Low Price, High Performance
| Adventure Technology (AT) have always been known amongst whitewater kayakers for producing some of the best paddles that money can buy (the Elite Series). Unfortunately for many paddlers, the budget often doesn't quite stretch far enough and we find ourselves opting for the cheaper and somewhat inferior options. Luckily for us, it seems that AT have heard our prayers and have released a totally new line of whitewater paddles, the Advanced Series. This new line is soon to hit the UK, so here are my first impressions: |  |
The Technology
| Having only owned my new Advanced Series paddle for a couple of weeks, it's hard to tell how durable or strong the paddle will be, but the technology would suggest that I'm in for a treat. Put simply, the Advanced Series paddles are better and cheaper than tradition fibreglass or carbon paddles. The blades are more impact and abrasion resistant and yet they are lighter and more buoyant. The shafts are stronger and less likely to break and yet they have a natural and forgiving flex. I know this all sounds too good to be true, but it's not. The Advanced Series paddles are carefully designed and feature a new composite material called Duraweave with Inegra, which provides them with a whole new level of strength, durability and performance. |  (AT 2014 Product Catalogue p2) |
If you still don't believe me, watch this video to see it for yourself. The interesting part starts around the five minute mark.
The Feel
This is where the fun really starts. When you get these paddles in the water, you can really feel the proof of these technological advancements. The shaft feels perfectly balanced and strong, yet with a forgiving flex which seems to reduce the stress that your body would normally endure when using a full carbon set-up.
The power and control of the blades can be felt as soon as you make contact with the water. Their shape seems to generate a perfectly smooth and flutter-free stroke, whilst their buoyancy adds control. When you get these paddles in the water, they simply feel right
The power and control of the blades can be felt as soon as you make contact with the water. Their shape seems to generate a perfectly smooth and flutter-free stroke, whilst their buoyancy adds control. When you get these paddles in the water, they simply feel right
The Options
With a choice of three different blade sizes and shapes, options for carbon with Duraweave or glass with Duraweave blades, custom length, custom feather, and straight or Full Control Grip bent shaft, you can customise your paddle to suit your paddling. Here are your options:
I have been told that one of the downsides with choosing a glass blade over a carbon blade is that the Duraweave with Inegra can make the colour appear uneven but I feel this is a small price to pay for the improvements in durability and performance that this technology offers.
Availability
| The Advanced Series paddles can be a little tricky to get hold of in the UK but the good news is that Canoe and Kayak Store are hoping to get stocked up by the end of August 2014 and should soon have some paddles available to demo at the Cardiff store. |  |
Overall
Adventure Technology’s new Advanced Series paddles are cheaper, lighter, stronger and more durable than traditional fibreglass or carbon paddles. They are the new technology. For me, it’s a no-brainer, they’re the way to go.
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