Thinking of getting a straight shaft in 60" for stern control in rough water. Is this a wise purchase for emergency use? What do you like about the "T" vs. a palm grip?

Thanks

that's all i've used for years.the Sawyer i have not only fits my hand just right and is very light but i use it as a boat hook all the time.
it's a square blade model and i use it in the cruise mode.i also have a longer beaver tail in ash wood that i switch off to so i'm using different muscles and don't get my shoulders knotted up.the beaver tail is also used as a push pole in rocky or swampy places.

T handle works great for a "boat hook" while loading/unloading at portages. I prefer it to the palm grip while paddling as well.

I have a T handle on one paddle. Porcupine knawed off old handle.

quote Thwarted: "Thinking of getting a straight shaft in 60" for stern control in rough water. Is this a wise purchase for emergency use? What do you like about the "T" vs. a palm grip?

Thanks"

For your use that would be fine. The T grip excels in whitewater as the stern pry is very powerful.(thumbs up).

I don't use the T grip for a variety of reasons, the most relevant in that it is not adaptable to holding in a variety of ways..or at least comfortable. It is good on whitewater rivers where you are not moving your hand around much.

I got away from it, but I have one paddle with a T-grip that feels better in my hand. It goes on every trip because it's great for grabbing straps when strapping down boats and it works great in the center with my CCS tarp, plus it just feels good in the hand. Wish more of my paddles had a T-grip.

My "go to" paddle is a T grip. I just like the way it feels, kind of a locked in place feel. All of the rest of my paddles are palm grip. As others have metioned it can come in handy for hooking things such as other boats etc..

Todd

Thanks all. Think I'll give one a try. Good paddles ain't cheap so it is good to get some feedback.

I use a Whiskey Jack double bent paddle which has sort of a modified T handle grip. I love the way it fits my hand, and I can grip it in different ways to give my hand a break.

i love the grip. to me it's solid. period!

I paddled a palm grip for many years, then I paddled a t-grip for a day, and I liked it more. I do run as many river as I possibly can, but I also prefer the t-grip for lake paddling.

I bet this is all personal preference. Whatever feels good for you, go for it.

I like the feel of the T grip. My other paddle is a kayak paddle. Like the T better.

Just like the way it feels in my hand.


JB

Ditto Yellowcanoe with the use of T-grip in whitewater. More paddle control and power. For boundary waters type tripping I prefer the pear shaped grips, seems more relaxing to hold.

I've always liked a T handle. Fits my hand well, and is great as a boat hook, or bag hook when someone dumps the boat.

I have a couple of Whiskey Jack paddles, both with a "stylized" T-grip that I really like. I am no technique wonk by any stretch of the imagination; I just find these handles to be incredibly comfortable.

quote Frenchy19: "I have a couple of Whiskey Jack paddles, both with a "stylized" T-grip that I really like. I am no technique wonk by any stretch of the imagination; I just find these handles to be incredibly comfortable.


"

I don't think those are really T grips.. but perhaps a variant. My husband just picked up a Blackburn paddle with the same grip.

quote yellowcanoe: "

quote Frenchy19: "I have a couple of Whiskey Jack paddles, both with a "stylized" T-grip that I really like. I am no technique wonk by any stretch of the imagination; I just find these handles to be incredibly comfortable.



"

I don't think those are really T grips.. but perhaps a variant. My husband just picked up a Blackburn paddle with the same grip."

Agree...not sure what to call them, so I tried "stylized". Makes me sound all arty-farty!

When I gave him the paddle his first reaction was "Umph". He doesn't like change. He had a paddle with a really fat palm grip and I thought of course I could change him. I got the Blackburn for 75 bucks and it was really pretty.

Well he snuck out yesterday with the new paddle..never admitting that he kinda likes that arty farty grip..(except that he used the af grip to test the entrances of a new beaver lodge near our house)

I have a new-to-me carbon paddle (2002 Bell paddle; manufactured by Zaveral??) with a t grip that was thrown in with the magic I picked up in Duluth. Looking forward to trying it out, but I first need to trim it a couple inches.