Sting Ray Carbon Kayak Paddle: Outdoor Gear Lab Names it “Best Overall Paddle”
3-minute read
Aqua-Bound’s Sting Ray Carbon kayak paddle was recently awarded Best Overall Kayak Paddle by Outdoor Gear Lab…and our customers love it, too! Here’s why…
Outdoor Gear Lab’s Review
“This paddle consistently was a top performer across all metrics and it was not hard to select this paddle as a winner…This paddle was a joy to use.”
So said the good folks at Outdoor Gear Lab as they awarded our Sting Ray Carbon kayak paddle with the Editor’s Choice Award.
The Posi-Lok™ ferrule system placed on the Sting Ray far above its competition:
“The Sting Ray's unwavering Posi-Lok™ ferrule system helped to stand this paddle further apart from the competition. It was incredibly easy to adjust or dismantle, even after extended use in sandy conditions. This is the only paddle we tested that consistently felt and performed like a one-piece paddle.”
It also tied for first in performance, and placed first in every other category: Ease of adjustment, locking mechanism security and durability. It came in just slightly under the lightest paddle by 30 grams.
The Gear Lab’s concluded that:
“All types of kayakers will be able to appreciate the higher performance that the Sting Ray delivers. Although more expensive than your average paddle, the Sting Ray Carbon delivered a performance that is on par with paddles that cost $100 more.”
Explore the Backcountry Sting Ray Carbon Review
The good folks behind Explore the Backcountry, father-and-son team Wayne and Brad Jennings, are experts at wilderness travel by canoe and kayak in their native Canada.
In this video review, Wayne Jennings talks about his purchase of our Sting Ray Carbon 2-piece kayak paddle:
When Wayne bought his wife a sit-on-top kayak, they realized all their current kayak paddles were too short for her new wider boat.
They chose Aqua Bound’s Sting Ray Carbon kayak paddle in a longer length. Like all our kayak paddles, the Sting Ray Carbon is available in several different lengths, in 10 cm incrementswith our Posi-Lok™ ferrule system. It’s also available with our Versa-Lok™ ferrule system, giving you an adjustable-length option of up to 15 cm.
Your paddle length is determined by both your height and the width of your boat. See our Kayak Paddle Sizing Guide here.
About the Sting Ray Carbon
The Sting Ray Carbon’s abX carbon-reinforced nylon blades are designed for long days on flat water. They provide efficient, effortless strokes that save you energy over several hours.
The carbon fiber shaft is ovalized and grooved for comfort on your hands.(NOTE: It’s no longer available with the snap-button ferrule that’s shown in the video. It now comes with either our Posi-Lok™ or Versa-Lok™ ferrule.)
Wayne said:
“I was really impressed with the attention to detail in the shaft. If you look closely, there are all these tiny little ridges that run the whole length of the shaft. That means when you grip it, there’s less chance of your hand slipping—especially when your hand’s wet, or greasy after applying sun block.”
At only 28.75 ounces (Posi-Lok™) or 30.25 ounces (Versa-Lok™) the Sting Ray Carbon allows you to paddle all day without fatigue and soreness.
Go to the Sting Ray Carbon product page for all the details and to buy.
Thanks for the great reviews, Outdoor Gear Lab and Wayne Jennings! Connect with Explore the Backcountry and Outdoor Gear Lab.
(Photos courtesy of Thrive Visuals)
Contact our Wisconsin-based Customer Service team with your paddle questions today: 715-755-3405 • [email protected]
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