Bending Branches BB Special Canoe Paddle
This bent-shaft Bending Branches BB Special wood paddle is an excellent value for the advanced recreational canoeist.
- Wide blade provides a more powerful stroke for excellent flatwater cruising performance
- Combines a 7-laminate blade and a 12-laminate shaft of light and dark hardwoods for strength, durability, stiffness and beauty
- Wrap Around™ Rockgard® protects the blade tip, wrapping up around the corners onto the blade edges
- Comfortable, classic palm grip minimizes hand fatigue with its asymmetrical pear shape
Made in USA.
View all Bending Branches Canoe Paddles| Best Use | Canoeing |
|---|---|
| Blade Construction | 7-laminate wood/Rockgard tip |
| Shaft Construction | 18-laminate wood |
| Blade Size | 19 x 8.1 inches |
| Blade Surface Area (sq. in.) | 118 square inches |
| Grip Type | Palm Grip |
| Weight | 1 lb. 6 oz. |
| Blade-to-Shaft Offset | 11 degrees |
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My new favorite paddle
I was a guide in the Quetico-Superior canoe country back in the mid-1960s, spent quite a lot of time in a canoe then and since. I still have my spruce beaver-tail paddle, it was my favorite until I got the bent paddles from Bending Branches. They are light and tough, and the bend really does amplify the effort you put into the paddle. Less lifting water, more pushing the canoe forward. With my old paddle, sitting in the stern, a hard stroke would raise the bow significantly. I expected the bend to make it a bit harder to steer with slip or J strokes, but I've not noticed any problem at all. My wife loves her BB paddle also.
Fantastic work horse!
Great bang for the buck in this paddle. While it isn't the lightest or fanciest paddle on the market, it's a great workhorse that is easy to use for hours and hours. Think of this as the old diesel work horse that doesn't run at high RPM, but produces massive torque! The 20x8 inch blade size concerned me at first because the blade has a lot of real estate, and I was worried moving that much water per pull would tire me. In fact, I discovered just the opposite happened, because I didn't have to work as hard to go a distance if I just kept a steady, easy paddle because each stroke is so efficient. The asymmetrical design of the handle (which is just a bit big for my hands, but I learned to deal with it) leads down to the ovoid handle, which is very strong, and handles the vibration a hard stroke can create. The handle tapers down to the big blade, all weighing in at 22 ounces. I bought this paddle specifically for the 150 Missouri Breaks trip. The river is not a kind and gentle trip on gear. The mud, rocks, and sand gets into EVERYTHING. I was nervous about that kind of wear on the paddle. I needn't have worried. The wrap-around rock guard really did its job. I didn't see a nick, or really even a scratch after the 10 day trip. As an fyi, my friend (who did all the navigating) said it was a learning curve the first couple of days to figure out how to steer smoothly with a bent paddle. It really does handle differently from a straight handled paddle. After several day trips, and one big trip, I would not go back to a straight paddle in flat water. For the price, this paddle has good features, solid construction, and overall durability.
Works as good as it looks
We use these mostly in open bays and coastal waters and the occasionally on rivers. The paddle is very efficient and comfortable - much appreciated at the end of all day excursions in wind and chop. The palm style grip is smooth, fits just right, and has never raised blisters. Steering maneuvers are easily accomplished, though for continuous white water we'd choose a straight paddle (and some that weren't so pretty). We purchased a second when my wife and I found ourselves vying for the first.
Well made and efficient.
Bought this as I needed to replace an older metal and plastic bent shaft. this is superior. Much lighter, prettier and more efficient than a straight blade. Makes all day paddles more enjoyable. Excellent workmanship. Rock guard is a plus if you have to fend off a bank here and there.
Customer service at Bending Branches is the best
First I love the paddle and how it handles. Its a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. It does take a little time to adjust to the bent shaft while steering. I'm extremely impressed with the company as when I had an issue with a crack in the blade I sent them a picture of the issue and they got back to me the same day and agreed to replace the paddle at no cost.
Made in Wisconsin
I've used a couple other bent shaft paddles, but not much. I have more experience with various straight shaft composite (fiber, metal, plastic) paddles. I recently bought a used Kevlar solo canoe (25-30 year old Jensen in great shape) and I wanted an efficient paddle. This one has a composite tip for durability, the bend angle seems excellent, and it's light weight. Easy to swing, no blade flutter, and attractive.
Really Good for the Money!!
If you haven't tried a bent shaft, start here. A lot of bang for the buck. As good as paddles costing up to 3 times as much. You won't believe the power difference and lack of fatigue. Order 1 or 2 sizes shorter than you would a straight shaft.
great paddle
Great paddle for the price point. Comfortable for an all day trip. Has enough surface area to push the boat nicely on a solo paddle with some current.
Good bent shaft canoe paddle
This is the entry point of bent shafts. Great price at REI, too. So when rating it a 5 is a bit weird. There are 3 or 4 carbon ones that are out of this world light and more durable. But at this price it's a strong 5/5. My lightest paddle though. Have had it for over 20 years. Other than pulling water super hard, I am very careful with my paddles. Use with my solo canoe with switching stroke. You don't normally steer with a J-stroke. Tandem canoeing flat water bow mainly. Few Canadians use bents. And I am leaning towards the old beavers and otters too for tripping. I have a composite whitewater paddle for rough handling that has a blade that if you pull hard enough, you can pull your arm out the socket. You need at least a few paddles for different types of duty that are your size. And you need some other sizes for guests. This is a good paddle that a guest has to prove themselves before they are offered to use.
Sweet
Sweet paddle for tandem paddling. Best in bow. Good power stroke. Nice ergonomic handle and shaft. Good value for a laminated wood paddle.