Gear Review: Werner Desperado Kayak Paddle
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 8
Location of Test: Whitewater across the country
Duration of Test: 1 year
Product Name: Desperado
Product Brand: Werner
Best Use: Whitewater kayaking
The Full Review:
The Werner Desperado is one of Werner’s less expensive whitewater paddles. I had one for about a year and got a lot of use out of it. The first obvious perk of one of these paddles is that it won’t break the bank. They usually run about $175. So, if you are looking to get into whitewater but not sure you're ready to invest a lot of money, I would highly suggest this paddle. The cool thing about these is that they will last forever! Seriously they are so stinking durable, I'd even argue it’s their most durable paddle. The desperado also has a "medium" sized blade so you can get some good leverage in the water. Their "Rio" paddle is the smaller blade size if you are looking for something a bit smaller.
What you will sacrifice with this blade is the amount of flex you get while paddling. Compared to other blended paddle blades it’s one of the best....but compared to full fiberglass or a full carbon fiber blade you will really tell the difference. This blade is just not as stiff so you will lose a little bit of your energy output each time you take a stroke. I am someone who paddles twice a week all year round, so for me, a stiffer blade is worth the investment. But for a beginner or someone who doesn't spend all day every day on the water, this is an awesome paddle that won’t break the bank.
The Good:
-Great price
-Durable
-awesome warranty
The Bad:
-Bit of flex in the blade
The Bottom Line:
The bottom line is the Desperado is a really good paddle for the price. Werner is an awesome company that makes bombproof paddles. Give this one a shot!
The Full Review:
The Werner Desperado is one of Werner’s less expensive whitewater paddles. I had one for about a year and got a lot of use out of it. The first obvious perk of one of these paddles is that it won’t break the bank. They usually run about $175. So, if you are looking to get into whitewater but not sure you're ready to invest a lot of money, I would highly suggest this paddle. The cool thing about these is that they will last forever! Seriously they are so stinking durable, I'd even argue it’s their most durable paddle. The desperado also has a "medium" sized blade so you can get some good leverage in the water. Their "Rio" paddle is the smaller blade size if you are looking for something a bit smaller.
What you will sacrifice with this blade is the amount of flex you get while paddling. Compared to other blended paddle blades it’s one of the best....but compared to full fiberglass or a full carbon fiber blade you will really tell the difference. This blade is just not as stiff so you will lose a little bit of your energy output each time you take a stroke. I am someone who paddles twice a week all year round, so for me, a stiffer blade is worth the investment. But for a beginner or someone who doesn't spend all day every day on the water, this is an awesome paddle that won’t break the bank.
The Good:
-Great price
-Durable
-awesome warranty
The Bad:
-Bit of flex in the blade
The Bottom Line:
The bottom line is the Desperado is a really good paddle for the price. Werner is an awesome company that makes bombproof paddles. Give this one a shot!