About Endorsements: These are e-mails from my customers, some really great and generous people. If you'd like to get in contact with any of them send me an e-mail saying "I'd like to contact --" and I'll forward it.
Here’s a direct comparison between two paddles of similar weight and blade area, Pacific Designs T-1 and Seven2 Vapor, It starts with this message:
I recently bought a kayak and paddle from REI but remembered seeing your web site and cant help be wondering if I might like your paddle better. So I am writing so that I can decide whether to give it a try. The paddle I bought is brand 'Seven2' - Vapor model - a sort of newly innovative one with blue ergonomic grips and infinite blade positions, weighing 870g at 230cm. I can return this one if I’m not happy. Should I try yours too? I know you are a bit partial to yours :-) but just need to hear from you......
looking forward to the water,
Annie Bratun in Washington State
My sales pitch to Annie was that the 29/31 oz. weight difference wasn’t much, but she might see a performance difference due to the T-1’s low swing weight. The Seven2 gets its low weight by using a light shaft, so their blades are bound to be significantly heavier. Does better mass distribution really matter? Annie bought a T-1 and here’s her response:
I returned the other paddle because yours blew it away! I am so happy with it!
Thanks, Annie
From Lynn Wolfe, Ojai, California
Steve
I just got back from Bahia de Los Angeles last night and Loved the paddle! I kayaked every day, further than I ever have and didn't have any soreness. Your paddle is so light weight! I had the most fun ever and can't wait to get back out. Thank you for all the help on the phone. I am so happy with this purchase.
From Mark Koch, Croton on Hudson, New York
Very compact lightweight paddle I bought as a spare but find myself using all the time. You will pay over $100 more for any other paddle this light.
From Ken Startz, Victoria, Texas
Hi, its Ken from Texas. Paddle blew the Epic away. Its light swing weight makes long distance well worth it. Usually it takes about 45 to 60 min. to feel the pain in my shoulders with the Epic, but it took almost 3 hours before any pain developed from your paddle. You definitely have a winner on your hands with the larger blades. I will definitely be using your paddle in the 262-mile race in 11 days. If you have any flyers you would like me to pass out just let me know.
After the race
Been gone for a week, but the paddle was awesome. I did great, finished in 67.5 hrs. out of a possible 100. Came in 13 in the solo division out of 34, and tied for 50th out of 119 teams. This was my first 262 mile Water Safari. I beat 2 man, 3 man teams from all over the US. and Canada, also Australia. The paddles durability is second to none. I ended up with 2 blisters on my hands vs. 31 to 40 blisters the Epic and other paddlers ended up with. One guy’s hands were so blistered he had 2 huge infections with puss pouring out. He was using a ZRE brand paddle. That’s where lack of swing weight is worth its weight in gold. There were many people hospitalized with heat exhaustion and snakebite. I guess that’s why they call it the world’s toughest canoe race.
I put the paddle through the most extreme uses and it came out shining.
Ken reports over 600 miles on his T-2 in spring '04
From Sam Watson,Olympia, Washington
Last year or around the end of 2003 you sold me a T-1 paddle for my new
Scupper Pro sit-on-top. I asked you for a variable length and you
provided holes at 240 and for an added 5" for a lower angle stroke. I
have been using my paddle for the last year without any problems
whatsoever. I really enjoy its light weight, performance, and
versatility. I am a serious freedive spearfisherman and the quality of
my equipment is extremely important and a safety concern. At my age
(49) I am also concerned with equipment that won't cause undue hardship
on my body. Your paddle fits all of these needs.
I feel quite proud of my paddle but my diving buddies snicker and make
patronizing comments about it when they see it because its simplicity is
misinterpreted as lacking quality. As soon as they hold it in their
hands and confirm it is lighter than their more expensive and fancier
looking paddles they get very quiet. When they try it, the silence just
gets more uncomfortable as they don't know what to say. I remember
kindly how honest and helpful you were with me and wanted to get back
to you to share my satisfaction and to let you know I recommend your
product to everyone who will listen.
From Graham & Nancy Rae, Sarasota, Florida
Steve,
We've been busy. I promised to provide feedback on the T2's
That first weekend we went on a river and the Florida inland waterway on
Saturday. My wife was a little nervous as she had been really unhappy with a
previous lightweight paddle. The river turned to a stream and the waterway
was wide open. The paddles were great in all situations. Light, maneuverable
and powerful, they did all we asked of them. My wife was happy at the end of
the day.
Sunday we went out on the Gulf of Mexico near the end of the day. The wind
was up (10 - 15 m.p.h.) and there was a white chop. The paddles were great.
We really appreciated not getting overtired from Saturday's expedition and
were able to come back into the wind after a 2 hour trip without being
exhausted. The only negative was I left mine at the put-in point and was
chased down by a guy who got in his car and followed us for a mile and a
half. His explanation, "This paddle looked too good to be left behind."
You notice he didn't steal it. People in the paddling community are great! S.W.
From Al Clark, Madison, Alabama
I have about 8 hours on the paddle now. The 258 cm length is just right for
my Mohawk Solo 14 canoe. Kayaking paddles work great with canoes. It's a lot easier than using a single paddle!
Everything on the paddle is working as advertised. I like the light weight,
it weighs 33.6 ozs. on my digital scale, quite a bit lighter than my buddy's
240 cm kayak paddle. Thanks for a great design!
From Bill Bell, Ontario, California
In the spring and summer of 2002, I got the privilege of testing Pacific Designs light weight kayak paddles. I am a Boy Scout leader and have enjoyed teaching canoeing and kayaking for about ten years. When I let the boys and adults in our troop 303 try them, it was hard to get them back. All the scouts that tried them were surprised with their super light weight and the power they generated. I think that Pacific Designs really came up with a great paddle.
From Hillman Johnson, Crosby, Texas
Hi Steve, I finally got a chance to use the new paddle and all I can say is WOW !! I have an OK Drfiter which is not a fast boat by any means but with your paddle I could maintain a decent pace heading into the wind. I am really looking forward to a summer of offshore trolling with my new "engine".
Jon Hartz, San Diego, California
I have used my T-1 for nearly a year now and I love it. Light,
indestructible, affordable, why would you use anything else?
Jon Hartz
Kayaking San Diego
Earl Duff, Norman, Oklahoma
On two occasions I have really dug the paddle in and tried to do 60 mph. No flutter as far as I could tell. There was no “bending” or play in the shaft. My first thought was the blade was a little long and narrow. Now I have used it I think I thought wrong. It may be my imagination but I feel less tired at the end of the day. While the weight of the paddle certainly helps, I have decided that the longer more narrow shape of the blade is also a plus. My girl fiend is just as pleased as I am with her paddle. Consider that you have to pay $400.00 to get a touring paddle of this weight. In fact we had our eyes on a couple for $300.00 each. To paraphrase some red necked gun totin buddies of mine, When light weight kayak paddles are outlawed you will have to pry my cold dead fingers off my PACIFIC DESIGNS. I want to express my appreciation for the first class service in ordering a paddle. Feel free to use this email in any advertisement.
Marti Kardinal, Tarpon Springs, Florida
I love it. I seem to keep going when others are lagging and I am a 72 yr old female.
Scott Wackler, Marine, Minnesota
Unbelievable paddles!
Vic & Debbie Kerekes, Grover Beach, California
Thank you for your product - We brag on these paddles wherever we go, & people do ask about them. Now we can brag on your service as well! Thanks so much for all the fun we've had!
Paul Yingling,Delmar, NY
Love the paddle...love kayaking...can't believe I hadn't tried it till now..(49yrs)
Thanks for sending the shipping refund quickly!!!!
I like the design of the paddle...so simplistic. yet high tech.
Aaron Barna, Olympia, Washington
Can't beat the price for a paddle that strong + lightweight at the same time.
Mike Morrow, Windemere, Florida
Excellent paddle. You can go all day without fatigue. Lightweight and sturdy. I only wish my friends would buy their own and stop borrowing mine.
Skip Freeley, Newport Beach, California
Good workmanship excellent value solid mechanical design.
Lynwood Weiss, LaMarque, Texas
I bought your paddle because it was reasonably priced and it appeared that you had really researched the science and left out the costly stuff that doesnt matter anyway. I taped up the connections for a tighter seal (the original, unimproved shaft joint. SW), put it together and wrapped the whole thing with bicycle handlebar tape. Man was it comfortable.
I bought a harmony 2 piece touring paddle as well but never use it anymore. Yours may not look like much but it is very energy efficient. Every time I look at its simple design I am impressed. I cant seem to destroy it… although I try!
Dale Smithee, Diamond Springs, California
My wife won't let me use her T-1 so I think I'll sell my other paddle & buy another T-1.
Mike McCoy, Winters, California
I have a pretty good sense after 25 years of kayaking that you have hit a sweet spot between price and performance that no one else comes close to matching. Good luck with this fantastic venture.