AT3 Edge (photo courtesy of manufacturer's website)

Owner Review by Hollis Luzecky
Edited by Ken Bigelow
August 20, 2009

Manufacture:  Adventure Technology (AT)
Website:  http://www.atpaddle.com
MSRP:  Not Available
Material:  Carbon & Eglass, Nylon blade edges
Weight:  2.3 lb (37 oz) (1.05 kg)
Sizes Available:  188, 191, 194, 197 cm (74, 75, 76, 78 in)
Blade offset:  30-degree
Custom options:  Any custom configuration of size and blade offset

Description

The AT3 Edge Paddle (AT3 Edge) is a carbon bent shaft paddle with rugged nylon blade edges to protect them from cracking, chipping, or wearing out on rocky paddles.  AT boasts that the AT3 Edge offers “ergonomic signature hand grips for wrist positioning & optimal comfort.”  The “Full Control Grips” are patented (US Pat 5820424).  The AT3 Edge has a slightly buoyant blade, which good for surfing and running rivers.  The cutaway asymmetric blade is specifically designed in a “performance play shape” to clear the edges of play boats while playing on a feature.  It has a non-dihedral power face and a braided carbon/eglass shaft, which is molded as one piece.

Comfort

The AT3 Edge feels nice in my hands.  The bent shaft keeps my wrists at a comfortable angle.  It also keeps my hands in the correct positioning to maintain the “paddlers’ box.”  I have very long hands for a female (almost 8 in/20 cm long from base of hand to tip of middle finger), so I benefit from the standard shaft size.  It is a good fit for my hands and I prefer the AT3 Edge’s shaft circumference to that of my sea kayaking paddle.  The larger shaft keeps my thumbs from overlapping my fingers too much, avoiding blisters after many hours on the water.

On Water Use

I have been very happy with my AT3 Edge.  The stiff durable blades give good purchase on the water, allowing me to ferry across large waves, cross strong eddy lines, paddle through holes, and attain up rapids.  I have used my AT3 Edge on the Potomac River in the Washington, DC area from the Mather Gorge to Little Falls, on the Lower Youghiogheny in Ohiopyle, PA, and on the Lower Gauley, in Summersville, WV.  In Class I-IV rapids it gives me the power to pull through just about anything (except maybe those really sticky holes, which is more of an edging issue for me than a paddle issue). 

It is slightly buoyant, but I do find that in a strong rapid, I have a bit of trouble finding the surface of the water when trying to roll.  Usually, if I rotate my wrists a bit and push up, I can fight the water purchase on the blades and find the surface to set up for a roll.  If I happen to swim, the AT3 Edge floats and is easy to find with the bright yellow blade edging.

The AT3 Edge’s durability adds to the paddle’s weight, but I am still able to paddle with it all day.  Sometimes I spend 8 hours on the river using the AT3 Edge. 

Wear

I have used the AT3 Edge for 3 seasons.  It has taken quite a few beatings.  During the drier parts of the Washington, DC area summer, the Potomac River gets very rocky.  I’m not the most careful paddler and while attaining have been known to bash a few rocks on the way up river.

Two summers ago, I snapped the left side of the shaft at the point where it meets the blade.  As I was getting pummeled upside down in a shallow hole on the Virginia side of Little Falls on the Potomac River, my blade got wedged in a crevasse and snapped as my boat and myself were spun around in the rapid.  It did not break completely off because the paddle core kept it together.  I was able to paddle to the rest of the way to the take-out with the crooked blade, but the paddle shaft filled with water.  I took it to my local paddling store and they shipped it back to AT for me, who agreed to fix it for about $150 (including shipping).  AT cut off the left side of the paddle, replaced it, and shipped it back in about 2 weeks.  AT inserted a small rod in the middle of the shaft where the new seam is to maintain the paddles’ strength.  I was very pleased with the customer service.  I thought the price was reasonable considering a new paddle costs over $350, and thought the service was very fast.

Summary

The AT3 Edge is stiff and durable, but not the lightest paddle.  It is comfortable to paddle with and if my hands slip while in a strong rapid or while rolling, my hands easily find their way back to the proper positioning.  It provides excellent purchase on the water, increasing the efficiency and power of my strokes.

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Reviewer Bio

Name:  Hollis Luzecky
Gender:  Female
Age:  32
Height:  5′ 9″ (1.5 m)
Weight:  145 lb (66 kg)
Location:  Washington, DC metro area
Email:  greengirlhollis “at” gmail “dot” com

I have spent a majority of my life on the water.  I grew up canoeing and water skiing.  I started flatwater kayaking when I was about 16 and jumped into sea kayaking at age 22.  I paddle a Perception Carolina 13.5.  I began whitewater kayaking in 2006, learning on the Potomac River in the Washington, DC Metro Area, and have paddled Class I-IV rapids. I navigate rapids in a Dagger RPM and surf waves in a Wavesport Fuse 48.  I have done a bit of whitewater rafting, but prefer the security of being in a kayak. They say everyone is between swims, but I prefer them to be few and far between.

REVIEW BY MIKE WILKIE

Edited by Kathryn Doiron

July 31, 2009

Carlisle Canoe Paddle

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer Details

Blade Material: Polypropylene
Blade Size: 8 x 20 in (20.32 x 51 cm)

Shaft Material: Vinyl-clad aluminum
Shaft Diameter: 1.125 in (2.86 cm)

Paddle Length: 60 in (152 cm)
Paddle Weight: 34 oz (964 g)

Handle: T-grip

Blade Color: White
Shaft Color: Red
T-grip Color: White

Measured Details

Blade Size: 7.75 x 19 in (19.68 x 48.26 cm)
Shaft Diameter: 1.125 in (2.86 cm)
Paddle Length: 60.25 in (153 cm)
Paddle Weight: 32 oz (907 g)

Carlisle blade and handle detail

About the Product

The Carlisle Standard Paddle is for all-around recreational use and is designed for all levels of paddler. It offers a wide blade for power strokes and a T-grip handle for a secure hold. The vinyl-clad outer shell increases durability and protection with UV resistance.

For a low cost, the Carlisle Standard Paddle offers all-around performance and a very durable construction. It is not the lightest paddle out there but for the price, I found no lighter with an aluminum design.

Carlisle Blade detail

Personal Views and Experiences

I purchased the Standard Paddle for several reasons. First, I was looking for an inexpensive alternative to use in shallow fast moving rivers where there could be potential damage from rocks. In addition, if I were to lose the paddle in fast moving rivers, it would not be too much of a loss compared to a higher end wood paddle.

In addition, I was looking for a back-up paddle for my longer overnight canoe camping trips. Again, the paddle would serve for use in shallow fast moving water with the risk of potential damage as well as having a back up paddle on hand.

Currently I really have nothing negative to say about this paddle as it performs better than expected. No, it does not offer high performance and it is not the lightest, but that is not what I was looking to gain from a $30 blade.

I have used the Carlisle Standard Paddle in various waters and conditions. The paddle provided a powerful stroke in deep quiet water and strong durability in fast water with shallow rocky bottoms. It was used in lakes from large to small, secluded ponds, fast rivers and calm flowing creeks. At times when playing around with technical strokes, I was able to use the paddle for more than just the basics.

The aluminum shaft is completely coated with a vinyl-clad shell providing a more comfortable grip rather than holding bare aluminum. I have used many aluminum paddles over the years, and the Standard proved to be far more superior. For an aluminum paddle, it is fairly light, lighter than expected.

Although I prefer to hold a contoured grip handle, I do like having the T-grip handle for use in fast moving water. It provides a more secure handhold and it is also helpful when poling through shallow water.

Summary

For such an inexpensive paddle, the Carlisle Standard offers a highly durable construction and for aluminum, it has a light weight. The Standard is a great all-around use paddle and for all levels of paddlers. For the beginner this is a great start, and for the novice it is an in-expensive alternative to trashing expensive wood or is good enough just to have a second paddle on hand.

The vinyl-clad shell is durable, UV resistant and offers a comfortable grip. For what I was looking for in a cheap paddle, the Carlisle Standard exceeded all expectations. I firmly believe this paddle to be superior in its class.

Pros

- Durability

- Comfortable to hold (for an aluminum paddle)

- A lot for the price

Cons

- Not the lightest (compared to wood)

- Does not perform as well as wood

AUTHOR INFORMATION

My paddle experiences consist of canoe camping, river canoeing and quiet, flat-water paddling. River paddling and canoe camping are my main outdoor sports next to backpacking. However, I do enjoy the occasional paddle with the dog on calm flat water. I have been paddling canoe since I was a young boy while earning my canoeing merit badge with the Scouts. As a diehard canoeist, I occasionally enjoy paddling kayaks for a change of pace and I plan to own one at some point in the future. In recent years, I have been learning and practicing safe lightweight techniques for traveling in the backcountry via boat or by foot.

Edited by Ken Bigelow

June 28th 2009

AT4 Play ss

Image courtesy of manufacturer’s website

Product Information:

The Adventure Technologies AT4 Play small shaft paddle is geared towards people with smaller hands while still giving an aggressive paddle for white water. The shaft is a crank shaft with dihedral blades. The blades polypro and glass composite with a 30 degree offset. The power face of the blade is smooth, containing the AT logo while the back face has a rib down the center and says Adventure Technologies. I bought the 193 length paddle.

Paddle in action

Impressions

I like the feel of the small shaft in my hands. While I don’t feel I have small hands I do find that the shaft does fit in my hands nicely. The small shaft is comfortable to me. I like the aggressive feel of the blades in the water and feel like I can get a good grip on the water whether I am rolling, surfing on a wave or running a river. The 30 degree offset took a little getting used to for me at first as I was used to a higher degree of offset in my paddle. But now that I am used to the 30 degree I can’t go back. I have found that this is a good degree of offset for me. The length is a little trickier as I am used to longer touring paddles. I opted for the 193 length and find that fits me well. If I was in a smaller boat, a shorter length might work better but for now this is the appropriate length for me and my boat.

This is the first paddle I used when I started with white water kayaking. I was doing sea kayaking before which has a slightly different set of equipment. I do find that the AT4 Play is a heavy paddle. My arms and shoulders do get tired from lifting the paddle after a long day of paddling. But it is a very tough paddle. I have paddled into my fair share of hidden rocks or pushed off from rock faces. I have noticed some minor flaring of the edges of the blades but I have not noticed or experienced any flaking or splintering of the blade.

On Water Use

I have been using this paddle for one season plus over the winter with some pool time. The paddle has seen a previous season of use with another owner before me. I have outlined a few of my trips below to give an idea of how the paddle has been used.

My first gorge run of the season was around class III with the high water levels being fairly high and aggressive. I ran the back channel as it was running nicely then did some ferries across some aggressive wave trains. I stopped at a few of the surfing spots to either watch the surfers or surf.

I took the paddle with me on a long river trip. The first part of the day started with paddling up the canal to get to the put in. I finally put in on the river for a run of the gorge that turned into a rolling practice session as I kept capsizing. I stopped off at the chutes for some surfing and playing before heading back. Later in the day I was back for more surfing at the chutes and playing. The paddle does have a pretty good water grip as I was able to roll up consistently each time once I got away from aerated water.

My most recent trip out was just up to the Maryland chutes for a few hours of surfing at the chutes. I did hit a few rocks when I ferried over to the other side of the river on exit. I find that the water grip isn’t that good in the aerated water and I have to wait until the water is less aerated before I can do a successful roll.

Wear

I bought this paddle lightly used and have put another season of use on the paddle. I have not noticed any weakness or flaking of the blades. The blades are still strong and the shaft is still solid. There is no looseness at any point along the paddle.

Wrap-up

While I find that the paddle is heavy to use, it does keep up with all the paddling I want to do. I haven’t had any issues with the paddle other than the weight. The small shaft is very comfortable to paddle with and fits me well. I have hit rocks, sometimes quite solidly and haven’t seen any serious damage. The paddle works well with my paddling style and I feel that I am heading towards play boating. I have used the paddle for river running but mostly for surfing at the chutes and trying to do tricks.

Summary

Pros

- aggressive blade shape

- small shaft is comfortable

- solid with little wear showing

Cons

- heavy

This concludes my review on the AT4 Play SS Paddle. Thank you for reading this review and I hope you have found the information contained within valuable and useful.

Personal Information:

Paddling Bio: I started seriously kayaking in summer of 2007 and bought an Impex Force Category 4 as my first real boat that fall. I started white water kayaking in the summer of 2008 and now have a Jackson Classic Fun. I now enjoy white water, flat water, ocean surfing and sea kayaking and look forward to getting more into rafting. I tend to get out on the water several times a week during the height of the kayaking season. I have even paddled with the Ice Pirates at the height of winter. I am hoping to do a three month expedition trip in the following year.