ZRE, but look at Gillespie for hybrids Posted by: Glenn_MacGrady on Dec-08-12 8:43 PM (EST)
There was no bigger wood bigot than me until a few years ago. I have now narrowed a lot of paddles down to two: a 48.5" bent (outrigger light Powersurge) and a 57" straight (WW blade, symmetrical grip) ZRE, both with flex shafts. With these two blades I go on any waters -- shallow, deep, flat, white -- for a total weight of 25 oz. I cringe now at the weight of even my finest wooden paddles. Even though I am lifetime kneeler, I use the bent 95% of the time on flatwater. The Cricket Gemini IV is a giant retro blade. Do you really want that big of a blade? If you want a hybrid paddle -- wood shaft and carbon or kevlar blade, or vice versa -- Brad Gillespie will make just about any variety and color you want. His wood shaft on a ZRE blade is popular. http://gillespiepaddles.com/shop/hybrid_paddles.php