I have an ainsworth paddle at the moment (180cm), and am looking to buy a new paddle, i want a get a fairly good one, so i am looking at the assymetric ones. I have seen some of the werner ones, which seem pretty good. But, i was wondering, what makes would you reccommend for assymetric paddles, i mean is werner the best, or are there others that are equally as good?

Many thanks

I have a Werner Desperado, and prefer it over the Harmony Gradients or the Aqua Bound Shreds that they have at my summer camp. There are also wood paddles, which you may want to consider, but I like Werners. I have never tried a Lendal, and have no clue how they are, but you may also want to check out Adventure Technology paddles. What paddle size do you want to get? If you want to get a similar size, look at the LL kid's paddle, Jackson kid's paddle, and the Werner Amigo. If not, I would look at the Werner Desperado...Strong, good design, and a good price (comparatively speaking).

Paddles are well worth the investment, especially if you are more then the occasional paddler.

The things I consider are durability, weight and strength.

Id especially pay attention to a companies history of replacing broken paddles (some better than others)...

Youre going to want to consider how durable the blades are. Plasitc blades will break easily (with exception) compaired to FG, CF and wood... FG have great strength but will wear down over time. CF has better wear resistence but are much more expensive (also the Foam core blades can break when put in the right situation).

Weight:
A heavy paddle can make you tired at the end of a long day and wear your delts out etc... most modern paddles this is not an issue.

Strength:
Id really spend some time researching this... As someone who has broken many a paddle nothing sucks the fun out of a day like hiking out or borrowign a breakdown... Also having the faith in your paddle at the top of a committing rapid is great...FG vs CF... both light and strong I think the CF has it between those two. Wood however has my vote, the strengeth and associated flex is the best of both worlds (flex takes the brunt of shallow braces etc)...

My Choices for paddles are:

Plastic Blades- H2O and only H20... they are the only plastic blade i would ever paddle with (seriously good stuff)

FG-CF- Werner, good choice of designs and materials... Excellent customer service, been in the market forever

Wood- Wavedog paddles... strongest paddles on the market(and Im stupid paddle abusive), great flex and durable enough to take a belt sander to the blades (been done to prove the point) All at little weight gain...I'll be up front with this... I am a rep for a wavedog paddles, I agreed to rep them because I do actually believe in their product...

If I had to paddle any other paddle than my wavedog Id paddle the h20... I know a guy who breaks 2-3 creek boats per year and still has the same H20.

Would you not consider the Werner Desperado/Rio/Amigo line? Also, one brand to not buy is Seven2, based on the numerous negative reviews about poor quality and customer service.

I have paddled with a guy who broke 2 seven2s' in one day! so Id not getone

Really, Werner makes a solid paddle but if your goign to spend $120 save up another $100 and get a better paddle, that extra money makes a world of difference... You get what you pay for

Money well spent on a good paddle is WELL worth it!!!!

H20 and Werner are very good. I agree with Justin, the H20's are the only plastic blades I'd go for. I've got a Werner (carbon Powerhouse) and two H20's (H20-2 & H20-Team) at the moment, no major complaints. And waiting for my WaveDog Paddles to arrive one of these days... Super strong, super good Can't wait to switch permanently to them.

Your paddle is your connection to the water

ok, thanks for all your help guys. Been looking at the paddles mentioned, and seen that the desperado is £130, whereas a paddle like the werner player is £190. I have heard good reviews about the player and was wondering, what would the extra £60 get me, is the player much better than the desperado?

I am mostly going to be paddling in the surf, or on rivers, mostly slow moving ones but often go to scotland to do some rapids, so what would suit me best,a playboating paddle or a river running, (is there much difference???). If it matters i am 16, and paddle a jacksn fun

If I were you, I would get the Player, since you may want to work your way into more playboating, since you already have a -river-running playboat. The Desperado is a river running/creeking paddle, but I have no clue as to how much difference it actually makes. The nice thing about the Desperado is that the blades are reinforced with carbon fiber, which makes them much stronger. The straight shaft Player is 3 oz lighter, but the bent shaft is 4 oz heavier, so the player weighs less overall, since the Desperado is only available in a straight shaft or 2-piece.

ok, thanks for the great advice. I will definately go for a straight shaft, havent made my mind up yet, but swaying towards the player now. Thanks

There is also a model of the Player in carbon, which could be an option, but it would cost more.