Minnesota

PADDLE REVIEWS

Paddle Reviews

Reviewed by: Clyde H. from Kaneohe, Hawaii

10/18/2011

Paddle Model: Gunflint Canoe Paddle

Rating: 5/5

“Bought this for my 13 year old daughter to use on her solo outrigger canoe. The size of the blade and shaft is perfect for a Jr. paddler. This 48" paddle is very light and makes doing an 8 mile run out in the ocean very enjoyable. She will definitely be using it for her open ocean races this winter. Now, it would be nice if there was a competition model of this paddle available with thinner knife like edge and reinforced with carbon fiber power face?”

 

Reviewed by: The Paddle Junkie from Minneapolis, Minnesota

8/25/2011

Paddle Model: Borealis Canoe Paddle

Rating: 5/5

“The guys over at Sanborn Canoe keep proving that they truly understand both paddling and wood-working. Several weeks back the delivery guy handed me a box from Winona, MN. Inside was a beautiful wooden bent-shaft paddle and a note from Zak at Sanborn Canoe. In my hands was a paddle so fresh off the design table that it didn't even have a name yet. YEAH!

Much like the Gunflint Paddle I had the chance to use last summer, this paddle is a work of art. The design and construction are second to none in the paddle world. This time around a few additions have been made; the introduction of Cherry wood to the shaft and the Epoxy blade guard has been replaced with a Ash hardwood tip. This increased the strength of the paddle and amplifies the natural aesthetic of their work. 

What I learned after just a few strokes was that this paddle had a much different soul than the Gunflint. A more modest bend in the shaft (10 degree as opposed to 14 degree) and a smaller blade both depart from the power focus of many of the paddles on the market. Power is not everything and while navigating the narrow creeks connecting lakes in the BWCA I saw exactly why. At no point did I think to myself that I was missing the "get-up" the more power focused paddles brag about. What I did notice was that controlling the canoe was significantly easier and over-steer was all but eliminated.

A couple of ounces heavier than the Gunflint (19oz) went basically unnoticed. The oiled grip did not. Sanborn never soaks their paddles in epoxy or marine varnish, so you never have that glossy lacquered feel, but there is something more natural, more familiar about an oiled grip. Hours in my hand and miles traveled and at no point did I regret choosing this paddle to get me around the lakes.”

 

Reviewed by: Andrew N. from Aurora, West Virginia

6/27/2011

Paddle Model: Custom Canoe Paddle

Rating: 5/5

“I am the proud new owner of a custom Sanborn Canoe Co. paddle. Took my new paddle out and put it to the immediate test this weekend. Several miles of paddling in whitecaps in my solo canoe. 

This paddle is gorgeous. (I wish Zak and the gang could have seen my face as I took it out of the shipping box) The wood grains and patterns are stunning and look almost antique...classic. The feel of the paddle is incredible. Super lightweight and seasoned with small wood imperfections, giving a very earthy feel in the hands. The paddle has just a tiny bit of flex so the power and responsiveness was really amazing.

Having paddled mostly Bending Branches Expedition Plus paddles in the past, I wanted to see what Sanborn could offer in a similar shape and style. Sanborn wins without a doubt. 

My only constructive criticism is to beef up the protective coating on the tip. True, this may mess up the gorgeous lines a bit on the paddle but I already cracked the coating with only minor rock abrasion.

Keep it up Sanborn. A great paddle from a great company.”

 

 

Reviewed by: Marcus G. from Cornwall, United Kingdom

6/26/2011

Paddle Model: Gunflint Canoe Paddle

Rating: 5/5

“Today was my first chance to try the Sanborn Gunflint bent shaft that I was fortunate enough to win in their monthly draw. Before I describe my experience with it please be aware that I am by no means a stroke expert, what I lack in finess I try and make up for with brute strength.

Right, ideal conditions today for a test, constant 20 mph gusting to 40+ mph. I started off with my good old Grey Owl Voyageur and was doing ok, not pleasant paddling in the wind but ok. With the wind behind me I switched to the Gunflint and to be honest could'nt tell any difference in performance. Paddled a few miles down the estuary and then turned back into the wind. Again started with the Voyageur and to be quite honest wondered if I was going to have to abandon and walk back. I switched to the Gunflint and the difference was apparent straight away, I could power into the wind and make good ground to the point where I actually went past an open with two people paddling. I noticed that I didn’t seem to get tired out either, whether that was to do with the bent shaft or the fact that it only weighs 16 oz I dont know. J stroke worked well with it as did a vertical pull up through the water prying off the gunwale ( told you I'm no stroke expert) as a correction. When I got back to where t! here was very little wind I swapped over to my otter tail but within a couple of minutes I was reaching for the Gunflint again and used it for the rest of the day.”

 

 

Reviewed by: Neal

5/8/2011

Paddle Model: Gunflint Canoe Paddle

Rating: 5/5

“I purchased a Gunflint this winter and have finally been able to use it. The paddle is awesome. The guys I go into the BWCA with are all impressed. It has incredible attention to detail and maintains the "handmade" characteristics that drew me to Sanborn in the first place. The custom painted handle is also worth the small price to get that one of a kind feel.

I have been very pleased with the paddle and the service. Zak has been great to work with. I strongly recommend Sanborn to anyone looking for a high quality alternative to a manufactured paddle.”

 

 

Reviewed by: Floyd from Chattanooga, TN

1/20/2010

Paddle Model: Gunflint Canoe Paddle

Rating: 5/5

“I have been paddling with my Gunflint for over a year now, and it's amazing. It's the only bent shaft I've owned, but the wood quality is second to none compared to wood straight shafts I've used. It works great on big lakes and swamps, which is where I use it. It feels comfortable in the hands and the light weight makes a long day's paddle less tiring. In my opinion, it's a better looking and an overall better paddle than comparative models from other paddle makers, and less expensive to boot.”

 

 

Reviewed by: Joe from Coos Bay, OR

1/8/2010

Paddle Model: Sag Canoe Paddle

Rating: 3/5

“I Like the quality and light weight. The change I would like is the palm is a little too sharp on the ends. It may just be that the version was a little different as the ones I see on the web page are not quite as pointed.”

 

 

Reviewed by: Ryan W. from St. Paul, MN

1/6/2010

Paddle Model: Gunflint Canoe Paddle

Rating: 5/5

“I have the privilage of owning the Gunflint paddle and it does not disappoint. This 14 degree bent-shaft paddle, designed to provide powerful strokes, helped me battle through some of the nastiest weather I have seen from inside a canoe.

When you first pick up the Gunflint you can’t help but notice how light it is. At just 18 ounces, it’s nearly 20% lighter than similar paddles from the major competitors. Strength was not an issue for this stick either. I banged it off of rocks and logs, pushed off boulders in the Horse River and used it as a third leg while trying to drag myself up a muddy rocky portage, all without any significant damage. An Epoxy blade tip, 4oz. fiberglass wrap and sparing use of epoxy add toughness without weight. 

More importantly it still looks and feels like a wood paddle. It is not drenched in epoxy or marine varnish, allowing it to keep a warm natural feel. Made from red and white cedar, the color contrast in the laminates is great. Every inch of this paddle has been worked by hand and you can tell.”

 

 

Reviewed by: Tim M. from Winona, MN

1/4/2010

Paddle Model: Gunflint Canoe Paddle

Rating: 5/5

“I got a few of these paddles maybe a year ago by trading some of the gear I make for them. I have used them exclusively and i love them compared to what i was using before. They are just beautiful and are thoughtfully designed. The gunflint is ~4oz lighter than what i was using before and the grip is much more comfortable (used to get blisters) but still has all the power i need to solo in big wind. I love these paddles and was using them well before i joined the team, i see no reason i'd ever want something else.”

 

 

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