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kona
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Wow JP thanks for this post. Beautiful paddles, all of them. Interesting to hear about the centered on the blade ZAV paddle too. Is it totally symmetrical then? And what about the troublemaker, is it symmetrical also, grip, blade etc? What are you using as edging tape on your paddles?
I’ve never laid hands on a black Bart paddle but they do get rave reviews. Im a 90% kneeler and I prefer straight shaft blades most of the time. There isn’t much info online about the troublemaker but it is all overwhelmingly positive. Perhaps some of the info I read came from you!
My recent post was prompted by acquisition of a ~12oz bent shaft carbon blade from the Barton Paddle Company. It is a mid 90s stick produced after the Barton Paddle Company was sold and relocated to Minnesota. Not an ideal picture to show it’s features but it’s what I had on hand. Also pictured is a very lightweight and somewhat rare Savage River Canoes low angle bent shaft paddle and a somewhat rare Blackburn Designs Honey Island straight shaft and blade cruiser. The Barton is a great paddle with a cool blade shape. Not sure what ultimately happened to the Barton Company. Maybe it was purchased by Wenonah or???
Ultimately I do prefer a straight shaft. I’d love to trade up or outright buy a troublemaker if one were to come up.
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kona
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mr.barley
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Love my 50" bent Black Bart. Nice paddles.
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kona
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My dream would be to find a straight shaft with symmetric grip, about 54” total length.
In case some one sees this and is interested, I have some nice paddles to offer in partial or full trade.
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Mojo1269
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I have a bent shaft; not sure of it model name and not sure of its size (I'm 6'2) I might be willing to part with if your interested I can post a picture or two.
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pswith5
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Do you suppose it's called troublemaker because Bart Simpson was always making trouble??
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VaderStrom
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kona
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Edit: I’m still looking for a straight shaft Black Bart paddle, aka “troublemaker” in the 53-56” length range.
I would be happy to pay a more than fair price. I also have some very nice paddles in case a partial or full trade sounds appealing.
Also interested in bent shaft Black Barts in the 48-51” range.
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VaderStrom
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I won the lotto and got 2 for $200 a couple years back. I'll keep an eye out for you.
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VaderStrom
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They're both 50" bent. One is still near mint condition the other is the one I use primarily. I'll take some pictures for you.
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VaderStrom
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They're both 50" bent. One is still near mint condition the other is the one I use primarily. I'll take some pictures for you.
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kona
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A wayback machine search of his old page suggests the trouble is you’ll need one of these to replace your old straight paddles.
I’d really like to find that straight shaft troublemaker out there and steward it with frequent use and great care.
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dringge
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I just saw a 52" Black Bart bent shaft paddle for sale on ebay.
Dringge
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kona
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Bump. Will pay $ and more $ for a nice black bart.
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justpaddlin
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Those are some tasty looking paddles kona. A few more pics showing the symmetry of the Troublemaker, no longer produced Zav with Zav T-grip, and also a Bending Branches Sunburst which is still available. The Sunburst is a loaner that may be for sale if you are near SW Michigan (it's a 56). Some years ago I sold another Zav mini-beavertail with a symmetric Barton carbon grip. Also just FYI the FoxWorx Roka looks like an interesting paddle that looks fully symmetric and is available in a 56. FYI sometimes I have rolled a thin bead of epoxy on the blade edge of irreplaceable paddles like the Troublemaker just using a toothpick dipped in epoxy and held perpendicular to the blade edge. The tape you see is plain stretchy electrical tape and is also just meant to be a sacrificial edge and also maybe just a little extra insurance against chipping. Sometimes I put on two layers. I do know of one more Troublemaker out there but not at all sure if it's available so will keep you in mind due to your interest. If we ever go for a paddle I'd be happy to let you try mine.
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kona
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VaderStrom: "I won the lotto and got 2 for $200 a couple years back. I'll keep an eye out for you."
Wow that’s awesome. Any chance one of them was straight shaft?
Would love to see a pic or three if you have time.
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justpaddlin
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Hey kona, the Troublemaker is my favorite paddle and I'm curious where your interest came from. Unfortunately I am not interested in trades or selling any of the paddles in the pics but I will keep you in mind if I come across one.
I think Bud made two size blades for his bent shafts...a smaller Zav-like blade and later a larger one like mine in the pic.
I also thought I'd show you a Zav with what I would call a mini-beavertail blade. The blade is centered on the shaft like a Troublemaker. Zav stopped selling those years ago (my guess is due to lack of demand) but if anyone is close to Bob Zaveral maybe we can somehow convince him to make some more. I tried persuading him some years ago but failed.
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kona
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To the top! Maybe in fall cleaning someone found one?!
I’ve got a pile of top shelf wooden paddles I’m going to let go soon, with some choice options that are not quite my size in new or little used condition (Blackburn Lutra pro spoon blade, Wildwood bent shaft, Grey owl freestyle).
Would rather trade…
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VaderStrom
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I'll try to find my 2nd paddle. Its in storage somewhere.
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kona
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Bump!
VaderStrom I’m sending you an email.
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kona
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Bump...anyone willing to let go of a troublmaker in the 53–56” range?
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kona
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To the top, with enthusiasm!
After a test drive, I’m sure now that I’d be interested in a straight shaft black bart in the 53-56” range and also a bent shaft black
Bart in the 49-52” range.
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