QuickBlade Paddle Review 2013

A product that recently landed at the shop, that we are very excited about, is the one and only QuickBlade Paddles! A highly respected name in the SUP world, QuickBlade has been making paddles since 1989 and has some of the top names in SUP (like Laird Hamilton and Candice Appleby) standing behind their product.

Brainchild of Jim Terrell, a 4-time olympic canoeist, the brand really began many years before the launch in 1989. Jim grew up in a small town in Ohio near the Little Miami River, part of a family with a long history of building canoes and paddles. HIs first memory of paddling started at the ripe age of 3 and has since dedicated his life to making some of the best quality paddles in the world.

After many years of product testing, trial and error, and a genuine desire to make the best products they could, the QuickBlade Paddle brand was born and quickly earned themselves the respect of athletes everywhere. Today, the brand has a high end collection of SUP paddles that are lightweight, extremely durable and pretty damn good looking. No matter your price range or needs, this brand has paddle perfect for you. In this article, I will give you the low down on our favorite models and help you find a QuickBlade paddle that is right for you.

Kahana Magic AC

$409

100% carbon fiber and 100% the most lightweight paddle you will ever hold in your hands. The QuickBlade Kahana Magic Paddle is quality and durability at it’s finest. Known by top competitors for it’s strength and versatility, this paddle is available in three different fixed lengths and comes with an EVA wrapped grip for extra comfort and a no-slip feel. The Kahana Magic also has a specially designed blade with carefully placed dimples on the inside face that offer aeration and reduces friction both in and out of the water. This combination of minimal weight (just 17oz.) and fluidly shaped blade, will help reduce any drag and cut seconds off your time. If you are looking for the best, you just found it.

Kahana Elite Race

$399

QuickBlade’s most popular paddle and another lightweight masterpiece. The Kahana Elite Race is the paddle you should be racing with this summer. Another full carbon paddle, weighing in at just over 16 ounces, the Kahana Elite Race also has a slightly curved tip for a fast, clean catch in the water. This combination helps put more strength behind each stroke, getting you further, faster. Whether you’ve just started looking into your local race scene or you are a seasoned WPA Vet, the Kahana Elite Race Paddle is something you should know about.

Kahana Timber

$399

Who can resist a little wood-grain action on their paddle? Nobody, that’s who. Arguably their best looking paddle, the Kahana Timber is the perfect combination of natural wood and a hi-tech composite construction. Continuing the tradition of the Kahana line, this paddle weighs just 20 ounces and has a light, natural feel in the water. To get the gorgeous wood look, QuickBlade laminated a thin layer of bamboo to the front and backside of the blade. This offers that classic look without sacrificing any tech. And let’s be honest, hanging this paddle on your wall in the off-season won’t be such a bad thing either.

Elite Flyweight All Carbon

$369

The Flyweight collection from QuickBlade is specially designed for lighter weight paddlers. The Elite Flyweight AC is specifically for those lighter weight riders who are racing and touring. For the serious paddler under 150 lbs., this is what you’ve been waiting for. Designed with a slightly lighter lay up blade that is stiffer and more performance oriented for racing, this paddle will be light (15oz.) and strong and give you powerful pushes thru the water. And coming in under $400 for full carbon fiber is pretty impressive! A super clean look, just like the rest of the carbon line. Cut just a little smaller for us lighter weight folks.

Flyweight All Fiberglass

$229

For the lighter weight rider looking for a whole lotta paddle at a very reasonable price, the Flyweight All Fiberglass paddle from QuickBlade is the way to go. Made for riders under 150 pounds, this lightweight paddle has a smaller blade for faster pushes in the water and less drag out of the water. Available in three snazzy colors, there is a perfect style for every rider. The Flyweight AF also has an ergonomic handle that is easy to palm and very comfortable, and the this adjustable version can lengthen from 60″-68″ so you can find your perfect fit. For the up and coming pro, this paddle is a great way to step up your paddle game without emptying out your pockets.

This is just part of the line. Keep a lookout for an extended version of this review with the rest of the Quickblade SUP Paddle line. If you are interested in a QuickBlade paddle that you did not see here, contact the shop and we can help you out. Good luck in your paddle search and see you on the water!

jess

I've been immersed in the skate and snowboard industry since I was 15 years old and have learned so much along the way. I enjoy being on the other side of the counter now where I can share that knowledge and keep that next generation hyped on the activities that I love so much!