Riot 195cm Freestyle Bentshaft paddle
I have been using a Riot Bentshaft Freestyle Paddle since December of 2001. I have to admit that at first I had a hard time getting used to my new paddle. However, now that I have gotten used to it, it is probably the best paddle that I have ever used. Definately the best paddle for the money.
My understanding is that the 2002 Riot Freestyle Series paddles are a Carbon Fiber/Nylon blend for the blades with a Carbon/Kevlar shaft. My initial Impression is that the Riot paddle combines value, quality construction, and bomber materials into a paddle that is only slightly heavier than a fiberglass paddle. For weight weenies this may be unacceptable, but for me its no big deal since I constantly use my stick to pry myself off of rocks and push up off of the bottom of the creek. By the looks of the blade, this paddle will take a beating down the steepest creeks for several years before needing a replacement.
Although the Riot paddles are a little heavier than your average carbon paddle, they are awesome. I have never owned a carbon paddle, but I have owned a few fiberglass paddles. The Riot paddles are much much tougher than a glass paddle but just as cheap. After going down the creek a couple of times, I could notice wear to my glass Lightning paddle, but after a half a season of boating, I have only noticed a couple of scratches to the Riot stickers on the blade and other than that, it looks brand new. The bent shaft seems to really help with wrist strain and fatigue. The funky shaped blades give a good, powerful bite in the water and because of this you can really crank into an eddy or whatnot.
In summary I would say that the Riot paddles are very strong and durable with only a small weight increase over other carbon paddles. Riot paddles are an excellent value as they are priced as cheap as a fiberglass paddle but AT LEAST as durable as any other carbon paddle on the market. The only reason to buy a different paddle would be if you are willing to pay $400 to save 6oz of weight. I think Ill save my money and let that 6 ounces build my pecks up :)
If you have any questions feel free to email me at [email protected]