Fanatic Diamond Carbon 35 Slim 2-piece and Fanatic Carbon Pro Slim 2-piece.
With the slim duo of Diamond Carbon 35 Slim and Carbon Pro 100 Slim, Fanatic 2023 now also offers models for the need for thin, agile paddles. The preferred diameter is not just a question of hand size - in fact, there are also paddlers with paws who still like to use the thinnest shafts. The two paddles are almost 300 euros apart, which is not visible at first glance. Perfect for a blind test.
In fact, our sporty 60-kilo tester with SUP race experience couldn't feel any significant difference and even found the cheaper paddle slightly easier to swing. The 82-kilo tester with more traction was different: again, the Diamond 35 seemed a shade lighter, but the Carbon 100 was just as noticeably a whole lot stiffer. The 35 per cent carbon paddle is not a soft noodle either, but a very solid-looking paddle that merely provides pleasant damping. Both paddles swing very easily, have a good grip and the vario system with anti-twist lock guides the paddle well. The thin blades, which are identical in shape, penetrate cleanly and pull stably through the water; leisurely pulling is just as easy as really fast sprinting.
The analysis after paddling then provided an explanation for the unexpected experience: The blade of the cheaper paddle is obviously lighter than the high-quality, solid carbon blade, but is apparently stiffened identically by the reinforcing rib on the front. The centre of gravity of the cheaper model is around four centimetres closer to the handle - which explains the (slightly) lighter swing weight. If you don't regularly pull on the paddle with all your might, the Diamond 35 Slim is an equal alternative to the significantly more expensive Carbon 100.
Conclusion on the Fanatic paddles:
Two sophisticated paddles with a thin diameter. The Carbon 35 should be the price-performance tip for most female paddlers and also for many male paddlers. Only those looking for maximum stiffness will have to dig deeper into their pockets and reach for the Carbon 100.
Technical data Fanatic paddle
Fanatic Diamond Carbon 35 Slim 2-piece.
- Price: 239,00 Euro
- Length: 169 - 221 cm
- Tube diameter: 26 mm
- Available sizes Sizes: 95 Inch²
- Weight: 620 grammes
Fanatic Carbon Pro 100 Slim 2-piece.
- Price: 519,00 Euro
- Length: 169 - 221 cm
- Tube diameter: 26 mm
- Available sizes Sizes: 95 Inch²
- Weight: 618 grammes
Further information at Fanatic www.fanatic.com
GTS Narrow 100 Pro 3-piece.
Do you prefer low-frequency paddling, but with good thrust? Or are you - as a powerful, highly trained paddler - looking for a powerful paddle for high speeds on long, narrow boards? Then the Narrow 100, a newcomer to the test, might be worth a look - even if the target groups seem so different.
For some, the 100 mm paddle blade will not seem too big due to the leisurely stroke rate and it still pulls the board forwards well. For the other, the high board speed of a narrow, long board is favourable, allowing high frequencies even with large blades because the board generates little resistance. The Narrow is not called that for nothing and distributes the surface area more over the rather long blade length and can be pulled close to the board. The paddle blade is only marginally wider than the GTS Narrow 85 and the blade cuts in cleanly and then immediately builds up a lot of pressure, especially with a fast pull. It paddles with a slightly longer stroke when lifting out, which you quickly adapt to, especially when touring at a leisurely pace.
Conclusion on the GTS Narrow 100 Pro 3-piece:
A very powerful, lightweight paddle for leisurely enjoyment or real sport.
Technical data GTS Narrow 100 Pro 3-piece.
- Price: 249,00 Euro
- Length: 178 - 222 cm
- Tube diameter:: 29 mm
- Available Sizes:: 100 Inch²
- Weight: 661 gram
GTS Narrow 85 UD 3-piece.
The GTS Narrow 85 UD has already successfully passed several SUP tests and will be launched in a significantly revised form for 2023 and is likely to find even more fans. Firstly, the adjustable length has been extended downwards because the previous model was not adjustable short enough for some paddlers. Secondly, the cheaper UD model now has a more modern blade with a concave spoon shape (see photo above), which was previously only available on some Pro models. This significantly upgrades the paddle and makes it a price tip at 189 euros. The anti-twist device works well, the handle is comfortable to hold and the swing weight of the Narrow 85 has always been in the very good range.
At just 638 grams, it swings quickly and the blade size also allows very high frequencies. You can't even feel that it's a three-piece instrument, and you can only see that it's a three-piece instrument on close inspection. The hexagonal plug connection sits backlash-free and the push button is elegantly concealed on the back.
Conclusion on the GTS Narrow 85 UD 3-piece.
A paddle that is easy to manoeuvre, particularly stiff and very light in the hand.
Technical data GTS Narrow 85 UD 3-piece.
- Price: 189,00 Euro
- Length. 168 - 212 cm
- Tube diameter: 29 mm
- Available sizes Sizes: 85 Inch²
- Weight: 638 grammes
Further information for both GTS paddles at Grand Tour Sports
