Hmmmm, Tough Question
Posted by: wildernesswebb
on Sep-28-12 11:30 AM (EST)
First off, I've broken several wooden paddles, but been using carbon ZRE's quite a bit since 2003 and never broke one. And I paddle mostly rivers, 99% of the time paddling very abrasive, rocky waters.
Gosh, I like both equally. I like the weight of carbon, but like the "Feel" of wood, especially when paddling when it's cool outside. And, paddling with a nice wooden beavertail on a quiet morning is "Special."
I recently found a great deal on a Mitchell Leader with carbon blade and wooden shaft, it may be just the ticket for winter paddling. But I'll always have a fondness for a nice, wooden beavertail to mess around with when I'm paddling solo.