Lightweight Paddles --> Opinions welcomed

[Off-Shore]

An an ex-composite engineer myself, this looks pretty out there....

If this will just be for high performance flat water racing paddles, then they are rarely dropped, and so if they float with the blade or handle sticking up, that should be okay. They main issue then is balance, i.e. if you balance the paddle horizontally on a fulcrum, where is the centre point? The lighter the shaft, the lower this will be to the blade, which may or may not have any effect at all on the paddler.

On a lighter note, will it whistle? I kind of like the tunes the holes in my adjustable paddle make when it's windy, so any tune making abilities of all those holes may be a bonus.

[Bulky]

Really wonder what the market would be for this.  Premium performance paddles are now coming in at about 16oz (450g).  Are you really going to reduce this by another 40%?  And if you did, who cares?  There's a point where I can't imagine there being much gain from reducing paddle weight any further.  Don't think I've ever had a session long enough to where I'm wishing my KeNalu would weigh less because I just can't lift it any more or stroke any faster.

What would really further the sport would be fin evolution.  The current design/materials are so limited.  Perhaps you and your team could bring something new to the mix--maybe using aluminum?

[SUPJorge]

Gents, It seems as though this technology is for real. Here's a link to a bike made out of a similar carbon weave: http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/02/bikes-of-the-bunch-delta-7-ascend/

NextGen, you should heed the questions about the effects of weight distribution, swing weight, etc... but I, personally, would not discount the generalized benefits of weight reduction. It's a rare occasion where "lighter is not always better." (With a light enough bat, maybe even I could hit a major league pitcher.) You might want to put a sleeve on the shaft where the lower hand goes and end the weave 6-12" above the blade neck as many paddlers bury their paddles well past that point.

 

[spookini]

When a carbon bike frame breaks (it happens (racing crashes)), it's not a pretty sight.  If that thing broke during a crash, seems gaurantee to ginzu somebody up pretty nicely.  Not to mention aerodynamics.  I'd bet that thing in a windtunnel would just be a mess.  There's a minimum weight for racing bikes, which manufacturers can already beat w/ existing materials.. .

Although it looks cool, I just don't see a "killer app" for this in paddles or bike frames.  Maybe as a board wrap? Similar to what's already out there (Hobie Raw, etc.).

[pdxmike]

Although it looks cool, I just don't see a "killer app" for this in paddles or bike frames.  Maybe as a board wrap? Similar to what's already out there (Hobie Raw, etc.).

That's funny--first thing I thought when I saw the paddle was, "Well, if they can make a paddle out of it, why not a board?".  There is the obvious issue of needing to float, though.  But you're right--maybe take it in the direction of a board wrap, or do a hollow board with an exoskeleton of this stuff, then stretch a cellophane-like, extremely lightweight skin over that to keep the air inside.


Some running shoes (Nike, esp.) are taking a similar approach--structure of the upper is an almost-weightless web of strong threads, and the rest of the fabric is just there to keep the dirt off your feet, and keep the structural threads in place.  I'd love to see this paddle get built whether it actually works or not. Now that this type of complex structure can be built at least semi-affordably (i.e. it's not some guy glueing 10,000 pieces together by hand anymore) I could see them appearing in more places.

[stoneaxe]

Can you manufacture a wetsuit like that? I hate how heavy rubber is. It would also be styling for the 50 Shades of Grey crowd.

[SUPJorge]

Spook - Even though the mfr of the bike in the article claims tremendous strength, it would never occur to me to ride that bike -- the bike is as much a thing of beauty as of functionality to me and I can't get past that look. That paddle? Probably not, but I still wouldn't rule it out completely, at least not yet.   

[NextGenPaddles]

Thank you for all of your replies!

Just wanted to try to answer some questions that were brought up. First of all, the patented technology that is used to produce this structure ensures serious reduction in weight without compromising strength. We are a group of graduate mechanical and composite engineering students that have conducted much research and testing on the mechanical properties of this structure and can ensure its strength. As far as the concerns about how/if it will float, I can assure you that it will. The shaft itself can be manufactured in such a way that that it also provides buoyancy. One thing we have considered was selling the shaft by itself, allowing you all to use the blade and handle of your choice. Thank you for pointing out the importance of the overall balance, this is something we will definitely keep in mind. As far as the bike that was posted, this is similar in theory, but our technology is very different in many ways.

Thanks for all of your opinions and ideas!

[addapost]

First thing that occurs to me is "wow! that looks cool!" Second thing is- it seems like it would be very uncomfortable- downright painful- on the lower hand. Each individual strand would be a pressure point where it contacts the fingers. So then you'd need a traditional solid piece where the lower hand holds the paddle. How much solid shaft? Where exactly would it be located? Most paddlers use most of the shaft at various times. That's in addition to at least 6 inches of solid shaft at the bottom where it attaches to the blade and is often submerged (as mentioned by someone else). Looks cool but I can't see it actually working.

[pdxmike]

Looks cool but I can't see it actually working.

Very true, but on the other hand that's never been an issue for Italian product designers.  Plus, you're only using it an hour or two per day.  You're looking at it leaning against the wall in your living room a lot more than that.  Especially if you can't paddle because you just rubbed all the skin off your fingers the last time you used it...

[Sup-position]

The torsional stress is killing me...
It has me blade all a flutter..

[jumpfrom13k]

Really wonder what the market would be for this.  Premium performance paddles are now coming in at about 16oz (450g).  Are you really going to reduce this by another 40%?  And if you did, who cares?  There's a point where I can't imagine there being much gain from reducing paddle weight any further.  Don't think I've ever had a session long enough to where I'm wishing my KeNalu would weigh less because I just can't lift it any more or stroke any faster.

But if the weight is reduced by 40% and it only costs 10-15% more, which paddle would you buy? Top of the range paddle costs around 300 bucks right now, if this paddle does everything that we need to do plus 40% reduction in weight and costs $350? I'm paying little extra and getting the lightest paddle out there.

This shaft design will definitely reduce drag when paddling into heavy off-shore winds and when you are up and riding, I'll bet this shaft will create much less drag.

I'm all about it. Make one and send it my way, I'll be the tester and give you a feed back. I can abuse the crap out of it for durability test as well.

[NextGenPaddles]

The torsional stress is killing me...
It has me blade all a flutter..

Actually, one of the benefits of this structure is that helical components provide for excellent torsional properties. We have the ability to vary almost any parameter in geometry of the structure to optimize it for the bending and torsional loads it will encounter.

[PaddleBert]

Send me one that is compatible with quickblade  blades and handles and I'll give you a detailed review!

[TallDude]

The torsional stress is killing me...
It has me blade all a flutter..

Actually, one of the benefits of this structure is that helical components provide for excellent torsional properties. We have the ability to vary almost any parameter in geometry of the structure to optimize it for the bending and torsional loads it will encounter.

Then just print them out on a 3D printer:)