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We bought and tested kayak paddles from Werner, Wilderness Systems, Aqua-Bound, Bending Branches, Carlisle, and others to help you find the best for your next float
Searching for the best kayak paddle on the market? After researching the most popular options, we picked 16 to test side-by-side, spending over 200 hours paddling and inspecting every nook and cranny. We toured for many miles with these paddles, analyzing their feel, performance, and quality of construction. We ventured across lakes and endured high winds and waves, pushing these paddles to their limits (and slightly beyond) to identify the pros and cons of each design. We got to know them exceptionally well and pass on our findings to help you select the best paddle for your next kayaking adventure.
If you love getting out on the water, check out our best water gear list, which features paddling gear and more. We've field-tested the best life jackets and PFDs, and our expert testers have opinions on the best kayaks.
Editor's Note: Our kayak paddle review was revised on November 13, 2024, to include more comparisons between products in our award section.
The Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon is a high-quality 2-piece kayak paddle that stands out for its performance, ease of use, and durability. Utilizing a full carbon shaft and redesigned carbon-reinforced nylon blades, this paddle is well-balanced and delivers a powerful flutter-free stroke without putting excessive strain on your body. The mid-sized dihedral blades suit various paddling styles and experience levels, making the Sting Ray a popular choice among all our testers.
Press the orange buttons, and with a gentle twist, this secure paddle easily adjusts or dismantles. Testers agreed that the Aqua-Bound Posi-Lok connection system is the easiest join system we used, offering the most precise fit. In contrast to all the other paddles we reviewed, it has withstood the test of time well. To get a paddle that is any better than the Sting Ray, expect to pay quite a bit more. This is a high-value purchase that will serve you well. If you're looking for the best money can buy, the premium Werner Kalliste scored even better in paddling performance — just know that it will cost you big bucks.
The Werner Skagit FG follows Werner's well-established tradition of premium designed and constructed kayak paddles but uses more modest materials in the blades so they can deliver this at an introductory price. The fiberglass-reinforced injection molded nylon blades offer remarkable durability against impacts and wear. Unlike other blades constructed of similar materials we tested, the Skagit is not prone to flex or flutter, resulting in an efficient paddle stroke that is smooth regardless of the conditions.
The carbon blend shaft is the same one you'll find in Werner's higher-end models, as is the Smart View adjustable ferrule. This Werner patented join offers a precise fit, and testers agreed it gives the solid feel of a 1-piece paddle. If you struggle with dexterity, the Smart View system can be challenging, especially in cold climates. And yet, this is superior to the common snap button system on most introductory-priced paddles. We also like the locking mechanism on the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon, which performed just slightly better. Not only is it easy to adjust and dismantle, but it also has a precise fit. Still, the Werner Skagit is robust, durable, and delivers smooth, stable strokes, likely to keep you happy on the water for years to come.
Weight: 37.0 oz | Construction: Aluminum shaft, polypropylene blades
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy shaft
Play in the locking mechanism
The Bending Branches Whisper stands out as a robust and economical paddle that can get aspiring kayakers out on the water regardless of their budget. The polypropylene paddle blades are durable and can withstand significant use and abuse, even in rocky conditions. Despite the low price point, we still felt this paddle delivered a dependable performance and would be a great option for a friend getting into water sports.
The aluminum shaft of the Whisper makes it much heavier than top-performing paddles like the Werner Kalliste. However, it falls in the lighter category compared to paddles of a similar price bracket. The flex in the plastic blades results in a less efficient transfer of power, which the performance athletes in our testing group noticed. If you have some wiggle room in your budget, check out the Werner Skagit FG. This value buy has plenty to offer, including a secure locking mechanism, lighter weight, and better performance. Overall, the design is nothing to write home about, but the Whisper is still great for basic kayaking adventures. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts wanting to get out and explore and who do not require a performance paddle will be grateful for such an affordable option.
If you are going to be using your kayak a handful of times a season, or you are more interested in lazy floats than journeying with your kayak, the Bending Branches Whisper would be a great choice for you.
Weight: 44.5 oz | Construction: Fiberglass shaft, fiberglass/polypropylene blades
REASONS TO BUY
Durable shaft and blade construction
Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Quite heavy
Locking mechanism has some play
The Carlisle Magic Plus is a reliable performer, even in rough conditions or clumsy hands. The fiberglass shaft and fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene blades deliver a sturdy paddle stroke, and unlike other value models, the blades do not flex under pressure. The wrapped paddle shaft has a coarse texture, providing a secure grip that most testers appreciated, particularly if we had sunscreen on our hands. The reinforced blades were also some of the most durable we tested. We feel comfortable throwing this paddle in the back of a truck with our other gear without worrying about damaging the shaft or blades.
After multiple uses, dismantling and adjusting the two pieces became challenging. The snap button adjustment point jammed frequently during testing and is sensitive to any grit or sand. With that in mind, all the paddles with a similar snap-button locking system had the same issue. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it's something to know if you plan to disassemble it regularly for travel. Lastly, this paddle is heavy. If you prefer to go light and money isn't an issue, the ultralight Werner Camano is worth a look. Still, the Magic Plus offers solid performance for considerably less than our top models tested. So, if additional weight isn't a factor and you want a reliable, affordable paddle, this might be the one for you.
The nylon plastic blades on the Carlisle Magic Plus kayak paddle stand out for their ability to perform and also withstand a beating - this is a paddle that you can lend your clumsy friends.
Weight: 28.8 oz | Construction: Full carbon blades and shaft
REASONS TO BUY
Exceptional performance
Ultra lightweight
Buoyant blade construction
REASONS TO AVOID
Very expensive
The Werner Kalliste rose to the tippy top of our lineup for its exceptional performance, airy feel, and all-around high scores across all our testing metrics. This paddle boasts an ultra-lightweight and full-carbon construction coupled with a buoyant blade design. With this winning combination, it feels effortless to execute powerful, smooth paddle strokes, even after many miles of touring. The lightweight and efficient design will save energy and keep you out on the water longer.
You will want to treat this paddle well. While the carbon construction is durable, it's not immune to the impact of blunt force trauma. Used as intended, this may be the last paddle you ever buy. Though it might cost nearly half the price of your kayak, with proper maintenance, the longevity will justify the investment. But, if you're rough on your gear and unwilling to splurge, consider the affordable Bending Branches Whisper. This durable paddle is one you won't mind lending out. Regardless, beginners and experts will both see an immediate difference in their kayaking style and enjoyment when choosing the Kalliste. The paddle is exquisitely balanced, encouraging a naturally smooth and powerful cadence in every stroke that will make you fall in love with kayaking all over again.
The ultralightweight feel of the full carbon Werner Kalliste paddle helps to reduce fatigue on your joints, enabling you to maintain form and paddle effectively for longer.
Weight: 27.2 oz | Construction: Fiberglass shaft, fiberglass/polypropylene blades
REASONS TO BUY
Very light
High-performance blades
Locking mechanism is secure
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Blades prone to wear if you're not careful
The Werner Camano stands out for its lightweight performance. The carbon blend shaft delivers a perfect balance of power and flex, resulting in a smooth and stable cadence. The translucent fiberglass laminate blades are mid-sized and well integrated into the shaft, reflecting the superior engineering Werner paddles are well known for. At just 27.2 ounces, this is currently the lightest paddle we tested, with the Werner Kalliste next in line at 28.8 ounces.
Repeated exposure to abrasive conditions (i.e., sand, rocks, shale ) may lead to gradual wear on fiberglass blades, and extreme blunt force impacts may also chip small corners. Check out the Werner Skagit FG if you need more durable blades. The blades can withstand some abuse, and the paddle price tag is more affordable. Still, don't expect one bump to knock you out of the game, as the Camano will continue to deliver power even as it ages. If you can take care of your paddle, particularly during transport, the Camano will deliver outstanding performance at a great weight and — while still expensive — it comes in at a significantly more reasonable price than many others of similar caliber.
The Camano is gorgeous to behold and a joy to paddle with thanks to its ultra lightweight and impeccable design.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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The Aqua-Bound Sting Ray FG paddle is a reliable option for your water-based adventure.
Credit: Sara James
How We Test Kayak Paddles
We research the most promising kayak touring paddles each year and purchase the best to put to the test. Since 2018, we have tested dozens of different kayak paddles, categorizing our testing data and observations into five different performance metrics, staying as consistent and objective as possible. For example, we tested locking mechanism security by handing paddles to blindfolded paddlers and allowing them to handle and use them without touching the center of the shaft: the paddles that felt like one piece scored higher. We also paddled under pressure while paying attention to any flex, weighed each one to assess weight distribution and balance, and put them through rigorous tests to see how well they held up.
Our testing of kayak paddles is divided into five key metrics:
Performance (30% of overall score weighting)
Ease of Adjustment (20% weighting)
Locking Mechanism Security (20% weighting)
Weight (20% weighting)
Quality of Construction (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This review was headed up by multi-discipline paddler, coach, and educator Sara James. Sara is a well-rounded adventurer with a 20+ year background in paddle sports, including touring kayaking, Class V whitewater kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and squirt boating. She has covered thousands of miles in different kayaks worldwide, including guiding and safety kayaking on river trips in France, Nepal, California, and Zambia. Her other passion is education, and on top of working as a high school teacher, she is an instructor for California Watersports Collective. Having watched hundreds of kayakers learn to paddle, she is confident she has an eye for what works. She supplements her expertise with feedback from her adult and youth students and elite kayaking professionals. Sara also tests kayaks, SUPs, life jackets, and dry bags for GearLab.
Many testers noticed the slight play in the shaft, however it was not enough to impact their enjoyment on the water.
Even if you come home empty-handed, a morning on the water with the Kalliste will always be enjoyable.
Analysis and Test Results
To formulate a well-rounded view of each product, we tested these kayak paddles with varying levels of kayakers, ranging from novices to professionals. We also used the paddles in various conditions, including glassy, flat water touring sessions and multi-day trips with windy, choppy waves. We used these paddles for hours on end to get a crystal-clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses for different types of users and demands.
There are a variety of different PFDs available to suit all needs and sizes. Do not skimp on this essential pieces of equipment.
Credit: Sara James
An Essential Note on Safety — US Coast Guard regulations require children under the age of 13 to wear a PFD. Depending on where you are kayaking, local agencies may have additional rules. Please check before planning to hit the water. Common sense dictates that adults (and their dogs) should also wear a PFD on any open body of water, even if they are strong swimmers. Conditions can change quickly, and the effects of cold water immersion can be rapid. For those looking to save money, consider purchasing a cheaper paddle or kayak rather than buying a used PFD or reusing the one you found in your grandma's garage. PFDs deteriorate with time, sun, and pressure. Don't compromise on this critical piece of safety equipment, as it can save your life.
What's the Best Value?
In our gear reviews, one of the things that we consider and compare but don't quantitatively score is the product's overall value. We always try to find the best paddle products possible; however, we recognize that some won't work for everyone's budget, as sometimes the best products are also the most expensive.
If within your budget, there are some notable products to mention on the pricier side. The Wilderness System Pungo Glass has high-end materials, including durable fiberglass composite blades and a carbon-blend shaft, resulting in an excellent product at a fair price for these materials. The impeccable Werner Kalliste is even more taxing on the budget but engineered with the highest quality design and materials. In exchange, it delivers unrivaled performance and an exceptional feel. If taken care of, it will last you for years, a consideration when assessing long-term value. These stunners aside, there are several great options if you need a product that will get you out on the water without making a big dent in your wallet. The Werner Skagit stands out for its outstanding value and solid performance across all metrics. If you need to spend even less, the Carlisle Magic Plus, Bending Branches Whisper, Bending Branches Bounce X-Grip, and Badfish Custom all offer competitive value. But the best balance of price and performance in our current lineup is the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon. It rose to the top, performing stunningly well across the board for a price we could hardly believe.
The aluminum shaft and fiberglass reinforced blades on the Badfish Custom kayak paddle keep it affordable yet stylish.
Credit: Sara James
Performance
We based 30% of each paddle's score on performance, making it our most heavily weighted testing metric. If you are a beginner kayaker or use your kayak to enjoy another hobby, such as birdwatching or fishing, this metric may not be as relevant to you as weight or ease of adjustment. However, as you spend more time in your kayak, you will quickly feel the difference between a high-performance paddle and a lower-budget option.
Get Lessons — During our testing, ongoing research, and collective experience on the water, one thing we consistently observe is recreational kayakers holding their paddles incorrectly. If you hold your paddle upside down or back to front, you will not get the best performance out of it. You could pay an extra hundred dollars for a lighter, higher-performance paddle, but it will only make a difference if you use it correctly. YouTube videos can demonstrate proper technique, such as showing you how to hold your paddle correctly. Still, a kayak lesson will pay dividends to your technique and efficiency on the water.
We evaluated each paddle's performance in four key areas — catch (the blade's ability to slice into the water and grab a wedge of water), power (the pull of the blade in the water), the flutter of the blade (how much it moved laterally during the pull), and the feel of the shaft (including how it felt to grip and if there was any flex under pressure). We switched from one paddle to another, ran timed sprint laps, and launched off gravel bars using the paddle to push ourselves, all to test the blades' flex, power transfer, and how it succumbed to wear and tear.
The Aqua Bound Sting Ray Carbon is light, durable and well balanced, delivering a great feel when paddling on the water.
Credit: Sara James
The design of the dihedral blades and high-end materials used in the Werner Kalliste, Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon, Sawyer Station Sea Feather V-LAM, and Werner Camano enabled these paddles to perform exceptionally well in our tests. The Kalliste stood out for its ultralight carbon construction and buoyant blade design. None of these blades flex under pressure, which provides an efficient power transfer for the paddler. In addition, the materials provide the paddler with extra assistance to help them float across the water. While durable, paddles with basic plastic blades flex under pressure and deliver a less efficient power stroke.
The Sawyer Station Sea Feather V-LAM carbon shaft delivers an efficient transfer of power for when you want to get moving on the water.
Credit: Sara James
Although flex in a kayak paddle blade does not equate with higher performance, a slight flex in the shaft delivers a more comfortable stroke and improved efficiency. Therefore, we prefer paddles with a carbon or fiberglass shaft over those with a more rigid aluminum shaft. The Wilderness Systems Apex FG and Wilderness Systems Pungo Glass both have a 50/50 carbon and fiberglass shaft. The Apex is perfectly stiff, delivering an excellent power transfer with each stroke, and the foam core inside the blades (which have carbon-reinforced edges and a fiberglass outer) provides a nice buoyancy. The Pungo offers excellent adjustability, and the gentle curve of the blades aides with smooth and flutter-free strokes.
The Pungo Glass (front) is an impressive paddle with excellent performance on the water.
Credit: Sara James
Ease of Adjustment
All the paddles we purchased offer the opportunity to adjust the feather of the blades to suit a left-handed, right-handed, or neutral paddle position. Some have a greater degree of options for the more discerning user, and some make this task much simpler than others.
The Wilderness Systems paddles take adjustability to another level, with the additional feature of allowing paddlers to adjust the paddle length. The system employs a simple lever-lock mechanism that is adequately sized and easy for paddlers to use, even if their dexterity or hand strength is challenged. This system lets the user release a plunger washer that keeps the paddle pieces locked tightly together when tightened. The result is an adjustability performance that feels uncompromised and exceptionally secure.
The Lever-Lok system on the Wilderness Systems Pungo paddle.
Credit: Sara James
Similarly, for an additional cost, you can upgrade most Aqua-Bound bound paddles to the Versa-Lok ferrule system, which also allows you to add up to 15cm onto the length of your paddle. Aqua-Bound's Posi-Lok ferrule (which we tested on the Sting Ray Carbon) is slightly cheaper but does not compromise on quality; we found this system one of the easiest to use when we had cold hands, and we also found it to perform consistently despite years of use.
The Perception Outlaw stood out in this metric due to its unique ability to convert to a SUP paddle. When considering how easy each paddle is to adjust, we also factor in how easy it is to dismantle, experimenting with cold hands and under pressure (in choppy, white cap conditions when we really did not want to capsize).
You can also change the Perception Outlaw from a Kayak paddle to a SUP paddle making it one of our more adjustable paddles.
Credit: Sara James
The Werner Kalliste, Skagit FG, and Camano use a Smart-View adjustment system for their paddle connection that is easier to adjust than the snap button systems, especially under pressure or with cold hands. In addition, the clear marking system makes it easy to identify the paddle's correct feather and right or left-handedness. This feature is helpful if you intend to share your paddle with other kayakers with different blade-angle preferences or expect to change the feather angle during paddling sessions. As with all of these, if you want this system to stay in tip-top shape, some basic maintenance is highly recommended.
The male connection point of the Werner shaft is prone to drying out and can become stiff to adjust if not maintained properly.
Credit: Sara James
At first glance, the conventional snap-button system (also called a push button) is obvious and easy to use. However, testers repeatedly found that this system quickly jams after repeated use in sandy conditions and therefore becomes difficult to adjust without help. In cold conditions, when you start to lose coordination and strength in your fingers, the snap-button systems can be exceptionally difficult to use. If you buy a paddle with this locking system, you will need to clean it out frequently.
The snap button systems are more difficult to adjust, especially with cold hands.
Credit: Sara James
Aqua-Bound offers some of their touring paddles with the snap button option, or, for a little extra, you can get the significantly superior Posi-Lok system mentioned above, which is considerably more secure and easy to operate. Based on our testing experience, spending just a little more is easily justifiable when this option is available.
A well designed and well-maintained paddle should be simple to adjust.
Credit: Sara James
Locking Mechanism Security
Having a two-piece paddle has benefits for transportation purposes, but it does cause a weak point in the shaft. Depending on the locking mechanism and how secure it feels, this may or may not impact the paddle's performance. The easiest adjustment systems to use also feel the most secure to paddle with. Good design can make a product user-friendly and improve performance.
When new, the joining mechanisms on the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray, Wilderness Systems Apex, and Wilderness Systems Pungo provided the most secure feel of all the paddles we tested. Under blind testing, paddlers identified all of these as one-piece paddles. No one noticed any rotational or horizontal give. The Aqua-Bound paddles maintained this high level of performance over time, but the Wilderness System's Leverlock became less effective as the paddle got used.
The Werner Kalliste, Skagit, and Camano also performed very well in this metric. Their Smart View internal locking mechanism provides a secure feel, with no rotational movement in the paddle while kayaking. We noticed that out of the water, a horizontal pull resulted in some give, but we hardly felt this when using the paddle in the water.
The hardest part of using the Smart View adjustment system is finding the discreet and non-protruding button.
Credit: Sara James
For its price point, the Perception Outlaw deserves mention, outperforming many more expensive paddles in this metric. Other paddles of a similar price point typically use a snap button system, which has a lot of give when paddling. And, after extensive use, snap button systems tend to become even less secure, resulting in reduced efficiency and an overall less enjoyable paddling experience. The system on the Outlaw is impressively solid.
The Perception Outlaw employs a reliable and easy-to-use system so that you can adjust your paddle length or feather quicky and even with cold hands.
Credit: Sara James
Weight
At first, kayakers may not notice the impact of weight between paddles. However, once you are a mile into your journey, your arms will feel the extra weight. A lighter paddle also helps to maintain form and ward off fatigue. This further enhances overall performance, as paddlers can maximize the efficiency of each stroke. While lighter paddles are often more expensive, you might find it worth it if you plan to go on longer ventures or are prone to joint pain.
Those looking to enjoy extended journeys in their kayak will want to consider the lightweight Camano or Kalliste. These paddles are significantly lighter than others in this review fleet — but they are also more expensive. Heavier paddles tend to be more affordable, making them ideal for short, casual kayak tours when weight doesn't matter so much.
The lightness of the Werner Kalliste makes it a joy for all to use, even beginners can appreciate the weight difference of a high-performance paddle like this one.
Credit: Sara James
The Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon offers the best weight-to-value ratio in our lineup — it is considerably lighter than other paddles in a similar price bracket. Typically, heavier paddles are also more durable. However, the Sting Ray Carbon stands out for maintaining high durability and low weight.
A heavier budget paddle like the Bending Branches Whisper is not too much of an issue if you are just planning a leisurely float.
Credit: Sara James
Quality of Construction
While we can't use every product for years, we assess each paddle's wear and tear during testing to get a sense of its durability over time. In particular, we focus on the construction quality of the blades, where these join the shaft, and the ferrule between the two pieces of the paddle. Your paddle is useless if you can't assemble it or if the blades fall off.
The Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon is a top performer in this metric. The polished finish of the Posi-Lok's internal shaft isn't prone to collecting sand or grit and was consistently easy to use. The abX carbon-reinforced nylon blades withstood use in rocky and sandy conditions with no evidence of wear. Additionally, though the Smart View system used on the Werner Kalliste, Skagit, and Camano was not immune to jamming with sand or grit, we found that it withstood these conditions better than any snap button system and was easier to use with cold hands.
Somehow Aqua-Bound's Posi-Lok ferrule system just never seemed to clog, unlike almost all the other designs we tested.
Credit: Sara James
The kayak paddles with fiberglass-infused nylon and polypropylene blades fared well in our tests, showing how these materials can withstand quite a battering. Despite this durability, those with a snap-button system on the paddles' shaft received lower overall quality scores, as they are prone to jamming. Luckily, a frequent rinse and monthly application of silicone lubricant should help you extend the life of this component. Also, proper storage and transport will considerably extend a paddle's life. Those that invest a couple of hundred dollars in a paddle may also consider obtaining a travel bag, as it aids in the longevity of your purchase.
A frequent rinse, especially of the internal join, will keep your paddle in working order.
Credit: Sara James
The Carlisle Magic Plus doesn't have an elite blade design but stands out for the durability of its materials and the resulting quality of construction. The fiberglass-reinforced blades are securely attached to the shaft, and this robust paddle can handle anything you throw at it. It's made of thicker plastic than almost all the other paddles we tested and is not easily susceptible to dings, scratches, or dents like those made of more fragile materials. Similarly, despite its slightly below-average blade design, we felt the Perception Outlaw was noteworthy for its robust construction, particularly given its price point.
We tested a variety of paddles side by side to find out which is best for you.
Credit: Sara James
Conclusion
We relished the opportunity to put these paddles to the test in a wide variety of conditions. Using paddles ranging in quality side by side is a stark reminder of how a good paddle can make a big difference in your kayaking experience. Despite testers having different paddling backgrounds and experience levels, we unanimously agreed on all our award winners for this review. If you want to hit the water in your recreational touring kayak, our write-up will help you select the very best paddle to suit your needs.
