Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: GBR vs Zav vz BB blackpearl II
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EddyTurn |
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butthead |
EddyTurn: "I have 3 ZRE paddles that are used for 8-9 years. Terrific quality, probably the lightest around, great customer service (including repair), may be not strong enough for serious whitewater." They do make white water specific use paddles. butthead |
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Banksiana |
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butthead |
butthead |
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justpaddlin |
The Zavs are awesome. Knife-edge blade. They offer 4 different lay-ups so if you want super light get a Lightweight or Ultralightweight lay-up. Even the lightest lay-ups are quite tough. Overall I like their Medium lay-up since it's still very light and the super lightweight ones can actually feel too light on windy days. But - the Zavs are the most expensive. And they offer so many options it can be daunting to order. GRB - I absolutely love my GRB 6 degree. The quality seems every bit as good as Zaveral. Knife-edge blade same as Zav. It's still very light...like the Zav Medium lay-up (I'll guess 10 ounces). If you want a top quality lightweight bent shaft I'd recommend the GRB for sure. I think they are only $195 (maybe $225?) while the Zav is now well over $300 I think. If I needed a new bent shaft I'd get a GRB for sure and not just to save money over the Zav. Bending Branches - well I love those guys and have enjoyed every one of their paddles that I've owned. I've been using my new Black Pearl ST on long day paddles and I enjoy it; it's a fine all day paddle. But it's not at the very top performance level of a Zav or GRB. It weighs considerably more than the others and it has thicker edges so it's just not as "fine". But I think it has some new technology with nylon built into the edges so it should be incredibly strong (although the Zav and GRB will surprise you with their strength/durability the Black Pearl should be bulletproof). It's confidence-inspiring. The shaft feels a touch thicker than some and feels good in the hands. Great tripping paddle when you don't know what conditions you might encounter. Hope this helps. |
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PabloKabo |
Justpaddlin, Thanks for your reply. That's exactly what I was looking for! I have a good feeling about the GBR paddles after hearing back from them immediately after my request for information. Though I love my Bending Branches paddles (all wood bent-shafts) and I love that there made in my neck of the woods, the black pearl that I held seemed fine, but not awesome. So, I'll see if I tempt myself enough take the plunge with a carbon fiber paddle or two. Anyone else care to share their findings? Thanks. Happy paddling! |
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cyclones30 |
So far I love the ZRE, been on plenty of trips and though I try to be nice to it you still push off the bottom or whatever else might happen and no issues whatsoever. I know some people are going on 10+ years easily with many many trips and no issues. Find the angle you like and length and get one. I don't think there's a huge difference. |
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timf1981 |
Jasonf: "Following as I'd like to upgrade as well... Would you like to sell one of your lightweight paddles? |
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EddyTurn |
butthead: "EddyTurn: "I have 3 ZRE paddles that are used for 8-9 years. Terrific quality, probably the lightest around, great customer service (including repair), may be not strong enough for serious whitewater." They do and I don't find it strong enough for serious whitewater. |
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PabloKabo |
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sns |
Let us know how your purchase goes - and of course, include some photos! |
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PabloKabo |
There are quite a few brands on the market, and I'd like to hear from those who have held two or three from different manufacturers in their hands, what their differences are. I had a Bending Branches pearl II in my hands at the Expo at Midwest Mountaineering a few weeks back. It felt good, but I didn't paddle with it. I'm asking here, because I won't have an opportunity to try out each of the ones I mentioned for myself. Thanks for any information you can share. |
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Jasonf |
I have lots of nice gear and and a couple lightweight canoes but still use generic plastic paddles that I've used forever. |
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PabloKabo |
So, what do folks have experience with? |
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kona |
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Blatz |
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