WW Paddle Review

Big Spoons Tantra
It used to be that "big spoons" was an obvious description in addition to being the company name. This year, however, the big spoons have gone small.

In place of the sweeping faces of yore, Big Spoons' new Tantra series freestyle blades feature a tapered design that is significantly smaller than the company's standard shape, with a funky-looking forked core designed to add stiffness. The shafts are also a little different, with a pointed oval shape that leaves no doubt about where your grip is.

Despite their smaller surface area, the Tantra blades provide snappy bite on forward strokes. On braces, sculls, and rolls, however, our testers noticed the lack of surface area. Smaller paddlers and playboaters may like the design better, since they won't have to fight a big blade.

We tested the 350, an all-carbon version, and the 150, a less-expensive fiberglass model. Both feel light, balanced, and strong, with the carbon 350 coming out slightly ahead in all three categories.

AT Paddles AT4
AT is known for producing some of the most comfortable bent-shafts around. New this year is a carbon-nylon bent-shaft AT4 that comes with either "play" or "river" blades. Our tester came with the river blades, which are bigger and more powerful.

We held it up against an older AT2, and while the blades looked only the tiniest bit larger, they definitely had more bite. The AT2, with its foam-core blades, felt more balanced and smoother, while the carbon-nylon AT4 was much stiffer.

The grips are comfortable and the paddle has a good feel in your hands. We bashed the AT4 off a few rocks to see if it was as strong as it looks, with no discernible damage. It most likely would make a good creeking paddle.