Panenka Challenge paddle preview.

[izzetafox]

I woke up this afternoon ( on nights, not lazy ), and my new paddle from the Czech Republic had arrived arrived. I had decided I needed a slightly longer paddle to go with the Jackson Cuda and Jan Liska (Zoidberg)recommended one from Panenka Paddles.
Panenka may not be a brand well known in the UK but they have an established reputation in the Czech Republic and Jan has dealt with them through his business for some time.

So, the paddle. It is a two piece 230cm paddle and weighs in at a keen 729gms.



This is the Panenka Challenge, with carbon shaft and blades.







It is jointed with the popular Allen Key style lock and markings for a 0 to 60 degree feather.



Panenka's brochure describes the paddle as:

'Exclusive paddle for sea kayaking and lake touring. Light and durable. Takes you all around the coast.

The blades are constructed using 'Prepreg technology'. ' The prepreg technology is a process in which carbon fabric is pre-impregnated in advance and pressurized during manufacturing. Asa result the end product is lighter because less epoxy resin is used. Therefore paddles using the technology are up to 30% lighter and stiffer than regular carbon fibre blades.'

One point raised in a previous thread about another brand was light showing throw the blades. I can positively confirm that when held up to bright sunshine NO holes were visible!


Panenka do a range of paddles but the Challenge looks best suited for our needs. It comes from 190-230 cm and can be straight or double torque in certain sizes and one or two pieces. The great thing is the prices. Straight €166, torque €195 that equals £136 to £160. Very competitive prices for a full carbon paddle like this.

Anyone wanting price lists or a brochure let me know. I will be at Llangorse in March and you can have a try.

Here is a link to the Panenka Paddles web site.


www.panenka-paddles.cz/en/produkty/kayak-paddles/sea-kayaks/challenge




Terry

[ZEBRA]

that looks really good are the blades neutral buyancy

[izzetafox]

To be honest Zeb, I don't know, it doesn't say they are in the blurb and I guess they would say so.

Great price for full carbon though.

[ZEBRA]

i think it looks superb .

[philpot]

Just a shame they don't do any longer ones for my Big Rig because they really do look the business.

Phil

[ZEBRA]

phil you should be using about 215cm padle even for the big game any longer for your hight is wasted energy

[philpot]

I use a 220 on the BG with no problem but the new Jackson Big Rig is 37'' wide and then you have the raised seat so until it arrives I have no idea what I can get away with. In the US they use a 240-250cm for this kayak.

Phil

[chubbyshad]

What do you more experienced guys think about paddling style dictating paddle length?
Researching this on the web suggests its all down to your paddling style - either high angle (shorter paddle) or low angle (longer paddle).
Apparently, 80% of people naturally have a more relaxed low angle style of paddling and I think I probably fit into this category.
(I paddle & fish for relaxation, not as an extreme sport!)
I'm 6'2 with a 30" wide kayak, so for a low angle style various sites on the web suggest a 240cm touring style paddle for me.
I guess the only way to find out is to try a longer paddle & see how I get on with it.
That Panenka paddle does look very tasty though

[philpot]

Feb 18, 2014 8:44:06 GMT -1 chubbyshad said:

What do you more experienced guys think about paddling style dictating paddle length?
Researching this on the web suggests its all down to your paddling style - either high angle (shorter paddle) or low angle (longer paddle).
Apparently, 80% of people naturally have a more relaxed low angle style of paddling and I think I probably fit into this category.
(I paddle & fish for relaxation, not as an extreme sport!)
I'm 6'2 with a 30" wide kayak, so for a low angle style various sites on the web suggest a 240cm touring style paddle for me.
I guess the only way to find out is to try a longer paddle & see how I get on with it.
That Panenka paddle does look very tasty though

All I can really say to you is that trying different paddles is a real eye opener. Some you take to and the feel is just right and some you really do not like. I was lucky enough to have a session trying 6 or 8 paddles of different makes, lengths and styles and it was the most interesting couple of hours I have spent. If you have the chance to attend a dealer open day, go, because this is the way to get your hands on a number of different paddles to try out for yourself.

Phil

[izzetafox]

Just to clarify the 'clamp' system.

I only had a quick look at the paddle when I received it then yesterday whilst preparing for a trip tomorrow I saw that the is a 'trigger' type of clamp.

If you look at the last photo in the preview you will see the bolt, below this id a plastic flip up section. Simply open the trigger to join or seperate the two sections and push down again to secure them together.

No need for any Allen key. Apologies for the confusion. Yet another of my senior moment...( flaming tablets! )

Terry