fiber hype and picked up a Bending Branches paddle. In all honesty I don't notice the difference at all.

Not in my humble opinion. But we all have different priorities. I have been known to fish for more than 5 hours and I've never said "Dang, this paddle is too heavy." 

If you constantly paddle long distances, yes you will notice a difference. If you're just paddling around a pond or small lake, no.  The big place I notice a difference is cold water paddling.  CF doesn't freeze your hands like aluminum.

I think it comes down to your use and preference.  Carbon is an excellent investment in my opinion and I also have an Aquabound paddle.  They are a great value for the price and that's why they're so popular.  They're not too much more than aluminum and there always seems to be used ones on CL for ~$50.

 

As far as paying ~$250, I think it depends on if the additional features are worth it to you.  I recently purchased an AT Oracle angler paddle close to that price and it's got a few neat features the Aquabound doesn't have that are comparable to the BB.  To me it was worth the extra $.  What I like about the AT paddle is it's got the line hook, easily extends from 250-260 cm, and the Ferrule adjustment is a little easier to use.  It's also got a ruler which is nice and the blade is fiberglass which also looks way cooler.  For what it's worth, the BB I looked at (Angler Pro and Pro Plus) and actually intended to buy were similar to the AT Oracle but the AT was $150 less so I unexpectedly and happily bought it instead.

On 1/4/2017 at 3:47 PM, Landis Carrier said:

Is a $250 paddle worth it? I've been yak fishing for a few years now and have a decent $100 paddle...just wondering if you really notice a difference with a carbon paddle such as the Bending Branches Angler Ace or Angler Pro.  

Not worth it for me. I'm fishing, not worried about my paddle. I rather spend my $$ on tackle. 

Thanks for all the feedback. Much appreciated.