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2-piece carbon fiber Greenland paddles

I just received mine, an Akiak, about 3 weeks ago, so probably not much of a review. Plus, I am not a full-on Greenland convert, I still use Werners much of the time. I can say that the Gearlab build quality is superb. There are no flaws, blems or other imperfections. The push button joint is excellent and tight, but not too tight, if that makes sense. I haven't tried removing the tips, so no comment on how that works or its ease.

As far as paddling and on the water feel goes, the only other Greenland paddle I have used/owned is a wooden Northpoint made in Bellingham, WA. The Northpoint feels better to me, this is more of a feeling based on wood versus carbon, though. I have always preferred wood over composite when it comes to paddles, even in whitewater. The Akiak is shoulderless whereas the Northpoint is shouldered, I haven't really noticed much of a difference as far as that goes. The main reason I bought the Gearlab was for the two piece design.

I bought mine on ebay for $300, no tax and free shipping. There was four of them at various sizes and a few Nukilik at the time. Just checked before posting this and the ad is gone. However, if interested you may want to call Naples Outfitters, Naples, FL. While the ebay ad did not expressly say Naples Outfitters, I'm pretty sure the paddle came from them.
 
Thanks! I can get a wooden 2-piece from Joe O'Paddles. And maybe I'll do that. I do love my wooden one!! But I know I would worry about it much more when having to put it through the baggage system at the airport.
 
Paws, I looked at Joe's site but didn't see anything that indicated a 2-piece wooden paddle.

Back in the day, when competition archery recurve bows started coming out with metal risers and laminated, replaceable, limbs, there was a joke that Herders Catalog (discount, low end gear, sort of like Campmor) wanted to come out with a take down bow, but they were having trouble getting the nail holes to line up.

So I'm wondering about the joint on the 2 piece wooden paddle - though I'm guessing a metal sleeve would do.
 
Paws, I looked at Joe's site but didn't see anything that indicated a 2-piece wooden paddle.

Back in the day, when competition archery recurve bows started coming out with metal risers and laminated, replaceable, limbs, there was a joke that Herders Catalog (discount, low end gear, sort of like Campmor) wanted to come out with a take down bow, but they were having trouble getting the nail holes to line up.

So I'm wondering about the joint on the 2 piece wooden paddle - though I'm guessing a metal sleeve would do.
http://www.joeopaddles.com/apps/webstore/products/show/3848062
 
Joe, perhaps you could answer my emails about the whereabouts of the norsaq I ordered and have not received? I've sent you several and have not heard back. :)
 
Joe, perhaps you could answer my emails about the whereabouts of the norsaq I ordered and have not received? I've sent you several and have not heard back. :)
Found the email in question and already responded....all is good :)
 
I would be interested in seeing more information and pictures of the ferrule system used.
 
Heard from Dubside--he described the pros and cons of a number of CF paddles and said that he feels that the Gearlab paddles are a great choice b/c of the replaceable tips. It's so easy to damage the tips, and then the paddle either doesn't work as well or may not even float. I think I'll get a Gearlab one so I don't worry so much about it when travelling. :) And they make a nice travel case for them as well.
 
dealing with the resualt of dammaged tip is a great point Dubside brings up.. thanks for that

i was about to pull the trigger on the NUKA, it's less costly, but does not have replacaable tips, so i upped the game and saw GearLab has a year end 15% off deal untill Dec 20. only on AKIAK and NUKLIK in chilli red, and the 220 AKIAK is sold out already...

no intrest in Gearlab other than i just ordered a chilli red 220 NUKILK with grey tips from them...
 
Gearlabs are nice paddles. BUT there not really any lighter than wood paddles.For me the whole idea of carnon fiber is make the paddler lighter. I have a superior paddle two piece 22 ounces. Used for 4 seasons now, still going strong. Used in heavy surf. Downside there pricey. For me well worth it. I have tried gearlabs others have and there fine but no lighter than my wood ones. I prefer wood over gearlabs. BUT love my superior
http://www.superiorkayaks.com/superiorkayaks2017store_002.htm
 
I'm interested in a fat Gearlab paddle for Surge (Kayakid or Aukaneck) but won't buy until I can try one first.
The only Canadian dealer is in Ontario, so that's not much use.

Meanwhile, my Novorca one piece GP is 21 oz. It was expensive; now it's priceless.
 
there not really any lighter than wood paddles.For me the whole idea of carnon fiber is make the paddler lighter
i've had a chance to try a Gearlab, and true, it's no lighter than the red cedar stick i use curently

for me it's about confident self rescue in lumpy water, i don't have a roll, but can paddle float /leg hook back in reliably

the thought of snapping the stick while trying to re-enter in lumpy water is enough to leave it on the deck, that's where i see the gearlab being a better all purpose choice for my skill levels and intrests - i'm nowhere near the Hydraulic Specialist skill level ;-)
 
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