ADVANCED ELEMENTSOrbit 4 Part Kayak Paddle

I bought this paddle along with the 13' Advanced Elements Expedition kayak. It's a paddle so it does what it's supposed to - paddle. It features spring loaded locking cleats that allow you to twist and angle the blades up to 60 degrees. Personally I like mine parallel. The shaft is made of heavy gauge aluminum and seem like it would hold up well. The blades are molded plastic but appear to be reinforced so breakage would be hard to do. This particular paddle is a bit long at 230 cm. Most veteran paddlers will tell you 210-220 is all you need. The Expedition if a pretty wide boat however so the extra length works for a novice, but overall its length promotes poor paddling technique forcing you to use sweeping strokes to avoid the sides of the boat rather than vertical strokes. It is also a bit on the heavy side when compared to expensive composite paddles, but that's to be expected for the price. Its real strength is its portability. I love being to break it down into 2 or 4 smaller sections for easy storage. All in all it's a fine paddle for the Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks, but I would go elsewhere if you are using a hard sided boat.

I love this paddle for the fact that it breaks down so small. it fits into my apartment closet very easily, I’ve been able to put it in a duffel bag and fly it to other states to go kayaking. it makes it so easy for transporting. I was a little disappointed it feels heavier than I was expecting it to. It’s not the best paddle I’ve ever used out on the water but it does it’s job.

I got this paddle because the three piece paddle that came with my Sevylor inflatable kayak is garbage. I bought the kayak even though the reviews said the paddle was awful. I ordered this paddle at the same time I bought the kayak. I'm glad that I did. The original paddle that came with the kayak only broke down into three pieces, so it didn't fit with the kayak. The original kayak paddle used weak plastic which was made to break when you needed it most (when paddling hard to go upwind). This paddle is much better. It breaks down into four pieces, so it does pack with the deflated kayak. Its very sturdy, so its not going to break. I look forward to many years of use from this paddle.

I expected and firm fit at the joint ends but the fit it a little loose and I wonder how that is going to play out after long use. Will it loosen further as it bangs around, or will the aluminium stay strong and will it continue to work well. Only time will tell. This is my first 4 part paddle. I have a 2 pc and that one feels more sturdy, with very little play in the jointed middle.

...the wondering is all about poor reviews on these paddles. They have all anyone would expect, particularly for the price. They have a superb angle of attack into the water. The shaft modular parts fit tightly and allow for easy portage. The length of the unit AND the angle of the blades can be adjusted to one's preference.The light weight is a plus and the drip guards are a very nice and useful addition.Final bonus, they are very eye appealing and deserve their name "Advanced Elements".I have had many paddles in the past, these deserve the five stars which l gave them.

Bought for packrafitng. These work very well but do get hard to take apart when the seems where they connect together gets infiltrated with fine grit from the river. Take apart size fits nicely strapped vertically to the outside of my backpack.

I bought this paddle to use with my NRS packraft. I pack into high lakes and fish. It works very well for that purpose. The pieces fit together snugly, so I am always careful to disassemble the paddle at night. I have seen other paddles (not this brand) become fused together when left assembled for too long. Rather than mess with lubricants or anti-seize compounds, I just disassemble them. In general, I feel it is worth the price.

I put these paddles through a four day adventure race (Untamed New England). They are lightweight and performed great. Fit in my pack with a pack raft and required gear with no problems. We put them through a lot of still and white water. I know I stressed them beyond what they were probably designed for and had no issues. I don't think you can buy a better paddle for the money.

I did a bunch of looking around for inexpensive 4 piece paddles and this is seems to be the least expensive. If you're a pro... keep reading. If you're a wannabe... stop! because if you get one of these, you'll surely have to spout off about how inferior it is to the $1000 paddle and confuse all those looking for an entry level to intermediate paddle. For non-wannabes, here are some notes:- seems like an aluminum shaft- possibly plastic blades- no adjustability for length- decent weight for carrying in a backpack (not like carbon of course, but excellent for 10% of the cost)- seems reasonably durable- some slop in the connections, but minimal and fine for most people and uses- I bet the blades would work great as ass paddles if the kids act upOverall I think this is a great paddle for the price.

Great paddle. I love that it can be broken down. It is quite stiff to disconnect, but I would prefer that over it being too loose while using it. Despite the product photos, this item does include Drip Rings. I find the grip comfortable and the adjustable paddle angle works very well. I set this in the water while using it and it did float. I would attribute that to the very snug fit of the joints, another great positive.

La pagaia è ben costruita, infatti pur essendo in 4 pezzi non denota alcun movimento o traballamento dopo averla assemblata. I materiali sono buoni. E' abbastanza leggera dato che pesandola con bilancia di precisione si arriva a circa 1035 gr. Il colpo in acqua è preciso, la spinta adeguata. Offre poca resistenza al vento e affatica poco. Ottima per un uso turistico, anche per distanze impegnative.

I bought it for around 100$, used it once, and sold it in like new condition for half of what I paid for it .The shaft is very light, and the blades are heavy making for a bad paddle with the weight at the extremities .There are better 4 piece aluminum paddles for almost half the price of this one. They are 50 grams heavier, but the weight is centered towards the middle, and the blade shape is better.

Everything about the product is just fine. The problem was waiting a long time to get it with notification after notification that is was coming or unavailable and then coming and then changing dates. We missed one of our summer outings as a result. I was just about to go purchase a competitive product from MEC, when they showed up. THey do work well and i am happy.