Backwater paddles
Oct 11, 2010 12:05:40 GMT -1
Post by izzetafox on Oct 11, 2010 12:05:40 GMT -1
Keith from Brookbanks asked me to give one of these a try.
First look and I have to say I was disappointed at the quality of the finish. It had been dipped in varnish and was left with the residual drip line along the bottom edge and an orange peel effect on the blade from the varnish not being sanded down.Having said that it was solidly made with a useful wrist strap.
So off to Loch Lomond it went. First off I tried using it purely as an open water paddle, silly I know but I thought it would be a laugh. I was pleasantly surprised that I managed to keep up 2mph very easily, although that was in the Easky.
Then we headed over to the overhanging bushes on the islands.
I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to use in confined spaces where a 2 metre paddle would have had you cursing. I could see fly and lure anglers finding this very useful for creeping into special swims very quietly.
I then used the gimmick....The Hook!!! I must admit I laughed when I saw this.
It can be used to catch hold of branches to stop or manouevre yourself. It did it well but not really necessare I though, that what my hand are for!! DOH!!! A bit further around the island whilst Steph was using the Predator I tried the same moves by hand. I should have checked the bush first. It was a hawthorn!!! Couple of blood spots on the hand then proved perhaps the hook is useful afterall.
Steph tried it out and was surprised how easy she found it as she was positioning herself in the Prowler for taking pics. Thumbs up from her except for the ' But I keep getting my cuffs wet!!' WOMEN!!!!
So in summary.
For the perfectionist a bit of sand paper and another coat of varnish would finish it off nicely.
It is small and could be slipped down the side of a crate until needed.
It is ideal in confined spaces and where you want a very gentle and quiet paddle.
They could also be useful for the fluff chuckers when wanting to adjust a drift slightly
The yaks have it priced at $19.95 so I guess if it comes over here it will be about £15. At that price I think it would be reasonable value.
I guess it is aimed at the still water angler primarily although there could be uses for the sea angler in quiet coves.
Although not it's prime use it COULD work at it's extreme only!!, as a back up paddle on smaller stillwaters. But a prper two piece or similar is recomended.
Steph and I liked it and found it useful. I think there is a market for it in the UK.
First look and I have to say I was disappointed at the quality of the finish. It had been dipped in varnish and was left with the residual drip line along the bottom edge and an orange peel effect on the blade from the varnish not being sanded down.Having said that it was solidly made with a useful wrist strap.
So off to Loch Lomond it went. First off I tried using it purely as an open water paddle, silly I know but I thought it would be a laugh. I was pleasantly surprised that I managed to keep up 2mph very easily, although that was in the Easky.
Then we headed over to the overhanging bushes on the islands.
I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to use in confined spaces where a 2 metre paddle would have had you cursing. I could see fly and lure anglers finding this very useful for creeping into special swims very quietly.
I then used the gimmick....The Hook!!! I must admit I laughed when I saw this.
It can be used to catch hold of branches to stop or manouevre yourself. It did it well but not really necessare I though, that what my hand are for!! DOH!!! A bit further around the island whilst Steph was using the Predator I tried the same moves by hand. I should have checked the bush first. It was a hawthorn!!! Couple of blood spots on the hand then proved perhaps the hook is useful afterall.
Steph tried it out and was surprised how easy she found it as she was positioning herself in the Prowler for taking pics. Thumbs up from her except for the ' But I keep getting my cuffs wet!!' WOMEN!!!!
So in summary.
For the perfectionist a bit of sand paper and another coat of varnish would finish it off nicely.
It is small and could be slipped down the side of a crate until needed.
It is ideal in confined spaces and where you want a very gentle and quiet paddle.
They could also be useful for the fluff chuckers when wanting to adjust a drift slightly
The yaks have it priced at $19.95 so I guess if it comes over here it will be about £15. At that price I think it would be reasonable value.
I guess it is aimed at the still water angler primarily although there could be uses for the sea angler in quiet coves.
Although not it's prime use it COULD work at it's extreme only!!, as a back up paddle on smaller stillwaters. But a prper two piece or similar is recomended.
Steph and I liked it and found it useful. I think there is a market for it in the UK.
