Around 40 models are available on the market for dedicated paddlers, not including the different blade sizes. For a quick overview, you will find here, pre-filtered, the paddles that the testers who pulled the tubes for SUP magazine liked best. A certain price-performance factor, which cannot be calculated exactly, is included - otherwise you would probably only find 500 euro paddles here. As you can see, however, really very good paddles are available for less than 200 euros and the higher priced models selected here also stand out within their price range in terms of swing weight, stiffness or grip. This list shows the opposite of a pig in a poke, here are ten top paddles with all the features open in your hand. We have reserved four podium places for models with a reduced diameter.
We have tested these 10 paddles:
Paddle with standard diameter:
Paddle with thin diameter:
Click to go to the individual rating
Paddle with standard diameter:
Blackfish Andaman 3-piece.
The Blackfish has an elegant look with its matt handle in visible carbon, the slightly structured, non-slip shaft and the super-thin paddle blade in a high-gloss finish. The paddle is extremely light and the thin blade further enhances the nimble handling and light feel when paddling. It plunges razor-sharp into the water and remains very stable during the pull phase. The pressure build-up is in the healthy mid-range, the swing weight is top class and the way the blade comes out of the water unbraked and almost without resistance reinforces the agile, very light-handed feel. The grip is very well adapted to the shape of the hand, the upper clamp is unfortunately quite large.
Highlights:Very light, very nimble.
Technical data Blackfish Andaman 3-piece.
- Price: 449,00 Euro
- Length: 169 - 221 cm
- Tube diameter: 28.2 mm
- Available Sizes:520 (tested size)/ 580cm²
- Weight: 616 grammes
Black Project Ohana 3-piece.
On paper, the Ohana has a slight weight disadvantage compared to the lightest boards in its price range, but this is not noticeable on the water thanks to the weight distribution. The smaller blade size also ensures particularly agile handling and swing feel. This makes the Black Projekt one of the most popular paddles under 300 euros. In terms of swing weight, it is even right at the top. It sticks in clean as a whistle, nothing wobbles in the lower connection. In terms of pressure build-up, it is in the middle of the field, it remains calm when pulling through and seems a little more powerful than you would expect from the stated 82 inches².
Highlights:Top weight.
Technical data Black Project Ohana 3-piece.
- Price: 279,00 Euro
- Length: 174 - 208.5 cm
- Tube diameter. 29 mm
- Available in Sizes: 76 /82 (tested size)/ 90 inch²
- Weight: 649 grammes
JP-Australia Carbon Pro 3-piece.
The JP Carbon Pro has a slightly spoon-shaped, thin blade with a slight hollow groove, which is very favourable when piercing and lifting out. The paddle swings very quickly and is very close to the very lightest in its price group, even if it weighs perhaps 50 grams more on the scales. The weight distribution seems to have been well balanced. The carbon grip lies very well in the palm of the hand with minimal curvature to the rear, which leads to good pressure distribution. It is one of the stiffest paddles in all classes and is overall a solid paddle with a light swing weight.
Highlights:Particularly rigid.
Technical data JP-Australia Carbon Pro 3-piece.
- Price: 449,00 Euro >> available here
- Length: 171 - 218 cm
- Tube diameter: 29.2 mm
- Available Sizes: 77 /83 (tested size)/ 90 inch²
- Weight: 695 grammes
Makaio Carbon Sport Tour 3-piece.
The Makaio perfectly represents the price-performance factor of its price group. For just under 180 euros, you don't get the lightest paddle, but you do get a high-quality, stiff paddle with sophisticated components. The vario tube is elegant, including the handle (very voluminous), made from a single piece of carbon fibre. Both clamps are well rounded, and an anti-twist device is integrated into the upper lock. The base length of 1.78 metres is quite long, so tall paddlers don't have to extend it as much. The large blade cuts in cleanly, immediately builds up a lot of power and then pulls stably through the water.
Highlights:Powerful and inexpensive.
Technical data Makaio Carbon Sport Tour 3-piece.
- Price: 179,90 Euro
- Length: 179 - 229 cm
- Tube diameter: 29 mm
- Available sizes Sizes: 90 Inch²
- Weight: 716 grammes
Paddle board carbon fibre 3-piece.
With its slightly above-average blade size, the paddleboard paddle lies exactly between a very sporty set-up and touring power. It therefore supports both the somewhat faster paddling frequencies and the leisurely pace very well. The T-grip lies very comfortably in the hand and offers optimum control of the paddle at all times, both when paddling long strokes and during turns. The lower division is secured without play with a guide groove, diagonal division and push button and is barely noticeable. From the handle to the tip of the blade, the paddle is very stiff throughout.
HighlightsStiff, grippy, inexpensive.
Technical data paddle board carbon fibre 3-piece.
- Price: 199,00 Euro
- Length: 166 - 216 cm
- Tube diameter:: 29 mm
- Available sizes Sizes: 45 x 18,5 cm
- Weight: 693 grammes
Starboard Lima Carbon 3-piece.
All testers listed the Starboard Lima high up in the under 300 euro class. They particularly liked the grip, a mixture of T-grip and palm grip, the shape of which is very supple in the hand and still allows good control. The shaft with its slightly noticeable structure was also pleasingly grippy. The lower division is almost invisible and the vario guide at the top works perfectly. The narrow blade cuts in very cleanly, builds up pressure early on and is particularly stable through the water. There are somewhat lighter (and more expensive) paddles in terms of swing weight, but it is still in the very good range.
HighlightsVery light, easy to grip.
Technical data Starboard Lima Carbon 3-piece.
- Price: 269,00 Euro >> available here
- Length: 161 - 222 cm
- Tube diameter: 29 mm
- Available Sizes: XS / S /M (tested size) / L / XL / XXL
- Weight: 676 grammes
Paddle with thin diameter:
Black Project Lava RDS 3-piece.
The Lava in the RDS version (reduced diameter shaft) with a particularly reduced diameter looks particularly delicate, light and can be paddled with very little force. At just 542 grams, it is a top value for a three-piece paddle. The lower hexagonal plug-in connection is barely visible and can only be felt minimally when gripping the push button. The adjustment range makes it more suitable for people between 1.55 and 1.70 metres tall. The paddle is made entirely of visible carbon fibre and has a high-quality feel, appearing stiff in short settings and slightly damped when extended. A lightning-fast and super easy paddle!
Highlights:Extremely light and agile.
Technical data Black Project Lava RDS 3-piece.
- Price :379,00 Euro
- Length: 165 - 198 cm
- Tube diameter: 26 mm
- Available Sizes:76 (tested size)/ 82 / 90 inch²
- Weight: 524 grammes
Indiana Carbon 100 3-piece
If you want, you can let the Indiana Carbon flutter as nimbly as a hummingbird flutters its wings. The shaft and blade are very light and the shaft diameter and handle size are optimised for light people up to a good 1.70 metres tall. This has an effect on the handling - how easily and quickly the paddle can be moved and on the swing weight. And here the Indiana - together with the Black Project - plays in the absolute top league. At well under 600 grams, three-piece paddles seem light as a feather, and even in the pull phase, the 81-inch blade conveys a fast but light feeling and enables very sporty paddling.
HighlightsVery stiff and light.
Technical data Indiana Carbon 100 3-piece.
- Price: 349,00 Euro >> available here
- Length: 155 - 201 cm
- Tube diameter: 228 mm
- Available sizes Sizes:: 81 inch²
- Weight: 576 grammes
Naish Alana RDS 3-piece
The Alana is Naish's top paddle in a thin diameter - (not only) for light paddlers, young people and women. The shaft has a rough structure throughout and remains very grippy when wet. With its extra-thin diameter, it is particularly playful in the hand. It's fun on the tour as well as in the waves, because the light carbon blade swings like a feather and sticks in stably and cleanly. The handle looks dainty, but is also easy to grip in larger hands and its half-moon shape enables very precise paddle control, similar to classic T-handles. The blade size fits well with the concept.
HighlightsLight, nimble, handy.
Price: 399,00 Euro aish Alana RDS 3-piece.
- Price: 399,00 Euro >> available here
- Length: 165 - 213 cm
- Tube diameter: 26.5 mm
- Available Sizes:75 (tested size) /80 inch²
- Weight: 608 grammes
Starboard Lima TT Wave 2-piece.
The Lima is only available as a 2-piece, but also offers a very good weight in this category. The grip - favoured by all testers - is very flattering even in smaller hands and the shaft, which is noticeably reduced in diameter, always offers good grip both dry and wet and conveys a handy, agile feeling. The blade with the sporty, slim outline wants to be paddled quickly, then pulls very stably, it only needs some guidance when cruising along at a leisurely pace. Starboard uses the most elegant and best rounded Vario clamps with very good guidance when adjusting the length.
HighlightsPrice-weight ratio.
Technical data Starboard Lima TT Wave 2-piece
- Price: 259,00 Euro
- Length: 161 - 222 cm
- Tube diameter: 27 mm
- Available in Sizes: S /M (tested size)/ L
- Weight: 620 grammes
