Its traditional touring blade (8.1″ x 19″) is of course, wider and longer than a standard recreational model. The difference is noticeably felt through the power phase of strokes, as well as a greater sense of control. More material, however, didn’t feel like a trade-off in the weight; Black Pearl’s 14oz is still very svelte, especially for a touring blade. It was a good thing to have on the bigger lakes especially.
That sense of control is further aided by the 11° bent shaft, but also by its oval shape. Here, the feel in my hand was always comfortable. And the polished carbon (vs the �‘matte’ finish I’d been accustomed to from other paddles) did not feel too slick or unwieldy.
I was just at Mel's Trading Post in Rhinelander talking about the Black Pearl with Mitch. He speaks very highly of the product and recommends it often. It's amazing how light and strong they are.
Hard charging, performance-touring paddlers are going to love the new Black Pearl carbon fiber canoe paddle from Bending Branches. Made from high tech materials and coming in at just 14 ounces this paddle will be a great addition for your lightweight Kevlar canoe.
The Black Pearl was built as an answer to Bending Branches customers who own and paddle high-end canoes built of Kevlar or carbon fiber. They wanted a lightweight, strong paddle to match well with their lightweight boat. The Black Pearl gives them the ability to partner a high tech touring paddle with their high tech boat.
Grab one of these paddles today, get your canoe pack out of the garage, and be ready for the Boundary Waters tomorrow. And don’t forget one for you bowman, too.
I used the paddle on a long weekend trip and a couple of day outings. In a nutshell, I really like it.
I've always been more interested in the aesthetics of wood canoe paddles (though I use carbon for sea kayaking) but I think the Black Pearl has me sold--it's so light and the foam core makes for a more lively stroke. With the Black Pearl I've been impressed at how easily it adapts to more traditional steering strokes (i.e., J-stroke).
Construction quality is immaculate. It's a real head-turner--that's about all I can say.
First off, amazingly light! What a pleasure to hold (or in many ways, feels like you are not really holding anything!)
Second, it is one sweet looking paddle. I do love wood/laminate designs, but this paddle looks slick! Almost stealth like. In the light, the checked pattern looks 3D! It certainly makes a statement. My partner was impressed and awed by its first impression.
Anyhow, I love the paddle so far and will use it exclusively on the five day trip to better assess longer-ish use.
Comments
Andy W. - Minnesota
Its traditional touring blade (8.1″ x 19″) is of course, wider and longer than a standard recreational model. The difference is noticeably felt through the power phase of strokes, as well as a greater sense of control. More material, however, didn’t feel like a trade-off in the weight; Black Pearl’s 14oz is still very svelte, especially for a touring blade. It was a good thing to have on the bigger lakes especially.
That sense of control is further aided by the 11° bent shaft, but also by its oval shape. Here, the feel in my hand was always comfortable. And the polished carbon (vs the �‘matte’ finish I’d been accustomed to from other paddles) did not feel too slick or unwieldy.
Pete D. - Wisconsin
I was just at Mel's Trading Post in Rhinelander talking about the Black Pearl with Mitch. He speaks very highly of the product and recommends it often. It's amazing how light and strong they are.
From Duluth Pack's Blog
Hard charging, performance-touring paddlers are going to love the new Black Pearl carbon fiber canoe paddle from Bending Branches. Made from high tech materials and coming in at just 14 ounces this paddle will be a great addition for your lightweight Kevlar canoe.
The Black Pearl was built as an answer to Bending Branches customers who own and paddle high-end canoes built of Kevlar or carbon fiber. They wanted a lightweight, strong paddle to match well with their lightweight boat. The Black Pearl gives them the ability to partner a high tech touring paddle with their high tech boat.
Grab one of these paddles today, get your canoe pack out of the garage, and be ready for the Boundary Waters tomorrow. And don’t forget one for you bowman, too.
Conor M.
I used the paddle on a long weekend trip and a couple of day outings. In a nutshell, I really like it.
I've always been more interested in the aesthetics of wood canoe paddles (though I use carbon for sea kayaking) but I think the Black Pearl has me sold--it's so light and the foam core makes for a more lively stroke. With the Black Pearl I've been impressed at how easily it adapts to more traditional steering strokes (i.e., J-stroke).
Construction quality is immaculate. It's a real head-turner--that's about all I can say.
David L. – Ontario, Canada
First off, amazingly light! What a pleasure to hold (or in many ways, feels like you are not really holding anything!)
Second, it is one sweet looking paddle. I do love wood/laminate designs, but this paddle looks slick! Almost stealth like. In the light, the checked pattern looks 3D! It certainly makes a statement. My partner was impressed and awed by its first impression.
Anyhow, I love the paddle so far and will use it exclusively on the five day trip to better assess longer-ish use.