Paddles

High end paddles are just if not more durable than the cheepies.
I use my paddle to push off the rocks and sand too. In fact I stepped on an all carbon top of the line Werner last summer. The carbon creased and a line was visible through the clear coat but it popped right back into shape and I used it for the rest of the week. A plastic paddle would have snapped.

All you need is an hour or two with a nice paddle and you will want one.

I couldn't agree more , I started with two brick ended paddles from cabelas at $19.99 each within a week I replaced one with a cheeky fredmayers paddle $35.00 I believe. The kayak shed let me demo a Werner at ORC at that point my 4 month old Freddy's paddle was starting to bend and got loose at the joint. I now paddle with a Werner and I DO shove it into the sand and rocks to move my boat. I also noticed a big difference in performance and balance. Anyone that says a CHEEPER paddle is better most likely has not tried one. Just my $0.02 worth 

Anyone that says a CHEEPER paddle is better most likely has not tried one. Just my $0.02 worth

Pretty much

sorry for the misconception....I never said a cheapie is better, just that I have been happy doing what I do with it.
 I am very limited financially, the only way I will know the difference is to borrow a good paddle some time.
 I imagine my cheapie will die some day...at that time I may have the clams in my pocket to upgrade, 'till then, I will enjoy paddling with my cheapie.
 Very interesting thread, the knowledge and experience Y'all give freely is greatly appreciated and is part of why this site turns me on!
 Thanks to all!

If you can't afford one,  don't borrow one,  that way you don't know what you're missing and it won't eat at you til you buy one.   Same thing applies to Hobies,  or anything nice really.  I used to love my ugly stick and my civic.

I'm going to chime in that I don't think carbon paddles are the best bang for your buck.  Are they awesome ... yes, they are, I use one myself.

But just stepping up from a sub-$100 paddle to the next level will yield a noticeable difference.  Consider the following.  You'll notice the biggest different jumping up to the Camano fiberglass.  The weights savings are large (relative to the others) and the stiffness improves pretty well.  After that, you're paying more money for incremental improvements, that you may or may not notice or appreciate.

Kaliste carbon straight shaft, foam core blades, 24 ounces, $400
Camano carbon straight shaft, 26.5 ounces, $350
Camano fiberglass straight shaft, 28.25 ounces, $275
Skagit fibreglass straight shaft, molded blades, 35 ounces, $130

Best bang for you buck IMO ... a Carlisle Expedition.  It's a bit on the heavy side at 33 ounces (220 cm), but it's all fiber construction gives it good rigidity.  MSRP is ~$160, but here's a listing for a 230cm for $115.

http://www.rakuten.com/prod/expedition-230-cm-yellow-red/247852835.html?listingId=344130979&scid=pla_google_DealzPc&adid=29963&gclid=Cj0KEQjwspCgBRCiwOjBxeCcm-kBEiQAooz6t7l7lVzUysaQM-3M3aUI-5sutrJH5X2Uw65vdODImMMaAjyg8P8HAQ

Disclaimer: I've been comp'ed Carlisle Expedition paddles.  My above statement is not due to the fact that I got some free.  It's my honest opinion about them.  I had the same opinion about it's predecessor, the Carlisle Enchantment.  They are a good value, all-fiberglass paddle.

-Allen

Yeah if you're going to be dropped off by a mothership or don't travel long distances using your paddle for hours at a time or don't care to purchase a paddle that could last 10-20 years or more then carbon may not be for you. But aren't those things obvious? Anyway, it does seem like there is a very positive consensus from those who use carbon paddles. I used a Carlisle as my first paddle and it worked but once I tried carbon it was over.

Anyway, it does seem like there is a very positive consensus from those who use carbon paddles.

Consensus on what?

-Allen

You'll figure it out, maybe, eventually

You'll figure it out, maybe, eventually

About the only thing I can figure out is that you stated an opinion and tried to pass it off as consensus.

-Allen

Also, don't get me wrong here.  Carbon Fiber paddles are indeed nice.  But keep in mind that not all carbon is created equal.

I once had a carbon fiber paddle whose blade shape led me to change my paddle stroke slightly to get the most out of it.  It turned out to not be the best ... for me.  I also had a bent shaft carbon fiber paddle.  Bent shaft is typically an ounce or 2 heavy than the same paddle in straight shaft.  Some people like bent shaft, even at the expense of weight.  So weight isn't everything.  Myself, I didn't like the bent shaft, not because of the weight, but because I just couldn't get used to it.  It sits differently in my hands when doing specific strokes, specifically sculling draw strokes.  I just couldn't adjust to the grip and found myself slicing the blade into the water, which isn't exactly good when doing a sculling draw stroke.

Also, there are some "carbon" paddles out there that are in reality carbon impregnated nylon blades.  It's not the same thing, so don't get misled.

Just like people have preferences in kayaks, there are distinct preferences in paddles.  Try before you buy and figure out what is best for you.  YMMV.

-Allen

There are 3 things that can greatly improve your comfort and enjoyment of the sport.
1. Paddle
2. Seat
3. Dry suit

I kind of agree Allen that if it is a bang for the buck question a high end paddle like a werner kaliste (which is what I use) in only incrementally better than some paddles $100 less. Same can be said for a tropos vs gortex dry suit. All that said if you can afford a high end paddle, go for it. I don't know anyone who regrets buying one. As far as durability, carbon fiber can take a beating. I did break a blade on my kaliste when my daughter sat on it. It was $200 to repair. If it breaks under normal use they will replace it.