Sawyer paddle reviews?

[Johnny Clore]

I am considering purchasing a Sawyer Northwood solid ash paddle and was wondering if anyone who has experience with Sawyer paddles (particularly with the ash northwood) could give me a quick review. Thanks

Johnny

 

[pklonowski]

I haven't used the Northwoods, but I've been using (abusing) one of their whitewater paddles for several years. It has held up well, only needing a light sanding & re-varnish about every year or two. But this is a very different animal than the Northwoods... it's a laminated shaft, laminated blade, with plastic-reinforced blade edges, and fiberglassed blade. So I'm not sure how much that helps...