EXTRAS
Tips / Equipment
Paddle Configurations
Epic paddles are available in three configurations. Which paddle is right for you will depend on your individual needs. Available configurations are as follows.
One-Piece Paddle
A one-piece paddle is the simplest construction. It is the lightest, strongest, and least expensive. There is no added weight from an extra ferrule or connection piece. A solid one-piece shaft is the most secure with nothing to "give", "play", or move at the connection.
The downside to a one-piece paddle is that it's more cumbersome to transport or store. A one-piece paddle also does not offer any adjustment options, either in feather or length. This could be a disadvantage if you frequently share your paddle with others.
If you are sure of the length and feather angle that you prefer, do not intend to share your paddle, and don't do a lot of traveling with your paddle, then a one-piece paddle is your best choice.
Standard Two Piece Paddle
A two-piece paddle is easy to put into a trunk, carry on an airplane, or store in a closet at home. A take-apart paddle is also handy to take along as a spare — either inside your kayak or attached to the deck.
Our standard two piece paddles use a ferrule with a push-button connection to set the feather angle. Typically there are two or three holes for feathered and unfeathered positions. Our standard configuration has 75-degrees right, unfeathered, and 75-degrees left feather positions (three holes). Another popular configuration has 60-degrees right and unfeathered positions (two holes). Special-order configurations are available, however holes must be at least 55 degrees apart to provide adequate strength.
Our ferrule and push button add about 1.5 ounces to the weight of a paddle, compared to a one-piece paddle of the same length. It also adds $30 to the cost of a paddle.
In order to allow enough tolerance for the pieces to fit and for the button to snap into place, there is always a slight amount of play at the connection of a two-piece paddle. Because the shaft has been cut and holes drilled into the shaft for the button, a two-piece paddle is not quite as strong as our other configurations. This is no problem for general use, but could be a concern for heavy surf use.
A standard two-piece paddle will also offer the option to paddle feathered or unfeathered. While we don't recommend changing your feather based on conditions (see our tip on feather angle), this is a nice feature if you want to share your paddle with friends.
If you need the option to break down your paddle and prefer a simple connection system, then our standard two-piece paddle is your best choice.
Length-Lock™ Paddle
Our Length-Lock™ paddle offers all the advantages of a take-apart paddle while allowing you to adjust both your paddle length and feather angle.
The Length-Lock™ system features a plastic collar, which tightens down onto the ferrule. The ferrule is clearly marked for 10 cm of length adjustment as well as the feather angle. Feather can be set to any angle, right or left control. This is done by loosening the collar, moving the ferrule to the desired length and feather, and then tightening the collar back down.
The Length-Lock™ system adds about 2.5 ounces to the weight of a paddle, compared to a one-piece paddle (or about 1 ounce more than our standard twp-piece paddle). It costs $20 more than a standard one-piece or standard two-piece paddle.
Since the Length-Lock™ collar tightens down securely, the "play" in the connection (common to standard two-piece paddles) is eliminated. Because there are no holes drilled into the shaft, it is also stronger than a standard two-piece paddle.
The Length-Lock™ system is more complicated and requires a little more care than our other configurations. Sand should be kept out of the plastic collar, or cleaned out after use. The collars come lubricated with a small amount of special wax lubricant. If frequent cleaning is done to remove sand or dried salt, then the lubricant should be replaced for optimal performance (wax lubricant is available as an accessory). If you keep sand out of the collar, then re-lubrication should not be necessary. Properly cared for, the Length-Lock™ collar does not need to be tightened excessively hard to hold the paddle setting.
The ability to adjust length and feather angle is useful in a variety of situations including:
If you want the ability to adjust your paddle, or want a take-apart paddle with a stronger and more secure connection, then the Length-Lock™ paddle is your best choice.
Conclusions
The ideal paddle configuration depends upon your needs. The chart below illustrates the pros and cons of each configuration, with 'A' being the best and 'D' being the worst.
Configuration
One-Piece Paddle
A one-piece paddle is the simplest construction. It is the lightest, strongest, and least expensive. There is no added weight from an extra ferrule or connection piece. A solid one-piece shaft is the most secure with nothing to "give", "play", or move at the connection.
The downside to a one-piece paddle is that it's more cumbersome to transport or store. A one-piece paddle also does not offer any adjustment options, either in feather or length. This could be a disadvantage if you frequently share your paddle with others.
If you are sure of the length and feather angle that you prefer, do not intend to share your paddle, and don't do a lot of traveling with your paddle, then a one-piece paddle is your best choice.
Standard Two Piece Paddle
A two-piece paddle is easy to put into a trunk, carry on an airplane, or store in a closet at home. A take-apart paddle is also handy to take along as a spare — either inside your kayak or attached to the deck.
Our standard two piece paddles use a ferrule with a push-button connection to set the feather angle. Typically there are two or three holes for feathered and unfeathered positions. Our standard configuration has 75-degrees right, unfeathered, and 75-degrees left feather positions (three holes). Another popular configuration has 60-degrees right and unfeathered positions (two holes). Special-order configurations are available, however holes must be at least 55 degrees apart to provide adequate strength.
Our ferrule and push button add about 1.5 ounces to the weight of a paddle, compared to a one-piece paddle of the same length. It also adds $30 to the cost of a paddle.
In order to allow enough tolerance for the pieces to fit and for the button to snap into place, there is always a slight amount of play at the connection of a two-piece paddle. Because the shaft has been cut and holes drilled into the shaft for the button, a two-piece paddle is not quite as strong as our other configurations. This is no problem for general use, but could be a concern for heavy surf use.
A standard two-piece paddle will also offer the option to paddle feathered or unfeathered. While we don't recommend changing your feather based on conditions (see our tip on feather angle), this is a nice feature if you want to share your paddle with friends.
If you need the option to break down your paddle and prefer a simple connection system, then our standard two-piece paddle is your best choice.
Length-Lock™ Paddle
Our Length-Lock™ paddle offers all the advantages of a take-apart paddle while allowing you to adjust both your paddle length and feather angle.
The Length-Lock™ system features a plastic collar, which tightens down onto the ferrule. The ferrule is clearly marked for 10 cm of length adjustment as well as the feather angle. Feather can be set to any angle, right or left control. This is done by loosening the collar, moving the ferrule to the desired length and feather, and then tightening the collar back down.
The Length-Lock™ system adds about 2.5 ounces to the weight of a paddle, compared to a one-piece paddle (or about 1 ounce more than our standard twp-piece paddle). It costs $20 more than a standard one-piece or standard two-piece paddle.
Since the Length-Lock™ collar tightens down securely, the "play" in the connection (common to standard two-piece paddles) is eliminated. Because there are no holes drilled into the shaft, it is also stronger than a standard two-piece paddle.
The Length-Lock™ system is more complicated and requires a little more care than our other configurations. Sand should be kept out of the plastic collar, or cleaned out after use. The collars come lubricated with a small amount of special wax lubricant. If frequent cleaning is done to remove sand or dried salt, then the lubricant should be replaced for optimal performance (wax lubricant is available as an accessory). If you keep sand out of the collar, then re-lubrication should not be necessary. Properly cared for, the Length-Lock™ collar does not need to be tightened excessively hard to hold the paddle setting.
The ability to adjust length and feather angle is useful in a variety of situations including:
- Changing paddle length between different boats (such as between a narrow single and a wide double touring kayak).
- Sharing your paddle with a friend who uses a different length or feather angle.
- Changing length for various conditions.
- Allowing you to fine-tune your feather angle. You can try different feather angles to find the one that works best for you.
If you want the ability to adjust your paddle, or want a take-apart paddle with a stronger and more secure connection, then the Length-Lock™ paddle is your best choice.
Conclusions
The ideal paddle configuration depends upon your needs. The chart below illustrates the pros and cons of each configuration, with 'A' being the best and 'D' being the worst.
Configuration
| One-Piece | Std. Two-Piece | Length-Lock™ | |
| Weight | A | B+ | B- |
| Strength | A | C | B+ |
| Travel/Storage | D | A | A |
| Adjustment | D | C | A |
| Simplicity | A | B | C |
| Price | A | B | C |
