My Experience: I have worked for a canoe and kayak dealership for 11 years and paddle 3-4x a week. I have paddled every boat from 40 different manufacturers and have tested every paddle I can in my last 15 years of paddling.
CONS:
The Viper advertises the ergonomic bend to the shaft and claims to relieve sore wrists. My wife does claim it helps with her tendinitis but isn't sure if its just the light weight. This is where it looses points. It's unique, but I think the claims of BB are a bit lofty.
PROS:
This paddle is light weight, fast, and sexy. I prefer this paddle to any carbon because:
1)I don't race
2)Pulling wood is easier on the joints after a week of 10 hour paddling days on extended trips.
Where I LOVE this paddle is that the bend in the stick allows it to do what no other bent shaft could. I am primarily a canadian style paddler. I paddle on one side and constantly cycle through canadian, indian, draw, and pry strokes. I never liked how a bent shaft hindered all of these strokes but I wanted the added efficiency. The bend in the shaft allows me to change my grip and have the blade enter at a right angle when I want that perfect draw or pry stroke. Canadian and Indian are still best done with a straight shaft (Never leave home without one). But for all day trips, this is the paddle that covers the most distance for me. Should make any advanced paddler happy. Hope this helps!