I am looking for a good set of new paddles for a couple who is rather special to me (won't say more lest they see it posted here).

However I have a few specific requirements that I am hoping you fine people can help with. Probably most difficult is that one paddle around 56-58 inches needs to be a 7 degree bend. 5 degree would likely be acceptable if necessary. This one is a pretty hard and fast criteria (no, I'm not interested in a debate on what bend is best). The second, shorter, paddle is just fine with the standard 14 degree bend.

Additionally, I'm looking for something that is very visually appealing as this is likely to be the last set this couple will ever own. In line with this, being lightweight is also to be appreciated.

Previous paddles have been Bending Branches and Mitchell if that helps.

Obviously my issue arises from finding a paddle with the lower bend for the stern paddler.

Any ideas/makers/websites/ect... would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for all your knowledge!

Cheers, Barca.

The only paddle company I know from which you could order a 7 degree bend is Zaveral (zre.com).

Check with Sanborn Canoe Company. They're a wonderful, small company out of Winona, MN. They'll do custom paddles for you with any bend you want. I have two of their paddles and I love them. Sanborn Canoe Company

I agree w/ the first two answers. Sanborn makes some sweet ones....but a carbon ZRE is nice. Their site says they'll make one from 0-15 degrees so....there you go

cyclones30: "I agree w/ the first two answers. Sanborn makes some sweet ones....but a carbon ZRE is nice. Their site says they'll make one from 0-15 degrees so....there you go "

He wants visually appealing. My ZRE has a NASCAR look to it. Maybe that's visually appealing to the author, I don't know. I really don't care how mine looks, it's a great paddle

Another paddle company that claims that you can custom order a bent shaft paddle is FoxWorx Paddles.

I understand Mitchell will no longer be making paddles. Too bad, as I really like my Northstar paddle (made by Mitchell) and I was hoping to pick up another.

Thank you all for the help. I was hoping for one option, instead I have many. I'll be sure to post a pic when this plan all comes to fruition. Thanks again! Barca

GRB Newman Designs offers a carbon fiber 6 degree for $195. I have one and love it. Zaveral paddles are also nice but more expensive...they offer any angle you want for something like a $15 charge. FYI standard angle these days is 12 degrees on a bent shaft, both GRB or Zaveral offer 12 degree paddles.

If I may comment, 56-58 is super long for a paddle with a bend around six degrees.

Both the GRB and Zaveral paddles are top quality. I recommend a pair from GRB Newman Designs.

justpaddlin: "GRB Newman Designs offers a carbon fiber 6 degree for $195. I have one and love it. Zaveral paddles are also nice but more expensive...they offer any angle you want for something like a $15 charge. FYI standard angle these days is 12 degrees on a bent shaft, both GRB or Zaveral offer 12 degree paddles.


If I may comment, 56-58 is super long for a paddle with a bend around six degrees.


Both the GRB and Zaveral paddles are top quality. I recommend a pair from GRB Newman Designs."

Do you have any idea of the weights of the GRB Newman Designs paddles?

Winnebago Paddles made a custom bent shaft with a wood inlay of a goldfish as a gift for my gf.

I would recommend making your own. It is not that hard and there are instructions on the net. That is the best way to insure getting the angle, paddle width, weight, etc. the way you want it.

mgraber: "

justpaddlin: "GRB Newman Designs offers a carbon fiber 6 degree for $195. I have one and love it. Zaveral paddles are also nice but more expensive...they offer any angle you want for something like a $15 charge. FYI standard angle these days is 12 degrees on a bent shaft, both GRB or Zaveral offer 12 degree paddles.



If I may comment, 56-58 is super long for a paddle with a bend around six degrees.



Both the GRB and Zaveral paddles are top quality. I recommend a pair from GRB Newman Designs."

Do you have any idea of the weights of the GRB Newman Designs paddles?"

I apologize for taking so long to respond. I think my 6 degree is 10-11 ounces, about the same as the Zaveral Medium lay-up.