How to Choose the Best Kayak Paddles?

The only time you likely considered using a paddle was when you were in a kayak or canoe and pondered how you would propel the craft across the water. The second-most crucial piece of equipment for a paddler after a personal flotation device, kayak paddles, are hand-held, short oars used for waterborne propulsion or steering (PFD). They have various designs that cater to the demands of other paddlers and are composed of sturdy materials.

The best kayak paddles have gone a long way from being a piece of wood or rod with flat ends. Modern, lightweight paddles are made to feel like an extension of the user’s body, fundamentally altering the paddling experience. They are made of carbon fibre, fibreglass, or aluminium. They have broad, thin-edged paddle blades that effectively slice through the water.

The best kayak paddle should be chosen just as carefully as the kayak itself. A decent paddle has to feel secure in your hands and be durable enough to withstand repeated strikes from logs and rocks. You should also consider the kayak you use, your paddling abilities, the waterways you want to kayak on, your budget, and how frequently you paddle.

So, for kayakers seeking the best kayak paddles under $100, our list can help you find what you are looking for.

What are The Best Kayak paddles? – (Less than $100)

 BKC KP224

The Brooklyn Kayak Company manufactures the heavy-duty and lightweight BKC KP224 kayak paddle. It is an aluminium kayak paddle with three locking positions that paddlers of various sizes may use. Due to its lightweight aluminium shaft and integrated twin anti-slip grips that offer great control even in challenging situations, the BKC 224 feels like a natural extension of your arm. The BKC KP224 is one of the best kayak paddles for beginners and a strong contender for the best kayak paddle under $100 due to its simplicity of usage.

Product features:

•        A long, 86″ adjustable shaft with three locking positions for paddlers of various sizes.

•         The contour-moulded blade shape gives more control and quick speed.

•         Durable aluminium structure for enduring performance.

•         The paddle may be stored and transported by separating it into two sections.

 Buy here the BKC KP224

Bending Branches Whisper

With one of the best kayak paddles produced by Bending Branches, a famous producer of top-notch paddles since 1982, you may embrace your sense of adventure. The Whisper kayak paddle offers exceptional value and fantastic performance at an unbelievable price, making it a great entry-level paddle for novices or recreational kayakers. This paddle contains a few clever features often found on more costly paddles, as well as a dependable aluminium build that is quite durable.

Product features:

• Strong aluminium shaft for superb handling feels, with plush 3M Versafit grips.
• A three-hole adjustable snap-button with a snug fit.
• Separates into two halves for transportation or long-term storage.
• Blades with fibreglass reinforcement for speed and efficiency.

           Buy here The Bending Branches Whisper

Pelican Poseidon

The Pelican Poseidon is one of the best kayak paddles on the market because of its remarkable performance and affordability. PVC sleeves or PU insulation coating on a sturdy aluminium structure protect your hands during cold or hot weather. With its thin, fibreglass-coated blades and low-angle construction, the Poseidon kayak paddle enables paddlers to cover greater distances with less effort.

Product features:

The perfect length for paddlers who are under 6 feet tall.

Adjustable angle from 0 to 65 degrees, drip rings to keep your hands dry, and oval-shaped shaft.

The indexed shaft enables a looser grip, decreasing fatigue and increasing enjoyment

•  Aluminium shaft, two-piece all-weather paddle.

Buy here The Pelican Poseidon

Perception Universal

It might be difficult to strike the ideal mix between performance and enjoyment in a kayak paddle. With the Perception Universal kayak paddle, however, Perception Kayaks appears to have accomplished the job. Perception Kayaks created the 2-piece aluminium shaft kayak paddle with fibreglass-reinforced blades for recreational kayaking. Numerous reviewers have named the Universal kayak paddle the finest one under $100, making it one of the best kayak paddles available.

Product features:

•         Blades strengthened with fibreglass offer great strength and endurance.

•         Appropriate for usage in windy and still circumstances.

•         Three-position feathering (L60, 0, and R60)

Buy here the Perception Universal

Carlisle Myak Paddle

Many kayakers believe the Carlisle magic Plus kayak paddle to be the greatest kayak paddle under $100, and we tend to concur. This compact paddle’s effective asymmetrical blade shape reduces wrist and torque stress while enabling more forceful strokes and may be used with sit on top or sit in kayak, inflatable and tandem from any brand! You can consider that this stuff is our choice 😉

Product features:

• A fibreglass shaft with a durable and light construction allows for strong strokes in all weather.
• The shaft’s oval shape improves hand grip.
• Blades reinforced with glass allow for smooth and efficient strokes.
• Blades may be feathered at a 60-degree angle or altered for control with the right or left hand.

Buy here the Carlisle Myak Paddle

Bending Branches Splash Kids Kayak Paddle

The Bending Branches Splash Youngsters is the best kayak paddles, which was expressly created for children, enables kids to enjoy the thrills of paddling without wearing themselves out with heavier adult paddles. It helps children to propel themselves most efficiently on a lake or pond thanks to its lightweight 2-piece, 78-inch aluminium shaft that is scaled to accommodate little hands.

Product features:

•         An adjustable ferrule allows the paddle blades to feather at a 60-degree angle, either left or right.

•         Polyethylene injection-moulded blades that are tough.

•         The shaft splits into two halves for easy transportation and small storage.

•         The shaft index sections show where children can grab for a more secure grip.

•         Built-in drip rings shield children from water dripping from the blades.

Buy here The Bending Branches

Best budget paddles-(Less than $200)

Affordable Kayak paddles- Aqua-Bound Sting Ray

The most well-known paddle from Aqua Bond and, dare we say it, one of the greatest paddles we have tested is the Sting Ray lightweight carbon fibre kayak paddle. The paddle’s blades, which are constructed of abXII fiberglass reinforced nylon and have limitless ferrule angles for smooth, flutter-free strokes, are composed of durable 100% carbon fiber for added strength. .

Product features:

•     The two-piece oval carbon fiber shaft splits into two halves for convenient storage and transportation.

•     Posi-Lock ferrule system with dual button activation, corrosion-free mechanism, and limitless feathering positions.

•     Carbon abXII blades are lighter and more robust than glass-reinforced paddle blades.

•     Reinforced oval paddle blades

buy here the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray

High capacity Kayak paddles – YakGear Backwater Assassin

The Backwater Assassin kayak paddle is for the best fishing and paddling expeditions. The high-performance kayak paddle with serrated blade edges is designed for demanding conditions where your ability to push through and persist is put to the test, not for lazy afternoons on the lake.

Product features:

•     Both high-angle and low-angle paddlers may use it.

•    Strong, substantial ABS-injected paddle blades can sustain demanding use in any setting.

•    For added length, a 13.7-inch fibre paddle extension is available.

•    Two adjustable lengths are offered, measuring 90.5-94.5 inches and 98.5-102.5 inches.

•    The blade hook’s shape makes it easier to pull objects out of the water, such as fishing lines and waterfowl decoys.

Buy here the YakGear Backwater Assassin

Final Thoughts

Our final advice is to consider your personal preferences when checking out the paddles in this product guide. Nothing beats trying out a paddle to feel its character in the water. Try it before purchase by borrowing the specific paddle model from a friend or your local store for a day out on the lake and familiarize yourself with the paddle feel and performance. You can go ahead and drop your cash if all goes well. Always check the return policy on the kayak paddle to ensure you can return it if you are not pleased with the product. If you enjoyed our list of best kayak paddles, you can also check our list of best kayak accessories or  check out 5 best kayak seat.

Remember that the goal of any activity is to Have Fun whatever the accessory you use. Have fun dears 😉