My buddy and I are looking into getting a couple new paddles for our trip this summer and previously we've used some Caviness and Carlisle economy paddles in his Old Town Discovery 174. We're going to be heading up in a Wenonah Spirit II this time, so we'll be in a lighter canoe and we will likely be a bit more careful during our launching/landing and travel since it's not a tank of a canoe like the Discovery.

Even with the added care, there's still some moments where you may have to push off or stop on rocks that you see last minute, or times when you need to dig into the substrate to push off and launch the canoe at times. Does anybody have experience with using a Bending Branches or similar brand of paddle up there, and could you speak to the durability and extra care we may need to take if we do decide to get a pair of these? If it helps, we're looking at a few different bent shaft paddles like the Viper, BB Special, and Explorer Plus. We're not terribly rough on our gear, but we're also not going to jump into 3 feet of water at the shore to save our canoe/paddles from getting scratches.

Thanks in advance!

Bending Branches makes popular paddles for use in the BWCAW and the models you have listed are perfectly good for tripping. If you are particularly concerned about use and abuse the Expedition Plus paddle would be my first choice. Really, you want to just look for a paddle that has some blade edge protection of some sort, and don't use it as a pry bar.

I have a clemant paddle from the 70s. I’d guess it has over a thousand miles on it, some of it on class 3-4 whitewater. It’s still useable but dated design. Now that your paddling a real canoe you’ll want paddles to match. You can spend a lot of money on a paddle, be nice to it, never use it to push off rocks.

I primarily use carbon bent shaft paddles, and my main carbon paddle is over 20 years old, without any problems. Before that I used wood bent shafts exclusively (Grey Owl). I've hit things with them, and regularly push off rocks, gravel, etc. Compared to good straight shafts, there are no durability issues with bent shafts. The only added risks are of breaking them if they are laying on the ground and you step on it, etc., if they are placed with the shaft up (cantilevered up). I've never broken one in almost 40 years of use all over the continent--I've had one split, but I've also had a brand new BB straight shaft split with a lot less use.

The paddles you mentioned are used throughout canoe country in high numbers. There are also many other similar brands that are equally as good. Personal preference comes into play. They are durable, comfortable and can very likely be paddles you use for many, many years.

There was also a thread earlier this year (and several times over the years) about the importance of carrying a spare paddle. I don't want to hijack your thread, but in case you're interested (and you should be, IMO) here is the link to the thread on spare paddles.

Thanks for all the information everyone! It sounds like the wooden paddles are more durable than I'm giving them credit for, and I'm sure if a paddle from 20-40 years ago is still holding up today they may be even more durable nowadays with improved technology/craftsmanship. I think we're definitely going to grab a couple Bending Branches or similar brand paddles this year - probably some of the more reinforced ones.

Jackfish, my buddy and I actually just talked today about bringing a spare this year. We haven't in years past, and we just wondered why we haven't due to the risk and extra challenge associated with breaking a paddle. You're not hijacking the thread so don't worry about it. I'll check the link out.

Thanks again everybody.

I think Bending Branches paddles are good paddles and a good value. For sure you are underestimating the durability and pushing off on rocks or whatever is no issue with their epoxy tips. The Viper has the weird double bend shaft which may be wonderful but seems like a risky choice if you aren't sure. I would have recommended the lightest one but they all appear to be 22 ounces. Personally I prefer a medium sized blade so the BB at 118 sq in would be my choice. If you get a pair of BB's you can take the money you save and start saving up for your Zaverals which can also take much more abuse than you might think.

Here is a picture of one of my BB Expresso paddles in action. I think they are great, durable, lightweight paddles for the money. The wood handle also has a warm feel on a chilly day.

trailcherry: "
Here is a picture of one of my BB Expresso paddles in action. I think they are great, durable, lightweight paddles for the money. The wood handle also has a warm feel on a chilly day."

"in action." Haha I was expecting a paddling picture, but this was even better.

justpaddlin: "The Viper has the weird double bend shaft which may be wonderful but seems like a risky choice if you aren't sure. "

Have you had any experience with the double bend before? It does look like it would be an absolute joy on your wrists to paddle, but then again I've honestly never even held one.

My buddy and I are intrigued by the Viper, but if the double bend may be a problem we may go a different route then. I suppose some of it is personal preference but I'd have to get one in my hands before I can determine what I'd like.

The BB Special is definitely one of the ones I was looking at as well though so that may be the route I go.

BlakeDeadly: "

justpaddlin: "The Viper has the weird double bend shaft which may be wonderful but seems like a risky choice if you aren't sure. "

Have you had any experience with the double bend before? It does look like it would be an absolute joy on your wrists to paddle, but then again I've honestly never even held one.

My buddy and I are intrigued by the Viper, but if the double bend may be a problem we may go a different route then. I suppose some of it is personal preference but I'd have to get one in my hands before I can determine what I'd like.

The BB Special is definitely one of the ones I was looking at as well though so that may be the route I go. "

I tried a Gillespie double bend years ago and did not fall in love with it. My personal preference has evolved to straight shaft carbon fiber paddles with relatively stubby river type blades since I can and do use them like bent shafts but I also get the precise control of a straight shaft. I rarely even use conventional bent shafts but I used to use them to "rest" on long paddles. I've also never had any concerns or discomfort with my wrists with any paddle (or maybe I didn't notice since I had more pain in my knees, ankles, and palms of my hands :)). I'm almost always solo and don't like the idea of a double bend shaft for steering but in a tandem you can do more steering just by varying the power of the bow and stern paddler strokes so they may be a better fit for you than me.

If a double bend appeals to you I don't want to push you away from them. Offhand if you're going to spend the money you might get Gillespies since they specialize in these paddles and seem to have a good reputation. The reviews below are very positive.

https://paddling.com/gear/gillespie-powerstick-paddle/

Maybe if you start a new thread on double bend canoe paddles you'll get more insights on pro's and con's...or maybe if you search you can find some older posts.

I think that you'll be happy with any of your options and they would all be a great complement to your upgraded boat.

Welcome to the board Blake.

i take 2 wood paddles on solo trips, one is a bb straight shaft, espresso. when i push off with it, it does not take much effort to get me to deeper water. i have had it for years, when i get to deep water, i switch to my sanborn 7 degree bent shaft, much lighter and my no. 1 wood shaft. proper care, they will last many paddling seasons.

The double bend has the effect of a straight in the water while it may reduce some pressure on your wrists.. I have bents double and single and straight

I don't need my double bend ( Mitchell Leader). Bents are for sitting paddlers and straight for kneeling.. Straight are easier to maneuver but bents can be used in a j stroke too. I got the double bend for Freestyle as it allows a show low brace in the bow( your body is in the water) and can clear the bow more easily for cross maneuvers ( and this has no application in tripping!)

I have only broken one wood paddle in over 50 years. That was one made by a local just starting to make paddles. The shaft broke.

I have Grey Owls and Bending Branches and Lutras ( discontinued), Fox Works
etc.. some 40 paddles over the years. They are all in the paddling shed. Some are bent ( the GO) and some not.

I love my Viper. I knew it after about 10 seconds of paddling. Make sure you get fitted properly. I wet foot but am not afraid to put some tripping scratches in my canoe. Can't say I have been seriously stuck since I was a kid. If worried take an old beater plastic paddle and put it behind the stern paddler for access.

I broke straight shaft paddles but then I was using them as push poles hunting and trapping.

Hard work for a paddle.

Yellowcanoe,

I can help you out....................I love helplng out fellow paddlers!!!!!!
I'll give you 50 bucks apiece for every Lutra you have, and another 50 bucks for insurance and shipping costs.

You don't want to be embarassed; being seen actually using one of those ratty, old "beater" paddles. They're probably just gathering dust; taking up space you could use to store a new candy colored, carbon fibered, metal flaked, bent shaft; made by vestal virgins. You'd be envied by every paddler you see on lake or river.

Seriously.............................those Lutras are ugly to the core.......................

BOB

Flashback: "Yellowcanoe,

I can help you out....................I love helplng out fellow paddlers!!!!!!
I'll give you 50 bucks apiece for every Lutra you have, and another 50 bucks for insurance and shipping costs.

You don't want to be embarassed; being seen actually using one of those ratty, old "beater" paddles. They're probably just gathering dust; taking up space you could use to store a new candy colored, carbon fibered, metal flaked, bent shaft; made by vestal virgins. You'd be envied by every paddler you see on lake or river.

Seriously.............................those Lutras are ugly to the core.......................

BOB
"

Suuuuure..... I know your modus operandi!!! No High Tea for U.

My recommendation is to get something with the fiberglassed blade. My first wooden bent shaft was the BB Special. I still like that paddle, but I don’t take it to the BWCA anymore. The epoxy tip gives a lot of protection, but there are big gouges in the blade after each trip. Spend the extra money to upgrade to the next level with the fiberglass.

My next paddles have all been Sanborn, and I am a big fan, although I have also been eying one at Glorud designs (Duluth), that I coincidentally to the thread title first saw at Bent Paddle brewing. Those are all a bit fancier, and any quality manufacturer with fiberglass blade will be good.

I’ll echo the comment about being very carefull about how the paddles are laid down on land. Make it look like a catapult, not an A-frame tent. One step on the bend the wrong way, and it will be two pieces. Or find a secure place to have them leaned vertically.

Another note - pay more attention to shaft length than overall length in choosing a size, especially if you order online. My Sanborn Minnesota fit me perfectly, but my Sanborn Nessmuck (second Sanborn purchase) is too long despite being the same overall length due to the differences in blade shape/proportion.

Actually I have heard of more paddles being broken in the luggage compartment of the car or truck vs on a trip!

jwartman59: "I have a clemant paddle from the 70s. I’d guess it has over a thousand miles on it, some of it on class 3-4 whitewater. It’s still useable but dated design. Now that your paddling a real canoe you’ll want paddles to match. You can spend a lot of money on a paddle, be nice to it, never use it to push off rocks. "

Just wanted to say I am a fellow Clement paddle fan. Mine has a similar history to yours and is by far my favorite paddle for lakes. Sad I can't buy one for my son.

To the OP, if you have a tendency to shove off shore or rocks using the blade of your paddle just make sure to buy one with a tip guard. Bending Branches makes fine paddles from everything I have seen.

I've used wood paddles for the whole 57 years I've been paddling and broken only one.

That said, if you you are accustom to leaning a lot of your body weight onto a paddle to float a canoe off a rock your finer paddles would be at risk. The solution is simple. Paddle with some real nice lightweight bents, wood or graphite and carry that heavy duty brute Carlisle for your spare. Have it handy, tucked in along side your packs. Grab it to use when you need to push off.

I also treasure my old Clement 248T.

I have only damaged one wood paddle in years of tripping, and that was my own fault. I slipped on the infamous Badwater Portage in a rain storm. The paddle was in my left hand when I fell. Cracked the shaft on my Sandborn Minnesota. A little duck tape and I was good to go. I do carry a bending branches expedition as my spare. They are almost bomb proof. Still have the Sandborne , but as many others I switched to a carbon paddle as my main paddle.

Flashback: "Yellowcanoe,

I can help you out....................I love helplng out fellow paddlers!!!!!!
I'll give you 50 bucks apiece for every Lutra you have, and another 50 bucks for insurance and shipping costs.

You don't want to be embarassed; being seen actually using one of those ratty, old "beater" paddles. They're probably just gathering dust; taking up space you could use to store a new candy colored, carbon fibered, metal flaked, bent shaft; made by vestal virgins. You'd be envied by every paddler you see on lake or river.

Seriously.............................those Lutras are ugly to the core.......................

BOB
"

Bob (and others), can you supply any more pictures of your lutra? They have the "s-blade" shape? I'm trying to understand more about what this shape is, and cannot fine much to go on. I've been collecting some older wooden paddles, and have a matching pair of blackburn design paddles on the way currently. I believe they are entirely symmetrical from the grip strait shaft down to the blade, and therefore probably not lutras, but still am interested to learn more about their history and situation relative to other blackburn paddles. Thanks in advance.

BlakeDeadly

I have the BB special and my father has the Viper. I can tell you they are quite durable. We have both had them for about 7 years now and we are (especially me) not easy on our gear. I push off of banks, rocks, ground all the time and the paddle still looks great.

The BB special feels similar to a normal paddle in my opinion. The Viper feels effortless. It's a weird feeling to describe but it feels (how do I say) less like a tool and more natural to use.

Both are solid options.

I've got a pair of bb specials, great value & excellent durability..plus they are nice looking. No problems in years of tripping. I don't baby them nor abuse them & never have done any maintenance or repair.

Kona:

Yes, I can send you some more photos of my 2 Lutras.
One of them is a regular bent shaft; the other one has the S shaped bent shaft.
You might try a google search for Lutra. If I remember correctly; there was a tread on Lutras on here, or on paddling.com. Might try a search on both websites.

Tried to contact your via private mail, but couldn't get hooked up? Was going to send photos to you directly.
Not opposed to posting photos on BWCA, but wasn't sure you'd find them.

BOB

I just received 3 Bending Branches paddles and can't wait to try them out. I'm anxious to try the carbon Black Pearl II as I've never actually used either a carbon paddle or a bent shaft before. I'm curious as well about the durability (I tend to push off form shore by sticking my paddle into the mud or rocks and pushing off)... The other two are the Expedition Plus and Java ST. Sure are beautiful looking paddles...The Expedition Plus is the heaviest but looks super beefy.