does anyone here paddle a 7 degree bent shaft? i had a 14 and didnt like it. ive read about the 7's on red rocks website...and it kinda makes sense.

any first hand experiences?

I have used a 7 degree bentshaft in the stern and liked it. However, I like my BB Beavertail much better!

Bruce

Ditto Arkansasman to the tee. Have bb beavertail,and got 7 degree bb at Christmas. Had out for two hours in old squareback grumman and it's a bit different. No baton twirling or it's 180 out. Can't wait to try on long trip in kevlar and give it a real chance. Check Redrock. Only place I've seen'em.

I have a 7 degree on my wish list to try too. Also read about them on Red Rocks Site and from what I understand is that they have them custom made for them?? Looks like the only place to buy them that I have found. I did find a 7 degree Mitchell on the Mitchell Site in the Monthly Specials section for $70 (Only $9 less than Red Rocks) and the BB special 7 degree is $67.95 at Red Rocks. Anybody Have a Mitchell Paddle? What's the report on them?

I have never tried a Mitchell bent shaft, but I’ve owned a whitewater straight shaft and a kayak paddle. Both were heavy duty and very well made.

kanoes...I'm holding the Mitchell 7 degree in my hand. I'm a little over 6 foot and I have the 54 inch model. It fits me nice. I like the offset handle knob. It rests nice on my palm. At 23 ounces it's balanced nice. The blade is about 18-19 inches by 8 inches. I use it in the stern and it performs well for me. What else you wanna know?

I bought an SR Q17 from Joe (Red Rock) last season and he sent me out with a 7 degree on my test paddle. My wife is most often my bow partner, and was at that time. I find that I can pretty easily over power her from the stern with the 14. With the 7 degree paddle that was less of an issue and it really was easier to perform steering strokes. It really is a nice compromise between power and control and I would recommend it.

I didn't happen to buy one at the time (like is said, my wife was along and I was pushing my luck already with the canoe) but I'll be up that way for at trip in July and intend to pickup one of those Mitchell specials myself.

So, between the Bending Branches 7 degree or the Mitchell 7, What's the difference between the two? CowDoc mentioned a bit about the offset knob. CowDoc, why did you pick the Mitchell over the the BB Special?

No big reason. I have some other BB paddles and I wanted to try the Mitchell. It fits me nice and it's easy to paddle with. At the time I didn't do any comparative shopping. I just bought the Mitchell.

Kanoes, when you sold me that old bent shaft of yours you seemed so glad to be rid of the evil thing : )
-just had to give you a hard time. I haven't had a chance to try one of those 7 degrees but I am curious as well.
Good luck!

Bending Branches rep told me the company wasn't making the 7 degree bent shaft any more. Glad I got one when I did, it's a great blade for the back of the boat.

Hate to sound negative but I will......... I have no patience for bent shaft paddles.

The neat thing about a straight shaft paddle is that either face works to take a bite of the water (or brace) when ya need to do it fast.

Today, I was sanding down the dings in my old, cheap, straight shaft, Bending Branches "Arrow"......... I gave her a coat of urethane, and she looks good as new........

I don't use a bent shaft, but I do use a Mitchell Surreal. If you ever find yourself near the Fargo area I would suggest looking up Paramount Sports, they have amazing deals on Mitchell paddles (can't remember if they had bent shaft)and all their canoes. My Surreal only cost me $80, I had to keep looking over my shoulder as I walked out of the store because I felt like I was stealing it.

RedPine
Looked at your profile........ that is one heck of a cigar lighter ya got there........

I didn't know it was a leaky blowtorch till I lit it, made for a great picture, but I was afraid it was going to blow up in my face.

Just called Paramount Sports in Fargo, They have a couple of Mitchell Surreals left in 52" and 56" at $100 if anyone is interested. That's 50% off.

If I remember correctly they also have the Mitchell \Touring model for around $50-$60.