For less than two hundred bucks it’s hard to beat Aqua-Bound’s Shred. It’s an entry-level price point paddle that’ll take you well into your paddling career—we doubt there’s any blade out there that’s pulled more people into the sport than this one. The Shred’s shaft is made with Aqua-Bound’s T-700 carbon, which sits in the sweet spot between strength and weight. We love its four-piece ferruled breakdown option to pack it down small for travel but if you value increased durability over ease of transport, choose the single-piece solid shaft.
www.aquabound.com | straight shaft $184
Click here to find a river running blade for every budget in the free online edition of Rapid, Early Summer 2014 or download our free app for Apple or Android.
