Hey folks, I'm looking for a bent-shaft paddle for under a $100.

I am 6'1'' if that helps.

Disclaimer, I may not respond to every reply but I do appreciate those who will reply.

Thanks,
CV

Have you looked at Bending Branches? They're pretty nice paddles for the money. The BB Special is $99 in my brief Google search. My son and I each have one of those and have used them for several years. There are also times of the year when certain outdoors/paddling stores will offer them on sale.

+1 on the BB special. I have one and like it a lot...

Check out Sanborn Canoe Company. They're in Winona. Great guys that build awesome and beautiful paddles.

I have a 54" bending branches bent shaft paddle I'd be willing to let go for $40. Its been well used but has plenty of life left. It looks a lot like my bending branches special, but instead it says "rock guard." At 5'10", I prefer 52" for bent and this is simply too long for me, or for anyone in my house. Not sure how tall one should be for 54", but I see that BB does sell a 56" bent shaft...

kona: "I have a 54" bending branches bent shaft paddle I'd be willing to let go for $40. Its been well used but has plenty of life left. It looks a lot like my bending branches special, but instead it says "rock guard." At 5'10", I prefer 52" for bent and this is simply too long for me, or for anyone in my house. Not sure how tall one should be for 54", but I see that BB does sell a 56" bent shaft..."

I'm 6 ft and the 54 inch bent shaft works for me.

Paddle length has less to do with your actual height and more to do with your torso length. First, determine the length of the blade of the paddle you're interested in. Then, sit down (don't slouch) on a chair and measure the distance from the chair seat between your legs to the spot right between your eyes. This is the length you need for the shaft of the paddle. Add that to the blade length and there you have the length of the paddle you need for that particular make and model of paddle. Paddle length can vary greatly from paddle to paddle, depending on the blade length. A paddle that is good for shallow river systems will have a shorter blade than a long bladed paddle good for deep, lazy, flat water. When you're sitting in your canoe, your leg length makes no difference in your paddle. You could have a long torso and short legs. Or a short torso and long legs.

Has anyone tried the Caviness Cavpro bent shaft sold online and also at Fleet Farm stores? It's around $80 and may be a good starter paddle for someone testing them out.

RLJ: "Has anyone tried the Caviness Cavpro bent shaft... "

Looks like a nice paddle. Weight is similar to a BB special.

kona: "I have a 54" bending branches bent shaft paddle I'd be willing to let go for $40. Its been well used but has plenty of life left. It looks a lot like my bending branches special, but instead it says "rock guard." At 5'10", I prefer 52" for bent and this is simply too long for me, or for anyone in my house. Not sure how tall one should be for 54", but I see that BB does sell a 56" bent shaft..."

Do you have any pictures?

Thanks everyone for the replies. I have looked at bending branches and they look like nice paddles.

Goldenbadger: "Check out Sanborn Canoe Company. They're in Winona. Great guys that build awesome and beautiful paddles. "

Good call, but he said under $100.

I use the Cavpro from Fleet Farm. They are $70 and I have bought them after getting coupons for $10 off $50/$15 off $75, making the paddles about $65 after tax.

I like them. Tripmates like them. I am sure there are better paddles or finer aspects, but this is my first set after using rented metal paddles. I like that I can break them or lose them and not worry.

FOXWORX STANDARD BENT SHAFT CANOE PADDLE New is one to consider the line prices go up but still very reasonable. A bit lighter with finer edged blade than the Bending Branches. Still have a 52+ inch 14 degree bent Camp Paddle from before they changed names.

butthead

PS: I could be convinced to part with it if you could use that length, e-mail me for details. km

Probably you need a 54" paddle. I'm 5' 10" and use a 52". As for brand and model, you get what you pay for. More expensive paddles will be a little lighter, have better shaped grips, and fiberglass sheathing on the blade, which will add a lot of strength. For very occasional use, that may not be necessary.
If you're handy and have a table saw, you could also make a paddle or two. It's not hard, and it's kind of fun. With cedar and pine you can make one that's pretty light--lighter than the ones mentioned above. I made a few bird's mouth paddles that come in around 19 oz., a
Finally, there are some graphite paddles in your size advertised on paddling.com. Those might fit the bill.

I've got a Wenonah Quetico bent shaft that I'm really happy with. $90 on Wenonah's website and free standard shipping above 50 bucks.

https://www.wenonah.com/Items.aspx?id=11

Tyler