We tested these 13 carbon vario paddles:
- Blackfish Viento 2-piece.
- Black Project Tempo X Reflex Carbon 90 Slim
- Black Project Tempo X Reflex Carbon 90 Standard
- Fanatic Carbon Pro 100 Slim
- GTS Narrow 85 UD 3-piece.
- Indiana Carbon 3K 3-piece.
- JP-Australia Carbon Pro
- LiteVenture Crossride Black Edition
- Naish Carbon Plus SDS
- Red Ultimate Carbon
- RRD Dynamic 80
- Sport Vibrations Full Carbon 3-piece.
- Starboard Lima L Carbon Prepreg
Click to go to the individual rating.
A high-quality paddle is subject to virtually no wear and tear - except for sloppy handling on land or in shallow waters with a stony bottom. Even after many thousands of kilometres, it will work better with every paddle stroke and give more pleasure than a brand new 900 gram paddle from the complete set. The rather high purchase price is thus put into perspective over the years - at least you can justify the undeniable luxury of such a noble piece of sports equipment a little better with sustainability and a favourable price per kilometre.
All of the paddles tested are top paddles without exception, although they can differ significantly in terms of details and paddle feel. High-performance stiffness or comfortable cushioning - that is a question of taste in this group.
After many kilometres of testing, we can form three groups. Two paddles have a noticeable - shoulder-friendly - damping effect and show more visible flex with a very sporty pull: the thin paddle from Black Project and also the Sport Vibrations Full Carbon. The Black Project is particularly suitable for lighter paddlers, then also for sportier use, the Sport Vibrations is very suitable for touring paddlers of all classes who are not constantly travelling in competition sprint mode.
The main field offers consistently high stiffness, with slight damping only noticeable when pulling very hard. This large group includes the paddles from Black Project (with standard shaft), Blackfish, Fanatic, LiteVenture, GTS, Indiana and Starboard. These seven paddles are all stiff enough for very sporty paddling and are recommended for training, fitness and sport touring through to racing without any restrictions. Even more stiffness is largely a question of personal taste.
From this main field, four paddles stand out in this direction as being even stiffer - albeit only slightly - and form the hardest option before the last stage of one-piece racer paddles, where you then have to do without the comfort and versatility of length adjustment. If you are looking for a vario paddle with maximum stiffness, you should choose the JP-Australia Carbon Pro, RRD Dynamic 80, Red Ultimate Carbon or Naish Carbon Plus SDS from this test field.
The perceived swing weight is almost consistently at a high to maximum level and can almost be read off the scales. The extremely light Starboard Lima is alone at the top, followed by the thin Black Project and Blackfish Viento. The Black Project with standard diameter and the paddles from JP-Australia, LiteVenture and Naish are also slightly lighter than average. Experience has shown that the blade sizes selected for this test of around 85 inches2 cover the widest range of use - from leisurely touring to sporty training - and were found to be comfortable by both the 55-kilo testers and the 85-kilo paddlers. The slightly smaller paddles from JP-Australia and Indiana were particularly suitable for high stroke rates. The larger blade from Sport Vibrations, on the other hand, suits the somewhat calmer paddling style, in which propulsion is generated via a large surface area rather than a high frequency. All diameters, lengths and weights given are the results of measurements taken by the SUP Magazine test team.
A mere formality? In any case, they are all thin.
The paddles in this group are sharp, and not just in the figurative sense. The first ten centimetres of the carbon blades are wafer-thin as they plunge into the water. It is only then that the blades start to curve more or less in three-dimensional structures. These serve to stiffen the paddle blade (Starboard has two pronounced, martial-looking ridges on the back of the blade) or, thanks to the spoon-shaped concave hollowing, ensure a particularly powerful or efficient grip immediately after insertion. All blades worked perfectly, the more curved blades tended to build up pressure very early without appearing stubborn. The consistently thin blades are generally not quite as explosive immediately after piercing and build up the pressure more evenly over the course of the draw. However, these are subtle nuances. In addition, the "Spoon-Shape" paddles seem to be a little more stable through the water, as the Fanatic paddle, for example, requires a little more guidance than the Starboard paddle. Whether a very pronounced shape of the shaft directly above the blade, as with the Black Project, aerodynamically looking like the helmets of track cyclists, really brings an advantage cannot be proven, but the paddle also worked perfectly.
The test results
Blackfish Viento 2-piece.
The Viento is one of the absolute top paddles in this high-quality group. Weighing just 532 grams and with a very good weight distribution thanks to the delicate, thin yet stiff paddle blade, it swings as light as a feather and therefore enables particularly energy-saving and also particularly fast paddling - if that is ever required. In this respect, it is just behind the Starboard but, together with the Black Project Slim, ahead of the other paddles. The shaft - slightly but noticeably thinner than standard - has a light structure and therefore has a particularly good grip. Similar to the Starboard, the handle is particularly comfortable to hold. The pull-out is secured against twisting with a groove, the clamp is not particularly delicate, but has no sharp corners or edges. The paddle blade is only slightly three-dimensional in the centre, reinforced with a rib. The edge is solidly laminated and well protected against damage with an ABS inner layer.
Conclusion:Blackfish delivers a specialist paddle that inspires with its feather-light paddle feel.
Super light and agile.
- Price: 469 Euro
- Length: 166-222 cm
- Tube diameter: 28.5 mm
- Available Sizes:520 cm²
- Weight: 532 grammes
Black Project Tempo X Reflex Carbon 90 Slim
With a weight of just 537 grams, the Black Project with its thin shaft, together with the Blackfish Viento, forms the small chasing pack directly behind the Starboard Lima, which sets itself apart from the rest of the field in terms of perceived lightness when paddling. With its slim 26 millimetre shaft, the paddle has a very good grip in the hand, the newly redesigned handle nestles perfectly in the hand, does not bulge out at the back and has been made slightly straighter at the front, resulting in an optimum combination of suppleness and control. The paddle is certainly not super stiff, especially in the very long setting, but on the other hand it provides cushioning and an extremely light swing feel. The elaborately shaped blade offers a combination of early pressure build-up and yet not brute power development and is particularly easy to paddle and stable to pull straight.
Conclusion: Certainly not maximally stiff, but one of the handiest paddles with a filigree paddle feel, particularly pleasant catch and very light swing weight.
Thin, very light, comfortable.
- Price: 425 Euro
- Length: 175-208.5 cm
- Tube diameter: 26 mm
- Available Sizes: 73/80 (tested size)/88/95 inches²
- Weight: 537 grammes
Black Project Tempo X Reflex Carbon 90 Standard
The Black Project is the paddle with the kick. The version with the standard shaft in 29 millimetres uses the same blade as the slim model with the 26 millimetre shaft (left). The blade has the most pronounced concave on the pressure side and a visibly stronger curvature of the blade on the last few centimetres to the blade tip than usual. This ensures a particularly early build-up of pressure when piercing - not brute, but powerful in the first fractions of a second, then transitioning into a harmonious force curve with a very stable paddle stroke through the water. The more three-dimensional structure is - very slightly - noticeable when lifting out sideways (similar to the Starboard). Sizes 73 and 80 are combined with the 90 per cent carbon shaft, while the stiffer 100 per cent is used for sizes 88 and 95. The Reflex Carbon 90 is not one of the stiffest boards, but offers a little damping, which is very pleasant. The grip is supple and offers almost the same control as a T-grip.
Conclusion:Very light paddle with a successful combination of damping and performance with a particularly effective catch.
Very light, damped, pressure build-up.
- Price: 425 Euro
- Length: 175-208.5 cm
- Tube diameter: 29 mm
- Available Sizes: 73/80 (tested size)/88/95 inches²
- Weight: 567 grammes
Fanatic Carbon Pro 100 Slim
The Carbon Pro with a thin shaft is new to the range and proves to be particularly handy and easy to grip. With the reduced diameter, the paddle does not quite achieve the stiffness of the standard diameter, but can still be propelled in a sporty manner without being really soft, just noticeably damped, which can also be very pleasant. At the same time, the blade swings easily and cuts in cleanly with its thin blade - both at high paddling frequencies and at a leisurely stroke rate. The standard-sized carbon handle sits comfortably in the hand, the Vario system is easy to adjust and the guide groove does its job and keeps the handle well aligned, even when adjusting. Compared to the equally thin Black Project, it is somewhat stiffer but - due to the slightly heavier paddle blade - does not offer quite the same feather-light, perfectly balanced swing weight.
Conclusion:easy to grip, handy and with a particularly high stiffness for a slim version. For paddlers with a strong pull who still prefer a thin shaft diameter.
Very stiff for a slim version.
- Price: 519 Euro
- Length: 169-221 cm
- Tube diameter: 26 mm
- Available Sizes:95 (tested size)/100 inch²
- Weight: 618 grammes
GTS Narrow 85 UD 3-piece.
The GTS is one of the price cracks in this group - as of the end of June, the paddle is even cheaper on the website. However, the trophy for the best price/weight ratio already goes to the GTS, even at the list price of 199 euros. This is mainly because it comes in a three-piece version, which alone adds around 40 grams to the weight due to the additional plug connection. The now well-known model is not one of the stiffest bikes in this group, but rather offers really good stiffness with a small amount of comfortable damping. The 85 inch2 blade is thin, with a slight spoon shape, and it swings and pushes very easily and with medium pressure at all paddle frequencies and speeds. It is known to be stable through the water and is therefore both sporty and easy to paddle. It comes with a padded bag with separate compartments that would also work for a James Bond kit.
Conclusion:Very light three-piece with good stiffness at a particularly favourable price.
Inexpensive, light, balanced.
- Price: 199 Euro
- Length: 167-220 cm
- Tube diameter: 29 mm
- Available Sizes:85 Inch²
- Weight: 638 grammes
Indiana Carbon 3K 3-piece.
If you like sporty paddling and prefer an ergonomic T-handle, you should put the Indiana Carbon on your shortlist. The 81 mm blade makes it the most petite paddle in this group, while the next available size is already very powerful at 95 inch2. The lower split is not only visually well camouflaged, but is also only slightly noticeable on the water compared to some two-piece paddles in a similar weight class. With the light blade, the Indiana just flies forwards, wants to be moved quickly and "is certainly also good for lighter people", was the verdict of one tester. But even strong arms won't put too much strain on the stiff, high-quality 3K carbon shaft, the Indiana lets you feel what's inside and feels very firm even when pulled hard. The upper clamp with straight guide is well rounded. The vario tube and handle are elegantly and seamlessly moulded from a single piece and the hand-flattering T-handle allows optimum control over the paddle position - both when pulling straight and when steering.
Conclusion:three-piece paddle with excellent weight, a top grip, slightly less pressure, but agile paddle feel due to the slightly smaller blade.
Very stiff and fast to paddle.
- Price: 329 Euro
- Length: 174-220.5 cm
- Tube diameter: 28.5 mm
- Available Sizes:81 (tested size)/95 inch²
- Weight: 655 grammes
JP-Australia Carbon Pro
At 83 inches2 , the Carbon Pro is one of the smallest paddles. This makes it virtually predestined for higher paddling frequencies. In fact, at just 623 grams, it swings very quickly. The light, thin paddle blade supports the light and airy paddle impression. It also appears less bulky in the pull phase, encouraging faster paddling and then appears very sporty, which is probably also due to the above-average stiffness. The thin, yet slightly spoon-shaped blade on the inside penetrates cleanly, pulls stably and comes out of the water as light as a feather; together with the Indiana, it is one of the more delicate-looking blades with slightly less pressure, enabling high stroke rates. The paddle blade with the silver-coloured protective edge and the visible carbon structures on the shaft and handle create a classy impression. The handle is one of the more voluminous ones, is pleasantly rounded and moulds well to the shape of the hand. The clamp is well rounded and the straight line is precise.
Conclusion:particularly stiff and particularly agile paddle.
Lightweight and particularly rigid.
- Price: 439 Euro >> available here
- Length: 163-219 cm
- Tube diameter: 28.6 mm
- Available Sizes: 77/83 (tested size)/90 inch²
- Weight: 623 grammes
LiteVenture Crossride Black Edition
Despite the medium flex specification, the Crossride is nice and stiff. And the good stiffness can also be transferred to taller paddlers, as the paddle is available in different base lengths on request, in 172 or 184 centimetres. We tested the longer paddle, which we measured at 1.81 metres when fully inserted. Taller paddlers therefore have to use less vario extension, which has a particularly positive effect on stiffness. On the water, the paddle feels wonderfully light in the hand, is one of the top paddles in terms of swing weight and is easy to control and steer with the ergonomically designed T-handle. With a concise catch - the first pressure build-up after insertion - the paddle enters a very stable pulling phase and produces the usual counter-pressure. In addition to the comfortable grip, the Vario clamp from canoeing is also impressive - one of the best systems you can get, the only thing missing is an anti-twist lock.
Conclusion:a convincing performance with good stiffness, very light swing weight and well thought-out features.
Stiff, light, T-handle, great clamp.
- Price: 329 Euro
- Length: 181-233 cm
- Tube diameter: 29.5 mm
- Available Sizes:M
- Weight: 578 grammes
Naish Carbon Plus SDS
With the Carbon Plus, Naish has dispensed with design gimmicks and sent an almost flat, thin, lightweight paddle blade with a grippy shaft into the test. The good grip comes from the roughened surface in the entire grip area, which proves to be very non-slip both dry and, above all, wet. The comparatively small, crescent-shaped grip also allows precise control, fits comfortably in the palm of the hand and only appears a little more delicate in large hands. The thin, blade-like blade in 85 inch2 stabs in without splashing like a high jumper with a top score of ten, does not build up maximum pressure in comparison, but enough and can be pulled very stably when paddling dynamically. Only with a very lazy, slow paddling style does it feel slightly more agile in the hand, but by no means critical. Even with a medium paddle pull, it is stable and easy to paddle. The anti-twist lock and clamp worked perfectly during the test, and in the overall field it is one of the particularly stiff paddles that even trained, powerful paddlers will enjoy.
Conclusion:Paddle with good grip even when wet, light swing weight and good stiffness.
Particularly grippy and stiff.
- Price: 399 Euro >> available here
- Length: 172-222 cm
- Tube diameter: 29.4 mm
- Available Sizes:85 (tested size)/90/95 inches²
- Weight: 676 grammes
Red Ultimate Carbon
The Ultimate Carbon is a true titanium. Its basic length and very high rigidity alone make it particularly suitable for large and powerful paddlers. Thanks to the unusual adjustment mechanism, there is no clamp on the shaft to get in the way. In principle, the vario extension works in a similar way to the squeeze closure of a thermos flask, only much tighter. By turning a small lever in the handle, a steel cable in the tube squeezes a rubber in the tube in such a way that the slide sits wobble-free and watertight in the stock. The very thin carbon blade is light and thus reduces the swing weight, it cuts in clean as a whistle and builds up pressure well; at 550 cm2 it is one of the larger blades. Nevertheless, it comes out of the water with the lowest possible resistance. The blade is solidly laminated all round by about half a centimetre and reinforced with a protective edge, making the paddle particularly robust and solid, and the plastic knob on top is very comfortable to hold.
Conclusion:a particularly stiff and solid paddle for committed paddlers.
Very balanced and stiff.
- Price: 439 Euro
- Length: 182-224 cm
- Tube diameter: 28.7 mm
- Available Sizes:550 cm²
- Weight: 634 grammes
RRD Dynamic 80
Even without 100 per cent carbon in the shaft, the Dynamic 80 comes very close to 100 per cent in several respects. Its weight is similar to that of the Naish or Red paddle and it has nothing to hide in terms of stiffness, with the shaft and blade being among the stiffer units. While RRD obviously attaches more importance to the design than many other brands, which simply print the logo on the blade, they have stuck to a rather angular vario closure for years. This holds the tube securely in place, but nothing more. On the other hand, the blade shines with stable guidance in the water and solid, even power build-up from the catch to lifting the paddle. The thin blade appears light and agile, but with its 92 inch2 surface area it ensures powerful propulsion at all times. The handle is quite voluminous and is also noticeably curved backwards in the more classic palm grip style. Fortunately, the paddle is well below the weight specified by the manufacturer in our measurement - which is a rather rare deviation.
Conclusion:Stiff, powerful paddle.
Very stiff and powerful.
- Price: 319 Euro >> available here
- Length: 172-222 cm
- Tube diameter: 29.1 mm
- Available Sizes:92 Inch²
- Weight: 649 grammes
Sport Vibrations Full Carbon 3-piece.
Sport Vibrations offers a high-quality carbon paddle for less than 200 euros - even as a three-piece. This increases the weight on the scales slightly in comparison, but with a light blade, the paddle still provides an airy swing weight and real paddling fun. Ideally at a leisurely to brisker touring pace, as the large blade (only available in one size) really pushes. Where other paddles do not yet develop their full strength at a leisurely sightseeing pace, here you have noticeable grip and counter-pressure even at a leisurely pace. The workmanship and fittings are impeccable, the clamps are well rounded and additionally secured at the bottom with a push button - absolutely free of play. The paddle sits comfortably in the hand, swings easily and runs stably through the water during the pull phase. The thin blade has a very playful effect when inserting and lifting out and sticks in at any speed without splashing or splashing. When strong paddlers pull hard on the tube, a little more flex is noticeable than with the stiffest paddles, but for 90 per cent of all paddlers it is certainly not too "soft".
Conclusion:favourable touring paddle with light swing weight and noticeable damping.
Powerful, easy to paddle.
- Price: 195 Euro
- Length: 175.5-221.5 cm
- Tube diameter: 29 mm
- Available Sizes:8'5" x 19"
- Weight: 716 grammes
Starboard Lima L Carbon Prepreg
Among the absolute top paddles, the Lima in carbon prepreg goes one better: 494 grams, non-slip shaft, elegantly designed vario clamp and perhaps the most comfortable grip. Anyone who has the chance to take the luxury paddle out of the showcase and onto the water will have perhaps the lightest paddling experience possible with a two-piece paddle. In addition to the low overall weight, the weight distribution with the light blade is also optimised for the lowest possible swing weight, and this can be felt - or not felt - with every forward swing. The Lima is light as a feather and can be paddled with maximum frequency or simply swung forwards casually and with minimum force. The paddle blade works perfectly, builds up pressure evenly and early, generates good propulsion, only when lifting out is the clear 3D shaping slightly noticeable. The basic length of 1.61 metres is comparatively short, and the maximum extension length should not be used. If you do, it also feels quite stiff.
Conclusion:the lightest paddle with outstanding paddle feel.
Lightest, most agile paddle.
- Price: 549 Euro >> available here
- Length: 161-218 cm
- Tube diameter: 29.7 mm
- Available in Sizes: 68/76,5/83/88 (tested size)/95/99.7 inches²
- Weight: 494 grammes
