One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a standup paddler is deciding which paddle is right for you. While you don’t need to limit yourself to one paddle, you’ll still want to choose the best paddle to help you achieve a particular goal or experience.
Our trio of high-performance SUP racing, touring and training paddles features the most innovative blade designs and top performance in the sport. While the Hydro FlowX was our original game-changing SUP race paddle, we’ve expanded the collection to include our lightning-fast Hydro SprintX for sprinting and our hyper-smooth Hydro TempoX for recreational flat-water paddlers.
The question is: Which Hydro is best for you?
To make the best decision, you’ll need to consider a few factors including skill level, paddling goals, injury history, budget, and paddling discipline—racing, sprinting, touring, etc. This quick guide to race and touring paddles is intended to help you make the best decision to advance your paddling goals, but if you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to send us a question.
RACING, TOURING & FITNESS PADDLE COMPARISON
REVOLUTIONARY PADDLE FOR RACING, ENDURANCE, TOURING & FITNESS
Featuring a revolutionary new blade design, the test winning, and world recored breaking Hydro FlowX redefines what a paddle stroke feels like—a fluid movement which reduces energy usage while increasing forward thrust. Whether you are training, racing or cruising, this paddle will enhance every moment spent on the water—both in terms of performance and pleasure.
Ideal Paddler for Hydro FlowX:
You are passionate about standup paddling and want to improve both your performance and on-water experience. It’s likely that you regularly compete in SUP races, but perhaps you simply get on the water to train for fitness and fun. Long distance paddling is something you regularly participate in, whether it be in flat-water or downwind conditions.
You are looking for a paddle that not only improves your overall performance, but also reduces fatigue and protects your body from injury—ultimately allowing you to spend more time on the water.
You want the best paddle money can buy.
Best For: Professional Paddlers, Advanced Paddlers, Middle / Longer Distance Racing >5km, Endurance Events & Races, Donwwinding.
ADVANCED FLOW TECHNOLOGY (AFT)
- The pronounced neck and spine of the AFT significantly increases paddle efficiency.
- Eliminates lateral blade movements by reducing fluid turbulence around the blade and shaft.
- Increased efficiency leads to a smoother paddle stroke, reduced fatigue and faster speeds.
DEEP POWER SCOOP (DPS)
- Features a single deep scoop design with dihedral shaped edges on the blade face.
- Increases stroke power and delivers forward thrust in a smooth and controlled manner.
- Power Scoop Technology works in harmony with Advanced Flow Technology.
TEXCARBON 30T CONSTRUCTION
- The lightest, strongest, and most technologically advanced paddle construction we’ve ever used.
- Utilizes 30T intermediate modulus carbon—25% lighter than regular carbon.
- High-end material allowed us to reduce weight and increase strength.
- Result is a much more responsive and high-performance paddle.
POWERGRIP ERGONOMIC HANDLE
- New for 2022.
- Optimized for maximum power, increased efficiency, and long-lasting comfort.
- Developed in collaboration with pro paddlers Arthur Arutkin and Bernd Roediger.
- Wider and flatter back creates a secure and long-lasting comfort.
- Hollow to help eliminate any excess weight.
KEY FACTS:
- Sizes: XL, L, M, M-Slim, S, S-Slim, XS-Slim
- Advanced Flow Technology (AFT)
- Deep Power Scoop (DPS)
- PowerGrip Ergonomic Handle
- Available in TEXCARBON 30T construction
- Available in 1-piece and 3-piece travel option
- Weight from 340 grams (12 oz.)
- Watch: 4K Video of Hydro FlowX
- Watch: Reimagining SUP Paddle Design
- Watch: 24 Hour World Record
- Watch: Endless Search For Perfection
- 24 Hour World Record Holder
- Test Winner: Supboarder (April 2022)
- Download 2022 Paddle Catalog
If you have any questions about the Hydro FlowX paddle and whether it is suitable for your paddling needs, please get in touch and we can discuss via chat, email or arrange a personal consultation.
Hydro FlowX
Hydro FlowX – Introduction
Hydro FlowX – Reviewed
Hydro FlowX – New 24hour World Record
Test Winner: The best paddle money can buy (Reviewed by Supboarder)
A NEW BREED OF PADDLE FOR SPRINTING & SHORT DISTANCE RACING
A first-of-its-kind SUP paddle designed for sprinting and short-distance racing, our all-new Hydro SprintX enables you to maximize speed and acceleration over a short distance. Developed in collaboration with APP World Champion Arthur Arutkin.
Ideal Paddler for Hydro SprintX:
You’re an advanced or professional standup paddler that will be competing in SUP sprint racing or short distance and technical style racing. Finding a performance advantage is your main goal—especially important considering SUP sprint races are decided by tenths of a second. You possess excellent paddle stroke technique and are simply looking to maximize your speed and acceleration over a short distance.
The Hydro SprintX is unlikely to be your first or only Black Project paddle, it is ideally paired in your quiver with the Hydro FlowX.
You are in search of the fastest and most explosive SUP paddle in the sport. Win or lose, you’ll be holding the most lethal paddle on the start line.
Best For: Professional Paddles, Sprinting, Short Distance Racing <5km, Technical & Beach Races, 200m races, Time Trials, Downwind Foiling.
ADVANCED FLOW TECHNOLOGY (AFT)
- The pronounced neck and spine of the AFT significantly increases paddle efficiency.
- Eliminates lateral blade movements by reducing fluid turbulence around the blade and shaft.
- Increased efficiency leads to a smoother paddle stroke, reduced fatigue and faster speeds.
SHALLOW POWER SCOOP (SPS)
- Features a single shallow scoop design with dihedral shaped edges on the blade face.
- Increases stroke power and delivers instant acceleration from start line.
- Power Scoop Technology works in harmony with Advanced Flow Technology.
TEXCARBON 30T CONSTRUCTION
- The lightest, strongest, and most technologically advanced paddle construction we’ve ever used.
- Utilizes 30T intermediate modulus carbon—25% lighter than regular carbon.
- High-end material allowed us to reduce weight and increase strength.
- Result is a much more responsive and high-performance paddle.
POWERGRIP ERGONOMIC HANDLE
- New for 2022.
- Optimized for maximum power, increased efficiency, and long-lasting comfort.
- Developed in collaboration with pro paddlers Arthur Arutkin and Bernd Roediger.
- Wider and flatter back creates a secure and long-lasting comfort.
- Hollow to help eliminate any excess weight.
POWER-TAPER SHAFT
- New for 2022.
- Tapered shaft with a high kick point flex pattern.
- Keeps stiffness in the lower portion of the shaft for instant power under extreme load.
- More flexible top section creates increased spring and reduced shoulder fatigue.
KEY FACTS:
- Sizes: XL, L, M, S
- Advanced Flow Technology (AFT)
- Shallow Power Scoop (SPS)
- PowerTaper Shaft
- PowerGrip Ergonomic Handle
- Available in TEXCARBON 30T construction.
- Available in 1-piece
- Weight from 375 grams (13.2 oz)
- Download 2022 Paddle Catalog
If you have any questions about the Hydro SprintX paddle and whether it is suitable for your paddling needs, please get in touch and we can discuss via chat, email or arrange a personal consultation.
FLAT-WATER PADDLE FOR FITNESS, TOURING & RECREATIONAL RACING
Inspired by the revolutionary blade design of our top-rated Hydro FlowX paddle, but at a more affordable price point that will appeal to a wider market—the Hydro TempoX is the perfect choice for flat-water paddlers searching for a mix of premium performance and high value.
Ideal Paddler for Hydro TempoX:
You have been standup paddling for a while with an all-around recreational paddle, like our Lava, but are ready to step up to the next level. While you may occasionally enter a race for fun, your main motivation is getting on the water for touring or fitness paddling. You are beginning to paddle longer distances, but fatigue or soreness is holding you back from paddling further and/or more regularly.
You are looking for a carbon SUP paddle that’s forgiving and naturally helps correct your form, while still providing maximum performance and reduced fatigue for long distance flat-water paddling. You may have heard about the revolutionary performance of our Hydro FlowX and wanted to experience it for yourself, but are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
The adjustable option will be attractive for those looking to experiment with paddle length or share their paddle with others.
Best For: Intermediate Paddlers, Advanced Padders, Touring, Fitness, Middle & Long Distance Paddling, Recreational Racing.
ADVANCED FLOW TECHNOLOGY (AFT)
- The pronounced neck and spine of the AFT significantly increases paddle efficiency.
- Eliminates lateral blade movements by reducing fluid turbulence around the blade and shaft.
- Increased efficiency leads to a smoother paddle stroke, reduced fatigue and faster speeds.
MEDIUM POWER SCOOP (MPS)
- Features a single deep scoop design with dihedral shaped edges on the blade face.
- Increases stroke power and delivers forward thrust in a smooth and controlled manner.
- Power Scoop Technology works in harmony with Advanced Flow Technology.
100% CARBON CONSTRUCTION
- Premium carbon construction combines unidirectional carbon and 3k carbon twill.
- Medium and Small sizes come in more flexible REFLEX90 shafts.
- Large and XL come in our REFLEX100 shafts.
- Lightweight, durable, and high-performance.
POWERGRIP ERGONOMIC HANDLE
- New for 2022.
- Optimized for maximum power, increased efficiency, and long-lasting comfort.
- Developed in collaboration with pro paddlers Arthur Arutkin and Bernd Roediger.
- Wider and flatter back creates a secure and long-lasting comfort.
- Hollow to help eliminate any excess weight.
KEY FACTS:
- Sizes: XL, L, M, M-Slim, S-Slim
- 100% Carbon
- Advanced Flow Technology (AFT)
- Deep Power Scoop (DPS)
- PowerGrip Ergonomic Handle
- XL, L & M in standard diameter shaft (SDS)
- Medium & Small in reduced diameter shaft (RDS)
- Fixed, Adjustable & 3-Piece Adjustable.
- XL & Large uses REFLEX100 shaft for more stiffness
- Medium & Small uses REFLEX90 shaft for more flex
- Optimized adjustment ranges for each blade size.
- Weight from 400 grams (14.1 oz)
- Download 2022 Paddle Catalog
If you have any questions about the Hydro TempoX paddle and whether it is suitable for your paddling needs, please get in touch and we can discuss via chat, email or arrange a personal consultation.
RECOMMENDED PADDLES & FINS
-
Hydro TempoX Adjustable
$475.00 -
Hydro SprintX
$625.00 -
Hydro FlowX
$625.00 -
Condor
$175.00 -
Sonic v2
$175.00 -
Tiger v2
$175.00
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New PowerGrip Handle Will Maximize Your SUP Paddle Performance
