Details of the test paddle 2022:
We tested these 15 three-piece touring paddles:
(Click on the model to go directly to the test result)
- Blackfish Nootka Fishskin 3-piece.
- Black Project Ohana 3-piece.
- CrosLake Bonneville 7.0 3-piece.
- Fanatic Carbon 35 3-piece
- GTS Narrow 85 UD 3-piece.
- Indiana Carbon 3-piece.
- JP-Australia Carbon 3-piece.
- Makaio Carbon Sport Tour. 3-piece.
- Naish Performance SDS 3-piece.
- Paddle board carbon fibre 3-piece.
- RRD Dynamic C80 3-piece.
- Sic Tao Adj LL 3-piece.
- Sport Vibrations Full Carbon SL 3-piece.
- Starboard Lima Carbon 3-piece.
- White Water Carbon 65% 3-piece.
If you want to treat yourself to something good, you can simply buy the top product of the respective brand - and you're usually right. In the next issue, we have tested the top touring paddles from numerous brands against each other precisely for this type of buyer, who pulls the notes out of the wallet with their eyes closed. A little more effort is required to find a price-performance winner in the high-end segment. This is because the higher the price, the better the performance on offer. As is well known, the air gets thinner and thinner "upwards" and for every additional weight saving, the surcharge becomes more expensive the further "upwards" you go. The "gram price" is higher for the jump from 600 to 500 grams than between 900 and 800 grams paddle weight.
And even if there is still a class above this for some manufacturers, almost all the paddles tested here are already real top products. Paddles in the league around or even far below 700 grams make every tour easier. A weight difference of 100 to 200 grams is clearly noticeable on the water. Even on a leisurely tour, the mass is lifted up and down at 2-second intervals like the piston in a steam engine. When sprinting, you can even reach 60 strokes per minute. With a simple measure, the paddle weight can be reduced again and you usually even save money.
All the paddles presented here were tested in the 3-piece version suitable for travelling. Those who prefer the compact pack size of only approx.xx centimetres, you can usually get the same model for less as a two-piece - with all the features tested here. This saves a few tenners in your wallet and between 70 and 90 grams on the scales - depending on the type of lower plug connection which is then no longer necessary. In terms of paddle characteristics, we could not detect any difference apart from the difference in weight. Whatever is sometimes reported about the changed "bending curve" - and may actually be verifiable in special laboratories - our experienced paddle testers could not feel any of this in the practical test on the board.
The hexagonal plug-in connections of the lower section were particularly impressive with their absolutely backlash-free fit. In addition, all paddles are also available as 2-part vario paddles.
You can feel the differences in weight from the Croslake at 615 grams (which would be difficult to improve on for a three-piece paddle with the same stiffness) to the mid-range at 700 grams to the SIC paddle weighing a good 900 grams (which is extremely robust). The average performance offered here can only be achieved through the predominant use of carbon, which also explains the average price of over 200 euros. A good paddle is almost an investment.
This is because wear and tear is virtually non-existent in normal use and, if you look at the development of shapes and functions over the last five years, there is no reason to fear that a paddle bought today will be considered obsolete in another five years.
And the perceived difference between a basic model for around 100 euros and a high-quality carbon paddle
- such as the ones tested here for less than 200 euros
- would probably be a factor of three to four in terms of fun and performance. The extra cost is therefore well invested.
With the Sheet sizes we have opted for a medium size for this test, usually around 85 square inches, because in our opinion this is a good recommendation for touring paddling on inflatable boards in many cases. This size offers a good compromise between sufficient counter-pressure at very low paddling frequencies and the potential for high speeds and fast paddle strokes. It also takes into account the sensible trend towards slightly smaller blade sizes. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers specify the paddle size in this common unit, but sometimes in square centimetres or blade width. A standardisation would be required here, similar to board sizes, where the specification in feet and inches has proven itself and become established. On top of this, specifying only the maximum width is not at all meaningful because the shape is not taken into account. If paddle blades appear particularly powerful or rather petite, we have therefore emphasised this again in the text.
Test touring paddle 2022: grip thing
Compact handles in the shape of a "palm grip" (palm), predominate(1). These nestle into the hand as well as possible. The T-handle(3 + 5) comes from canoeing. This enables optimum control and guidance of the paddle and is popular in general, but especially with experienced paddlers. Starboard has created a particularly successful hybrid shape of palm and "T"(2)which all testers liked very much. The SIC handle(5) is a somewhat petite T-handle with an integrated lever for the vario lock. The Naish handle(4) is petite, but also has a good grip.
Test touring paddle 2022: plug-in snap-in clamp
We have only selected 3-piece paddles for this test, as this allows us to assess the lower section and the other impressions can be transferred to the identical 2-piece paddle. All paddles are secured with at least one additional push button, so the lower section cannot be accidentally lost even if the clamp is loose. To ensure that there is as little play as possible - so that it does not rattle when paddling - either angular plug-in connections are chosen, which were all ground to fit very precisely, as with Black Projekt (bottom right), or round plug-in connections with an additional clamp, here with Makaio (bottom left).
Test touring paddle 2022: anti-twist lock
With the exception of the SIC paddle with its very own mechanism, all models in this league are equipped with an "anti-twist lock" in the upper clamp on the vario tube. This allows the length of the paddle to be adjusted very quickly on the water and the handle always remains correctly aligned. On most models, this works via grooves (pictured above) or via a flattened side on the extension tube (below), as with Black Project, CrosLake and GTS. Some of the groove systems run with millimetre precision, others with a little lateral play. The clamps with a laterally flattened profile tend to be less precise, but still better for quick adjustment on the water than without, as can still be found in the cheaper price ranges.
Test touring paddle 2022: narrow or wide - what's behind it?
A look at the paddle shapes shows that there are very different ideas and concepts at the start. Narrower but longer paddle blades are becoming increasingly popular. Narrow versus wide - is it like racing bike tyres versus thick off-road treads? A little bit. The narrow paddles allow for straighter paddle guidance, closer to the board. However, because the blades are - albeit only slightly - longer, they also have to make a little more stroke with every paddle stroke. And when paddling at a leisurely pace with only half the blade in the water, a lot of surface area is lost for propulsion. The narrow profiles therefore tend to be more "sporty". But then the wide, "rounder" shapes come into play, these are more comfortable to paddle, don't have to be pulled out of the water as high and also work halfway submerged, they are simply more forgiving. Overall, however, the differences are not really decisive for touring suitability.
Test touring paddle 2022: All fasteners hold securely, the finer points are in the detail
Fortunately, all of them Vario clamps (left group below) of the test paddles securely grips the extension tube. The new Blackfish brand has a somewhat bulky-looking clamp shape, but is surprisingly comfortable to grip.
The clamps from Fanatic, Black Project and RRD are somewhat more angular (but without the potential for injury). SIC (12) comes up with the cleanest solution without any clamps at all, using a patented mechanism inside the tube. Among the other clamps, Starboard offers the most elegant and "sleekest" shape (14).
With the lower division Black Project (2) and CrosLake (3) in particular go to great lengths to grind the hexagonal connection to a precise fit during production, which ensures an absolutely wobble-free fit even without an additional clamp. Indiana (6) and Paddleboard (10) rely on a guide groove in the round tube and an angled interface to prevent twisting and wobbling - which works well. With the exception of the small push button, these paddles achieve the look and feel of a 2-piece. Starboard (14) also manages this, but with a slightly looser fit.
The other brands play it safe, forgo the smooth look and also clamp the lower round plug connection from the outside.
Test touring paddle 2022: All vario closures at a glance
Test touring paddle 2022: Connection of the lower division
Test paddle 2022: The test results
Blackfish Nootka Fishskin 3-piece.
With the Nootka, Blackfish, a brand new to our tests, throws a stylish, very light and sophisticated product into the ring for the first time. The robust blade is light and provides a good swing weight, the shaft shines nobly in visible carbon, looks stiff and - slightly structured - has a particularly good grip. The wider blade stands out somewhat from the carbon shaft in its plastic look, but is stiff, thin and sticks into the water without resistance. With its wider blade shape, the Nootka probably appeals to touring paddlers, but its very light swing weight also allows really fast sprinting.
PLUS: Very grippy, good clamps /MINUS: none
Conclusion: Nimble, stiff paddle.
Technical dataBlackfish Nootka Fishskin 3-piece.
- Price: 299,00 Euro
- Length*: 168.5 - 220.0 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available Sizes:520/580 cm²
- Weight*: 648 grams
- Handle size*: M
- Info at Blackfish Paddles
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
Black Project Ohana 3-piece.
On paper, the Ohana has a slight weight disadvantage compared to the lightest boards, which is not noticeable on the water due to the weight distribution. The smaller blade size also ensures particularly agile handling and swing feel. This puts the Black Projekt in the top five of this group overall, with CrosLake leading the way in terms of swing weight. It cuts 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, somewhat more powerful than the otherwise very similar GTS.
PLUS: Weight, swing, handling /MINUS: none
Conclusion: Very light and fast, even for high frequencies.
Technical data Black Project Ohana 3-piece.
- Price: 279,00 Euro
- Length*: 174.0 - 208.5 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available sizes: 76/82/90 inch²
- Weight* 649 grams
- Handle size*: M
- Info about Black Project
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
CrosLake Bonneville 7.0 3-piece.
In the price-performance class, a direct mail order company like Croslake has a home game due to the system. Others have equally light paddles - but not at this price. The Bonneville also stands out as the lightest and stiffest paddle in the three-part comparison. It swings extremely easily, penetrates without resistance and builds up pressure powerfully with a little active guidance. The lower section as a hexagonal plug-in connection was convincing with no play and the clean look of a two-piece. The shaft is rock-solid: fully at race level, there is no flex or damping.
PLUS:Extremely light and maximum stiffness /MINUS:none
Conclusion: Probably the sportiest paddle.
Technical data CrosLake Bonneville 7.0 3-piece.
- Price: 255,00 Euro**
- Length*: 174 - 221.5 cm
- Tube diameter* : 29 mm
- Available in Sizes: 562/592/618 cm²
- Weight*: 615 grammes
- Handle size*: M
- Info about CrosLake
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
Fanatic Carbon 35 3-piece
With a 90 mm blade size, the Fanatic is one of the more powerful paddles in the group. It favours moderate paddling frequencies and is a typical touring paddle without any real racing ambitions. The two clamp fasteners appear somewhat more angular, but hold absolutely free of play and wobble. The groove in the vario extension guides the paddle very precisely, making it easier to adjust the length and the fairly wide handle sits comfortably in the hand. The Fanatic Carbon requires some guidance in the pull phase, but then builds up good propulsion even with leisurely touring paddling. The blade plunges cleanly into the water and is reinforced at the edge.
PLUS: High propulsion /MINUS: none
Conclusion: Rather favourable model with slightly less sporty but good touring character.
Technical data Fanatic Carbon 35 3-piece.
- Price: 229,00 Euro >> available here
- Length*: 171.0 - 212.0 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available sizes Sizes: 90 inch²
- Weight*: 778 grammes
- Handle size*: M-L
- Info about Fanatic
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
GTS Narrow 85 UD 3-piece.
The GTS is probably (together with the Black Project) the most energy-saving paddle in the group: super easy to swing, the thin blade cuts in cleanly and with an 84 blade size it builds up medium pressure. This encourages a fast paddling style with an increased stroke rate. The lower division is not only visually perfect, but also absolutely backlash-free with hexagonal joint. The paddle is supplied in a high-quality bag, which also contains a small screwdriver for adjusting the vario system. Only the very smooth-finished shaft is a shade less grippy when wet. All in all, a top-class, value-for-money paddle.
PLUS: Super light and stiff /MINUS: none
Conclusion: Elegant super sports bike.
Technical data GTS Narrow 85 UD 3-piece.
- Price: 279,00 Euro**
- Length*: 177 - 222 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available Sizes; 84 inch²
- Weight*: 628 grammes
- Handle size*: M
- Info about Grand Tour Sports
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
Indiana Carbon 3-piece.
All testers liked the wide but ergonomically rounded T-handle and the powerful propulsion. The comparatively wide and larger blade provides a lot of thrust even at a moderate paddle frequency, and pulls through the water without losing track. Only at high frequencies does it require some guidance. With the wide grip - which also fits smaller hands well - you have optimum control at all times. The guide groove in the Vario system is not accurate to the millimetre, but still helps with quick alignment when adjusting. The lower division is elegantly designed with a push button and angled cut.
PLUS: Very good grip, lots of propulsion /MINUS: none
Conclusion: Very grippy, powerful touring paddle.
Technical data Indiana Carbon 3-piece.
- Price: 349,00 Euro**
- Length*: 174.5 - 225.0 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available Sizes: 81/95 inch²
- Weight*: 670 grammes
- Handle size*: M-L
- Info at Indiana
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
JP-Australia Carbon 3-piece.
With its modern, narrow blade layout, the JP can be pulled close to the board and has a pleasant grip in the hand. It is not one of the lightest paddles in this group, but offers very high stiffness with a very good swing weight. The blade works flawlessly, cuts in cleanly and builds up pressure harmoniously. It works for leisurely and fast touring as well as for short, fast intermediate sprints. The blade has a sturdy laminate with a recessed protective edge, the lower clamp sits securely and without play with an additional clamp. The Vario system also guides very precisely and the grip sits ergonomically in the hand.
PLUS: Looks solid, stable pull, stiff /MINUS: none
Conclusion: Solid, stiff, sporty paddle.
Technical data JP-Australia Carbon 3-pcs.
- Price : 329,00 Euro >> available here
- Length*: 171.5 - 218.0 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available Sizes: 77/83/90 inch²
- Weight*: 721 grammes
- Handle size*: M
- Info about JP Australia
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
Makaio Carbon Sport Tour. 3-piece.
The Makaio perfectly represents the price-performance factor of this 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.
PLUS: Powerful and inexpensive /MINUS: none
Conclusion: A powerful, fairly light and very reasonably priced paddle.
Technical data Makaio Carbon Sport Tour. 3-piece
- Price: 179,90 Euro
- Length*: 178.5 - 229.2 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available sizes Sizes: 90 inch²
- Weight*: 716 grammes
- Handle size*: M-L
- Info at Makaio
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
Naish Performance SDS 3-piece.
You can recognise a Naish paddle blindfolded by the feel. The slightly smaller, crescent-shaped handle sits very nicely in the hand, both the handle and shaft have a very rough texture - which ensures the best possible grip both dry and wet. Short fingers feel a small edge at the transition from the grip to the shaft. The shaft has noticeably and visibly more flex with a sporty pull. This is easy on the joints at moderate speeds, but is less recommended for sporty training laps. As a touring paddle, however, it is comfortable and has a good pull phase.
PLUSExtremely grippy and cushioning /MINUS: A little soft for "racing
Conclusion: Very grippy, cushioning touring paddle.
Technical data Naish Performance SDS 3-piece.
- Price: 209,00 Euro**
- Length*: 173.5 - 221.5 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available Sizes: 85 inch²
- Weight*: 785 grammes
- Handle size*: S-M
- Info about Naish Surfing
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
Paddle board carbon fibre 3-piece.
With its slightly larger than average blade size, the paddleboard paddle lies exactly between a very sporty set-up and touring power. It therefore supports both the faster paddling frequencies and the leisurely style 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.
PLUSStiff, light and favourable /MINUS: none
Conclusion: Light and powerful touring paddle with sporty potential.
Technical data paddle board carbon fibre 3-piece.
- Price: 199,00 Euro** >> available here
- Length*: 166.5 - 216.5 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available sizes Sizes: 45 x 18,5 cm
- Weight*: 693 grammes
- Handle size*: M-L
- Info at Paddleboard
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
RRD Dynamic C80 3-piece.
The Dynamic has a very high-quality appearance with the one-piece "as if cast from a single mould" grip and extension tube as well as the carbon blade. However, the two locking clamps could be a little more rounded, but they hold very firmly and the guide groove in the variosystem also keeps the handle precisely aligned when adjusting. The paddle is absolutely free of play and wobble and feels particularly stiff and powerful on the water, but is also quite agile to move. The testers found the blade size and corresponding pressure build-up on the 12'6'' touring boards to be a good fit, the blade pulls through the water with inherent stability.
PLUS: Particularly rigid /MINUS: none
Conclusion: Very stiff, powerful paddle.
Technical dataRRD Dynamic C80 3-piece.
- Price: 287,00 Euro
- Length*: 172.7 - 217.5 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available sizes Sizes: 92 inch²
- Weight*: 728 grammes
- Handle size*: M
- About Roberto Ricci Designs
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
Sic Tao Adj LL 3-piece.
The grippy and very solid shaft gives the SIC a very high level of rigidity. With a good grip on the shaft and the handy, slim T-handle, the paddle sits comfortably and securely in the hand, but is also somewhat heavier in comparison - in other words, comparatively heavier in this price range. The blade, which is wafer-thin in places, is reinforced by a rib on the back and continues the stiffness of the shaft right up to the tip. It literally stabs into the water, then pushes forwards properly and the swing weight is better suited to moderate touring speed than to ambitious training laps.
PLUS: Unique Vario system /MINUSRatio weight-price
Conclusion: Very robust and stiff touring paddle.
Technical data Sic Tao Adj LL 3-piece.
- Price: 229,00 Euro
- Length*: 169.5 - 211.7 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available sizes Sizes: 90 inch²
- Weight*: 928 grammes
- Handle size*: S-M
- Info at Sic Maui
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
Sport Vibrations Full Carbon SL 3-piece.
Sport Vibrations offers the finest carbon from the handle to the tip of the blade for less than 200 euros. The slightly wider blade is very light, yet stiff and gives the paddle a perceived swing weight on a par with the Starboard Lima, which is lighter on the scales. The shiny shaft is slightly less grippy when wet, but leaves a classy impression. The comparatively large surface area gives the paddle a lot of propulsion even when paddling calmly, whereby the low weight also allows very sporty stroke rates. In the stiffness comparison, it is definitely on the "stiff" side, like most paddles here. The grip and anti-twist protection are impeccable.
PLUS: Light, stiff /MINUS: none
Conclusion: Nimble, stiff paddle.
Technical data Sport Vibrations Full Carbon SL 3-piece.
- Price: 195,00 Euro
- Length*: 175.5 - 220.5 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available Sizes: 8'0'' x 19''
- Weight*: 703 grammes
- Handle size*: M
- Info about Sport Vibrations
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
Starboard Lima Carbon 3-piece.
All testers listed the Starboard Lima in their top five, some even at the top. 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 very 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.
PLUS: Grippy, light, stiff, powerful /MINUS: none
Conclusion: Very grippy, stable pulling paddle.
Technical data Starboard Lima Carbon 3-piece.
- Price: 234,00 Euro
- Length*: 161.6 - 222.5 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available Sizes: XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL
- Weight*: 676 grammes
- Handle size*: M
- Info at Starboard
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
White Water Carbon 65% 3-piece.
The White Water brand is fairly new to paddles, but has been active as a manufacturer of fins for decades. And White Water has really left nothing to chance when it comes to paddle production. The prepreg carbon shaft is light and stiff, the blade is on the slightly smaller side, but with sufficient pressure build-up and a stable pull phase. The thin blade cuts in cleanly and in swing weight, when pre-swinging, it is one of the lightest, very similar to the Starboard Lima. The upper adjustment, guide and lower clamps function perfectly. The handle is made from a single mould with the Vario tube, but is rather delicate in comparison.
PLUS: Light, stiff, handy /MINUS: none
Conclusion: Nimble, very stiff paddle.
Technical data White Water Carbon 65% 3 pcs.
- Price: 239,00 Euro
- Length*: 166.0 - 215.5 cm
- Tube diameter*: 29 mm
- Available Sizes: 522 cm²
- Weight*: 675 grammes
- Handle size*: S-M
- Info about White Water
* = SUP measurement **= incl. paddle bag
