Looking to buy a fishing kayak in the future but I don't know anything about paddles. What's the best one I can get under $100, but preferably under $75?

You won’t get a bent paddle for that. 

 

Dont skimp on your paddle, though. Slumping on the paddle for a kayak is like buying $50 tires for your truck. Take it from me, I paddle a barge of a kayak and I wish I would’ve spent more on my paddle. I’m upgrading asap. 

48 minutes ago, Smalls said:

You won’t get a bent paddle for that. 

 

Dont skimp on your paddle, though. Slumping on the paddle for a kayak is like buying $50 tires for your truck. Take it from me, I paddle a barge of a kayak and I wish I would’ve spent more on my paddle. I’m upgrading asap. 

Surely a $100 paddle is sufficient though. After all, it's a piece of metal. 

If you are young, then a metal paddle may not matter  

 

In my late 30s/early 40s I used an aluminum paddle, but

upgrading to a carbon paddle was a wake-up call and SO

much easier on my arms.

 

You can snag a fiberglass paddle for $100-110 for around

your price range. Aquabound is what I have used for the

past, what, 10 years? I've lost count. It is there as a backup

in case my trolling motor goes out. i bought the Manta Ray.

 

https://aquabound.com/categories/kayak-paddles/recreational

 

This is just one brand and it has served me well. Plenty of 

others out there to try.

Paddles come in different shaft lengths. (unless it's an adjustable) Wait until you know what kayak you're going to get so you'll know what length shaft you'll need. If I was you, I'd get the best paddle you can afford and preferably one with an adjustable shaft.

3 hours ago, EGbassing said:

Surely a $100 paddle is sufficient though. After all, it's a piece of metal. 

Any paddle that isn’t broken will get you on the water. The lighter the better, though. You use it allllll day, remember. 

 

$100-120 will buy you a decent carbon paddle. Don’t buy metal. They’re heavy and get hot in the sun. 

 

I’m not sold on these $400 paddles, either. I’m cheap, and can’t ever see myself spending that much on a paddle. 

10 hours ago, Smalls said:

Any paddle that isn’t broken will get you on the water. The lighter the better, though. You use it allllll day, remember. 

 

$100-120 will buy you a decent carbon paddle. Don’t buy metal. They’re heavy and get hot in the sun. 

 

I’m not sold on these $400 paddles, either. I’m cheap, and can’t ever see myself spending that much on a paddle. 

Looks like you can get a carbon paddle for around $75 some places. Is material the only main thing that matters? It doesn't seem like the design would make a noticeable difference but I don't know anything about this, so...

On 3/16/2019 at 8:18 AM, EGbassing said:

Looks like you can get a carbon paddle for around $75 some places. Is material the only main thing that matters? It doesn't seem like the design would make a noticeable difference but I don't know anything about this, so...

Weight, paddle style/size matters. In reality, you’re only saving a few ounces between paddles. But it help if you’re out on the water for extended trips. They also make larger paddles, supposed to be easier to paddle. I haven’t looked into them, or their benefits much. 

Here's a pretty good price for a good paddle.  ACK has discount codes too.

https://www.austinkayak.com/Carlisle-Predator-Fiberglass-Angler-Paddle/ACK17345P.html

Bass Pro Ascend Ascend Tournament Kayak Paddle is $79 fiberglass shaft not aluminum. Blades are sturdy.