[When] Should You Upgrade from a Sting Ray to a Tango?
5-minute read
Aqua Bound’s Sting Ray and Tango kayak paddles are both designed for low-angle kayakers who love long days on the water with a relaxed style. Should you upgrade from Sting Ray to Tango? When?
First, we’ll take a look at each of these kayak paddle families created and what they excel in. Then we’ll ask you some questions to see if an upgrade from Sting Ray to Tango is the right choice for you…
About Our Sting Ray Family of Kayak Paddles
Our Sting Ray is our best-selling low-angle kayak paddle. It’s high on performance while sticking to a price point that’s accessible for most paddlers. It’s offered in your choice of three different ferrule systems, all of which offer a high degree of ease-of-use, durability and tightness.
The Sting Ray family includes ten variations:
Sting Ray Fiberglass—Fiberglass shaft with fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades in Electric Green or Sunset Red:
- 2-piece with a snap button ferrule
- 4-piece with a snap button ferrule
Sting Ray Hybrid—Carbon shaft with fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades in Sunset Red or White:
- 2-piece with fixed-length Posi-Lok™ ferrule
- 2-piece with adjustable-length Versa-Lok™ ferrule
- 4-piece with fixed-length Posi-Lok™ ferrule
- 4-piece with adjustable-length Versa-Lok™ ferrule
Sting Ray Carbon—Carbon shaft with carbon-reinforced nylon blades in Black:
- 2-piece with fixed-length Posi-Lok™ ferrule
- 2-piece with adjustable-length Versa-Lok™ ferrule
- 4-piece with fixed-length Posi-Lok™ ferrule
- 4-piece with adjustable-length Versa-Lok™ ferrule
See all our Sting Ray models here.
About Our Tango Family of Kayak Paddles
Our Tango kayak paddle is part of our performance line. They’re lighter by several ounces than the Sting Ray paddles and the carbon we use in them is a higher quality. The fiberglass blades are handcrafted with our proprietary method in gorgeous colorful patterns. Tango is also offered in a bent-shaft model not available in the Sting Ray line.
The Tango family includes six variations:
Tango Fiberglass—Aviation-grade carbon fiber shaft with one of three color choices: Northern Lights, Fuego and Green Tide. All use our 100% carbon Posi-Lok™ ferrule system:
- 2-piece straight shaft
- 2-piece bent shaft
- 4-piece straight shaft
Tango Carbon—Aviation-grade carbon fiber shaft with handcrafted multi-laminate carbon blades. All use our 100% carbon Posi-Lok™ ferrule system:
- 2-piece straight shaft
- 2-piece bent shaft
- 4-piece straight shaft
See all our Tango models here.
Consider an Upgrade to Tango If…
You LOVE to Kayak and You Do It Often
If kayaking is a huge part of your life—maybe even a career choice as a guide, an outfitter or you work in a paddlesports business—you’ll be the most happy with one of the Tango models.
If kayaking has become a serious hobby for you, if you get out on the water several times a month or even several times a week—you’re ready to upgrade to a Tango. Advanced paddlers definitely notice the weight and performance differences between the two.
You Want the Lightest Kayak Paddle Available
Do you want to help save your shoulders, wrists and upper body from fatigue on long kayaking days or on multi-day trips? Maybe you’re nursing shoulder issues, or you’re old enough that you’ve begun to consider how to ease stress on your joints.
The Tango Fiberglass and Tango Carbon models are so lightweight you barely notice you’re holding a paddle. You should upgrade if you want to go as light as possible.
You Want a Bent Shaft Option
For the same reasons we just brought up, maybe you prefer a bent shaft model for its better ergonomics. So you can keep your wrists in their most natural position. Both the Fiberglass and Carbon models are offered with a bent shaft option.
So if you’ve noticed some soreness when you paddle and would like a more ergonomic shaft, you’re ready to upgrade.
You Love the Eye-Popping Blades of the Tango Fiberglass
There’s no doubt about it, these blades are stunning! If you’re someone who appreciates the aesthetics of your gear, you’ll be happiest with one of our Tango Fiberglass paddles.
These blades are handmade in our Osceola shop using a unique system that combines fiberglass and silk fabric. We spend several months on each design with input from our Ambassador and in-house teams.
Currently, Tango Fiberglass is available in Northern Lights, Fuego and Green Tide. Each has a translucent finish that allows sunlight through when held up to the light. They’re truly beautiful!
If you’re tired of standard nylon paddle blades (even though our Sting Rays have fun new colors!) and would love ones you (and your kayaking friends) will ooh and aah over, upgrade to Tango.
You Have the Budget to Spend More
We don’t want you to go hungry or miss your rent or house payment because you bought a high-end paddle! But if you have it in your budget to set aside $350-550 for a performance paddle you’ll love to use, you’re ready to upgrade to a Tango model.
Many avid kayakers love this watersport because of its positive impact on their physical, emotional and mental health. When you look at a quality paddle as an investment in your health that’ll last you for years, it’s almost a no-brainer.
An upgrade to a Tango model is a one-time expense with years of dividends ahead.
Are you ready for a paddle upgrade? Contact our friendly Customer Service Team today! They’re happy to help: 715-755-3405 • [email protected]
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