Understanding shaft and SUP paddle flex will help you make an informed paddle buying decisions; remember that in general, heavier paddlers need a stiffer shaft whereas lighter paddlers need a softer shaft.
To be able to compare shafts we need a precise way of measuring flex. By understanding how shafts bend under load we are able to fine tune your paddling experience.
To measure the flex of our shafts we:
- Support the shaft at two pivot points 150cm apart.
- Apply 50kg of force to the center of the shaft.
- Measure the deflection in millimeters.
What do the numbers mean?
A shaft with a rating of 75 bends 75mm when the 50kg force is applied.
What is considered a stiff, medium or soft shaft?
- Stiff = < 65
- Medium = 65 to 105
- Soft = > 105
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Learn more about paddle and shaft flex
How does paddler weight affect paddle flex?
