Snapped the shaft on my Bending Branches Sunburst XL (now out of production). And apparently the new model Sunburst ST

uses a smaller diameter shaft... They won't sell me just the shaft so I can pair down my grip and blade because of "Safety and Liability"

So, has anyone purchased a carbon fiber shaft on their own that they were happy with? I have found some online, but not long enough. My blade and grip are in perfect condition.

The cost on a new sunburst ST is not in my plans.

If you go to ZRE.com and click on shop online then paddles then paddle parts you'll find a variety of carbon fiber shafts. I'd go for the heaviest/strongest available since the Bending Branches come with hefty/thick carbon fiber shafts (I'm surprised you broke one). I've done a few Frankenstein paddles and you're taking a chance by assuming that other shafts have the same inside oval shape...but maybe you can shape your grip and blade a little bit if necessary (I put a symmetric grip from a new Sunburst onto an older paddle like yours and also put one on a different brand carbon paddle and I've put a ZRE grip on a Black Bart paddle and whenever I mix brands of grips and shafts some fitting is required). One thing I learned from Bending Branches is that the epoxy they use to attach their grips does NOT loosen up with heat like other brands so when I removed a grip from a paddle like yours I had to use a utility knife to slowly carve the carbon fiber off of the wooden grip (not the easiest job). If you grind it off I suggest using a mask. ZRE also sells grips separately.

Thanks a million!

I am far from an authority on paddles but I have seen paddleboard paddles (carbon) for some dair prices on cl and marketplace. Might be able to fit one of those on your paddle

I was thinking that you might be able to repair your paddle with a hardwood dowel. I might go to the hardware store and find the biggest diameter dowel that would fit into the broken shaft (probably around 3/4") and epoxy it into the broken shaft pieces. I'd try to use as long a section of dowel as I could fit in there. Just a thought...might be worth a try.