SHAFT & BLADE MATERIALS
The flexibility and weight of a paddle are a result of many variables combined throughout the manufacturing process. To keep things simple, a summary of the fibers and blade characteristics is provided below:
| MATERIAL | WEIGHT | STRENGTH | STIFFNESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon | Light | Very High | Very High |
| Aramid | Very Light | Low | Medium |
| Fiberglass | Medium | High | Low |
| Aluminum (not offered in AT) | Heavy | Medium | Medium |
BRAIDED FIBER CONSTROCTION
You'll quickly see that some of our higher performance paddles feature the famous braided fiber construction that is unique to AT. Not only is this a seamless, beautiful construction, but the braid allows a precisely engineered lay-up which provides additional flexibility when compared to the traditional unidirectional construction. Some paddlers prefer the additional flexibility because it results in less wear and tear on the body. For those who seek flexibility but don't want to compromise on light weight, our proprietary braided construction paddles are a perfect fit.
