Best Kayak Paddle Under $50, $100, $200 of 2022

The best and fastest way to improve your kayaking experience will be to buy a better kayak paddle under 50. Using a higher-quality paddle will fundamentally change the way you experience kayaking. An update will prolong your travels and generally make the sport more enjoyable. Out of 15 reviews, 5 are the best kayak paddle under $ 50, 5 are the best kayak paddles under $ 100 – $ 50, and another 5 are the best kayak paddles under $ 200 – $ 100.

In this article, we are going to review 15 of the best kayak paddles and give you the criteria you need to know to select the right paddle for the type of kayak you are going to do. We will also explain many of the characteristics of the kayak paddles that you will see when you are looking for a new paddle. Then let’s get started!

5 The Best Kayak Paddle Under 50 $ of 2022

1. OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle Under 50$

The OceanBroad kayak paddle is built with a carbon fiber composite shaft, which will feel lighter in your hands, and a fiberglass-reinforced PP blade to glide through the waters smoothly. It only weighs about 38.5 oz. This racket is perfect for everyone, so whether you are a novice or intermediate, it does not matter because it adapts to various skill levels. The paddles ensure you a stiff and durable kayak at an affordable price. One of its peculiarities is its length since it is neither too short nor too long.

OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle is an ideal paddle under 50$ with moderate length, ideal for you and your family. It is also detachable into two sections so you can take it with you. Your value for money will be recovered because it also comes with an elastic paddle strap to help secure your paddle to your kayak, and three locking positions for your angle preference. It is a perfect option for beginners and intermediate kayakers.

2. SeaSense Kayak Paddle Under 50 Dollar

SeaSense Kayak Paddle is an excellent palette for general use. The Xtreme 1 Paddle is lightweight, strong, and feels good in your hands. You will be satisfied with the overall performance of this kayak paddle for under $ 50.

The blade is made of black molded plastic so it will be durable. Its asymmetrical shape helps move the right amount of water to get where you want to go. The palette is available in 84 ″ or 96 ″. Most leaves are measured in centimeters.

The shaft is made of aluminum and comes in two pieces for storage. It’s nice to be able to take your paddle apart and throw it in your trunk. One downside to the black shaft is that it will be hot on hot sunny days, even with foam grips.

3. Pelican Poseidon Kayak Paddle Under 50$

Pelican Poseidon Kayak Paddle is an excellent kayak paddle for recreational paddlers who enjoy a relaxing day on the water. If you are a beginner or just starting to kayak, this is a great entry-level option.

The fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene sheet is great for durability and gives you solid oomph. You want a blade that glides through the water quickly with minimal flapping. This blade is designed to give you speed and control when in the water.

The shaft is a strong two-piece aluminum shaft. The shaft has easy push-button connections for 0 to 65-degree angle settings to smooth out the desired angle. The straight shaft is straight and slightly oval, where the hands should go.

4. YVLEEN Alloy SUP Kayak Paddles Below 50$

This stylish sup paddle from YVLEEN will easily become the highlight of your next adventure with its versatility and durability. The strong shaft is created from a high-quality aluminum alloy. In addition, the aluminum rod is reinforced so that the force does not deform over time. If you like to grow in harsh environments, YVLEEN is one of the best options you can get.

304 stainless steel adjustable screw, reinforced surface, and special aluminum tube groove will carry you through any kind of water. With added resistance, this rod will work with all types of stand-up paddleboards and can be used by rowers of all skill levels. Last but not least, don’t worry about losing it even if it falls into the water.

The high-quality material used in the construction of YVLEEN is what sets it apart from its closest competitors. First of all, it is lightweight and perfect for long durations. Second, fiberglass sheets are strong, durable, and produce smooth, powerful strokes. Additionally, the rod has been uniquely shaped to enhance paddler comfort. Last but not least, we love the vibrant color line that includes different shades of blue.

5. Abahub 3-Piece SUP Paddle

The Abahub Carbon Fiber SUP Paddle has one of the largest paddles on the list measuring 102 square inches. This blade that is constructed of polypropylene provides strength and durability that passes through the water with ease, despite its size. Its concave blade design also assists the rider with powerful yet easy strokes through the water.

Abahub 3-Piece SUP Paddle is an adjustable paddle that has a wide range that goes up to 84″ from its shortest at 68″, which means this paddle is suitable for anyone from 5′ tall to 6′ 7″. carbon fiber that makes it very light and also very resistant compared to an aluminum or fiberglass paddle.

As one of the best SUP paddles, it also floats in the water in case you lose your grip. It also comes with a practical travel bag that makes it easy to transport once the 3 pieces have been disassembled. Even if you are not traveling, the Abahub 3-Piece SUP Paddle bag provides a safe place to store your paddle to protect it from damage. If you are not satisfied with your product, there are a “no questions asked” return policy, just in case.

5 Best kayak paddle under $100 – $50

1. Best Marine Kayak Paddle Between 50$-100$

Best Marine Kayak Paddle is the perfect package at a perfect price. The company has paired a durable carbon fiber shaft with a pair of indestructible fiberglass blades. The materials are lightweight and elegant, making them perfectly suitable for long periods on the water. In addition, the paddle has a uniform black color that goes well with almost any kayak.

At 86.5 inches, this paddle is the perfect length for most rowers. A paddle of this length is suitable for kayaks 28 inches or more. It is also a perfect match for paddlers who are over 5 feet tall. Despite its length, the 33-ounce device is much lighter than aluminum and fiberglass alternatives. This featherweight paddle helps reduce premature paddle fatigue. It can even be separated into 2 pieces for more convenient storage and transportation.

Best Marine Kayak Paddle also features three adjustable paddle positions. You can straighten or tilt the blade to suit your personal rowing preferences. In addition to this, the best marine kayak comes with a 4-foot elastic paddle strap. The best marine paddle floats well and is easy to retrieve with the help of the right accessories. Rest assured, this palette also comes with a money-back guarantee.

2. Bending Branches Whisper Below $100

Bending Branches Whisper Kayak Paddle has a left or right 0 and 60-degree splint made of plastic, which will not get stuck in sand or saltwater. It also has drip rings to help keep the cab dry. You will enjoy using this for an entry-level paddle for kayaking around the lake or when you just want to go for a ride with friends on the river.

Bending Branches Whisper Kayak Paddle’s material consists of a sturdy aluminum shaft with a durable two-piece construction so it will not break easily. If you are into recreational kayaking, this one will fit the type rather than buying the expensive carbon fiber ones. These paddles are also lightweight so you can easily carry them around. You will enjoy paddling as they require less effort for each stroke. Your arms will not feel tired even against the wind or current.

3. OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle Under 100$

The OceanBroad kayak paddle is built with a carbon fiber composite shaft, which will feel lighter in your hands, and a fiberglass-reinforced PP blade to glide through the waters smoothly. It only weighs about 32 oz. This racket is perfect for everyone, so whether you are a novice or intermediate, it does not matter because it adapts to various skill levels.

OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle ensures you a stiff and durable kayak at an affordable price. One of its peculiarities is its length since it is neither too short nor too long. OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle is an ideal paddle with moderate length, ideal for you and your family. It is also detachable into two sections so you can take it with you. Your value for money will be recovered because it also comes with an elastic paddle strap to help secure your paddle to your kayak, and three locking positions for your angle preference.

4. Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddles Under 100 Dollar

The Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle is our top pick this year for a couple of reasons. With its fiberglass-filled polypropylene blade, which is lightweight, durable, and asymmetrically shaped, the paddle allows you to deliver smooth, powerful hits. There is no waste here, and this is one of the most comfortable paddles out there.

Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle’s grip area is oval, which helps a lot when you are choosing the ideal surface to place your hands-on, and you can use it as a kind of guide. There’s also the adjustable fade angle, giving you three positions. This is pretty standard on all the best paddles, and we are glad Carlisle Paddle Gear included it here.

With a rolled fiberglass shaft, it has the perfect combination of the stiffness needed for a rowing stroke and the flexibility needed to reduce stress on the joints. Available in sunrise and cloud colors, this stunning palette comes in three varying lengths of 230cm, 220cm, and 240cm.

5. Pelican SYMBOSIA Angler Kayak Paddle

The SYMBOSIA Angler kayak paddle is an excellent match for your fishing kayak. Anglers will especially love the hook retrieval system on this paddle. If you are not a fisherman, don’t worry, you can still use this complete paddle.

The large fiberglass reinforced nylon blade gives you excellent control and efficiency with your stroke. One thing that makes this paddle unique is the built-in retrieval hook. Unhooking your hook or lure is less of a hassle with this built-in feature.

Pelican SYMBOSIA Angler Kayak Paddle’s shaft is made of fiberglass, which helps make it a lightweight fishing paddle. The shaft is adjustable too, so it fits many different paddlers and kayaks. The paddle weighs 48 ounces, which isn’t as light as some on this list, but it is still a solid option.

5 Best kayak paddle under $200-$100

1. White Wolf Carbon Fiber Kayak Paddle Under $200

The White Wolf Kayak Paddle Carbon Fiber is our top pick this year for a couple of reasons. With its fiberglass-filled polypropylene blade, which is lightweight, durable, and asymmetrically shaped, the paddle allows you to deliver smooth, powerful hits. There is no waste here, and this is one of the most comfortable paddles out there.

White Wolf Carbon Fiber Kayak Paddle’s grip area is oval, which helps a lot in choosing the ideal surface to place your hands-on, and you can use it as a kind of guide. There is also the adjustable fade angle, which gives you three positions. This is pretty standard on all the best blades.

With a rolled fiberglass shaft, it has the perfect combination of the stiffness needed for a rowing stroke and the flexibility needed to reduce stress on the joints. The carbon fiber shaft has a non-slip grip and the blades can be easily adjusted to 3 different angles based on your preference.

2. Best Marine Kayak Paddle Below 200$

The Best Marine Kayak Paddle is great for anyone looking for a lightweight paddle that is comfortable on the shoulders. If you are looking for the best kayak paddle to make your day on the water more enjoyable, this is a great option.

Best Marine Kayak Paddle’s blade is reinforced with fiberglass, making it lightweight, easy to handle, and durable. You will get more power and efficiency with every stroke. This means that you will not lose energy each time you move the paddle.

Best Marine Kayak Paddle’s shaft adds to the lightweight theme of this palette. Carbon fiber is a top-of-the-line material that is durable, lightweight, and very strong. With the combination of lightweight materials, this palette weighs 33.5 ounces.

3. KERCO Angler Pro Carbon Fiber Paddle

KERCO Angler Pro kayak paddle has a lot to offer its users. But one feature, in particular, grabs our attention. And that is its non-slip design. In rough water, maintaining a grip on the paddle can become difficult and you may slip away. But with this non-slip design, certainly, such an accident will not happen.

Many users find themselves having a lot of trouble storing their paddles when they are not in use. The long design makes it difficult to find a safe place to put them. But with the unique design of the KERCO Angler Pro Kayak Paddle, users who have had trouble storing their paddles will find this to be a perfect solution. They can simply disassemble it in two and store it conveniently.

Overall, KERCO Angler Pro Kayak Paddle deserves to be the highest-rated kayak paddle for fishing for a reason. And the reason is pure excellence of design and quality. This paddle, with its proper and high-end features, is a highly functional unit that will prove to be the perfect companion for kayak fishing.

4. AQUA BOUND Manta Ray Carbon Paddle

AQUA BOUND Manta Ray Carbon Kayak Paddle is ideal for anglers, high-angle rowers, and fitness rowers. This is due to the complete profile of the blade. Manta Ray is excellent for those looking for more power in their style.

The fiberglass-reinforced sheet is lightweight and robust, unlike many plastic sheets out there. The dihedral-shaped blade is efficient, so you don’t waste energy when you’re paddling. AQUA BOUND Manta Ray Carbon Kayak Paddle is great if your kayak is heavy or loaded with a lot of gear.

The carbon fiber shaft is durable and lightweight with an oval-shaped grip area. This shaft has a ribbed surface, so it won’t slip in your hands when wet. The paddle has adjustable 15-degree increments, so you can slide as you please.

5. Backwater Assassin Carbon Fiber Paddle Under 200 Dollar

Backwater Assassin Carbon Fiber Paddle certainly looks like the weapon an assassin could use, but it turns out to be the popular Backwater fishing kayak.

Backwater Assassin Carbon Fiber Paddle features ABS injected nylon blades for strength and durability, with a built-in hook that is versatile enough to grip multiple objects, depending on your particular needs.

But let’s talk about that jagged edge, which in addition to looking rough, is useful for pushing yourself on slippery surfaces or holding your ground if you have to.

Best of all, it is made from hybrid carbon fiber, making it a super lightweight fishing kayak paddle at an affordable price.

How to choose the best kayak paddle?

While choosing a kayak paddle may seem as easy as getting something with two paddles to propel you through the water, there is something else.

Kayakers do thousands of strokes every hour. Having the right information to help you choose the best kayak paddle is key because if your equipment doesn’t suit you, you will likely end up in the corner of the garage getting dusty from disuse. From kayak paddle size to building materials, here’s what you need to know to help you choose the best kayak paddle.

Different kayak paddle blade shapes

The shape of the paddle blade is of vital importance as it determines how the paddle interacts with the water during each stroke. The type of paddle you want to do will determine the proper blade shape.

High angle paddle

If a paddle is referred to as a high angle, it means that the paddle is designed to hold more vertically during a forward strike. This means that the blow is more powerful and can move the kayaker faster through the water.

If you are going to compete or paddle in rough or rough water, a high-angle paddle is a good option to give you a lot of control in more challenging conditions. The blades of the high-angle paddles are shorter and wider.

Low angle paddle

Rowing at a low angle means that the paddle is held more horizontally and both hands are closer together in height during the stroke. This type of paddling is less strenuous and is good for regular paddling while kayaking.

The blades of these low-angle blades are longer and thinner than the high-angle blades. If you are going on a calm water day trip or multi-day kayak excursion, this is a good option for you.

Wing-shaped blade

The wing blade is designed with a blade face with a shallow blade shape intended to increase the efficiency and power of a forward strike.

This is a good kayak paddle option for runners and can be uncomfortable for the recreational paddler who prefers softer, low-angle strokes. To optimize the unique design of a wing shape, you should paddle nearly vertical while moving through the water.

Dihedral blades

If a kayak paddle is described as a dihedral, it means that the paddle has two power faces. If you hold a trowel straight in front of you and look at the shape of the blade, a dihedral will have two faces sloping slightly downward from the middle of the blade, rising in the middle like a thorn. This design intends to minimize flapping or vibration during hitting and allow your blade to better trap water.

Greenland paddles

Greenland oars are nothing like other oars you will find on the market. The thin wooden paddles used for centuries in Greenland are narrow and shaped like an airplane propeller. They are versatile and an excellent option for kayaking.

Proponents of this style of rowing can thus achieve a high cadence, and the rowing’s natural buoyancy can make rolling much easier as the rowing rises to the surface of the water. However, if you are paddling in very rough water or if you use a lot of quick paddling or brace movements, you may prefer some of the wider paddles described above to provide more control.

Kayak paddle construction materials

Aluminum paddles

Aluminum paddles are the lower end of the price and quality spectrum. They are sturdy and can be a good buy if you are just getting started kayaking or need something to use from time to time. The shafts can be cold in cold weather and due to their greater weight, it would not be as pleasant to paddle on a multi-day tour as carbon fiber or fiberglass paddle.

Plastic paddles

Plastic paddles are quite common due to their durability and price. They don’t require a lot of maintenance, but you will find that they weigh more than fiberglass and carbon paddles.

Plastic paddles often have comparatively thick edges and more flex, resulting in a less efficient hit. They are a good choice for recreational paddlers, to play in the cabin, for day trips, or as a spare should you lose a paddle.

Carbon fiber kayak paddles

Carbon fiber is the highest quality and most expensive material for a kayak paddle. Fiber is extremely light and also super strong and stiff, making it a great option for a long kayak trip. The handle will feel warmer in your hands than an aluminum paddle. See the carbon fiber paddle selection in our Paddle Buyer’s Guide.

Fiberglass kayak paddles

Fiberglass kayak paddles are lightweight, stiff, and durable. They are a common choice for touring kayak enthusiasts and recreational paddlers. Mid-range blades often have fiberglass blades and carbon shafts, which represents a compromise between weight, durability, and price. Take a look at fiberglass paddles in our Paddle Buyer’s Guide.

Wooden paddles

Those who prefer to use a wooden kayak paddle love the added flexibility, warmth, and aesthetics. Compared to previous materials, wooden paddles need a little maintenance, such as sanding and varnishing. They are mid-range in terms of weight and will vary in price depending on the type of wood used.

What is feathering on a kayak paddle?

The feathering on a kayak paddle refers to the angle of the two paddles. If both blades of a shovel are set at the same angle when the shovel is flat on the ground, then the shovel has no feathers. If the two blades are positioned at different angles, this means that the blade is feathered.

Feathered paddles can decrease resistance from a headwind or tailwind while rowing because one blade will be angled to cut through the air while the other pushes the water.

When a paddle is feathered, it means that one hand remains in place while the other rotates along with the shaft as the paddle moves through the stroke. This helps the vane to come into contact with the water at an angle that emphasizes efficiency.

If you are going to do a lot of kayaking, especially in open water, a paddle with feathers will be a good option because it can make paddling easier in these conditions. If you are a recreational paddler who stays closer to the cabin while paddling for a few hours, you may not need a feathered paddle.

An important consideration is the condition of your wrists. A feathered paddle will mean that your wrist spins more while paddling. If you have wrist pain issues, a featherless blade may be more comfortable for your joints and more comfortable.

If your palette is one piece, it will be set to feather or featherless without the option to adjust it. Some paddles will come with a splint attached to the shaft that can allow you to adjust your paddle to make it feathered or featherless.

From $400 carbon vanes to $70 plastic vanes, many vanes on the market right now offer adjustable fades.

One-piece or two/multi-piece paddle

Paddles that have ferrules can break, while those without ferrules remain in one piece.

A multi-piece paddle is great to take apart and store in your kayak as a spare or to take on a trip, but some people don’t like it as an everyday paddle because its structure can make it heavier and less efficient. Unless they are very well designed and high-end.

The bushings can also wear out, become stiff from salty air and water, or get stuck.

Bent and straight shaft kayak paddles

Most kayak paddles have straight shafts, but some will also have slightly bent sections. These bent sections intend to let your wrists remain in more neutral positions while you row.

Although often more expensive, for those who kayak long distances or are prone to wrist pain and strain, a bent kayak paddle rod can be a good investment.

It’s a personal preference, but some kayakers may not like bent shafts while kayaking because they feel like you’re doing important maneuvers like unnatural shoulder straps. If you’re not sure, try going out in the water and trying both before committing to a shaft design.

Kayak paddle sizing for you

Once you’ve decided on the best paddle for you, it’s time to determine the right size for the best performance and comfort on the water.

You might consider it a beautiful and expensive bent-rod carbon paddle, but if you buy it the wrong size and it hurts your shoulders and wrists, it’s not worth much to you. This is what you need to consider to buy the right size kayak paddle.

Not all kayaks are the same. Depending on the type of paddling a kayak is designed for, it will vary in width. For example, recreational kayaks are designed to be stable and are therefore often built wide, while touring kayaks are longer and narrower for speed on long trips.

You can read also: 10 The Best Carbon Fiber Kayak Paddle 2022

A paddle that is ideal for you while paddling a wide recreational kayak for an hour may not be as comfortable to paddle a week-long sea kayak tour.

If possible, take a potential paddle in the water or at least try one of a similar size. You can get some great advice at the store and do all your research, but the biggest factor in buying your paddle should be how you feel while paddling.