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Built to Evolve: Why Black Project Uses Hot Glue Paddle Assembly

Built to Evolve: Why Black Project Uses Hot Glue Paddle Assembly

Hot Glue Paddle Assembly: Built to Evolve

Most paddlers adjust their paddle over time. The real question isn’t whether your setup will change — it’s whether your paddle is designed to allow that change confidently.

Our component-based design philosophy reduces hesitation, supports progression, and makes adjustment part of ownership, not a risk.

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Component-Based by Design

Black Project paddles are designed as an ecosystem. Shaft ranges are shared across multiple paddles in the collection, with blades and handles engineered to work together.

This approach allows paddlers to evolve their setup over time — adjusting length, feel, or flex as needs change — without replacing the entire paddle.

Put Your Confidence in Hot Glue

Black Project uses an industrial-strength adhesive developed for demanding applications such as automotive and aerospace manufacturing. We do not use or recommend hobby-grade hot glue.

Each paddle is supplied with an additional glue stick, which is sufficient for multiple adjustments over the life of the paddle. The adhesive we use is manufactured in the United Kingdom, applied at approximately 195°C (383°F), and tested to 75°C (167°F) in use.

A good-quality glue gun with a hot setting, combined with a heat gun, is all that is required to enable safe and effective adjustment.

Why Paddle Length Changes

As boards change and technique evolves, many paddlers move toward a shorter paddle. The opposite can also occur — and while shaft length cannot be increased, shafts can be replaced as part of the system.

Adjustment is normal. A paddle should support refinement, not resist it.

Paddle Length Guide

Change Is Routine

Our athletes routinely use multiple shafts and blades, swapping components as conditions, technique, or recovery needs change. This enables faster refinement and experimentation without replacing the entire paddle, accelerating progression while reducing long-term development and equipment costs.

During product development and testing, blades and shafts are swapped frequently — sometimes multiple times within a single session — highlighting how easily and cleanly adjustments can be made.

Custom Built In Store

Paddles are supplied to retail partners as components. This increases setup options, reduces shipping volume, and allows paddles to be assembled and adjusted in-store.

Approved Black Project retailers are trained to assemble and adjust paddles to our standards, ensuring consistency, safety, and performance.

Adjustments are expected. Hot glue assembly allows this progression to happen safely and confidently.

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Confident Paddle Length Selection

If you’re unsure of your ideal paddle length when purchasing, start 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) longer than expected and gradually work down until you find your optimal setup.

Refer to the Paddle Length Guide for detailed recommendations.

Why Black Project Uses Hot Glue

Hot glue supports component-based design.

It provides a strong, watertight bond while remaining reversible. Handles and blades can be adjusted, re-set, or replaced without damaging the paddle or its components.

Changes can be made confidently, quickly, and cleanly.
Our assemblies are tested with direct loads of up to 100 kg applied at the blade, ensuring reliability well beyond real-world paddling forces.

Adjustment, Warranty, and Long-Term Ownership

Because Black Project paddles are designed to be adjusted, refinement does not conflict with durability or warranty.

Our two-year warranty reflects confidence in both materials and assembly methods. Hot glue allows parts to be serviced or adjusted correctly without compromising structural integrity or warranty coverage.

This approach supports long-term ownership — paddles that evolve with the paddler rather than being replaced. In the event of damage, individual components can be replaced, reducing waste and the need for complete paddle replacement.

The same applies when needs change, such as switching to a more flexible shaft during injury recovery.

What This Means for You

You don’t need to fear paddle selection.

Using the Paddle Guide and the free 1:1 support will almost always result in the right setup — but adjustment is a normal part of paddling progression, and this system is designed to support it.

Choosing a component-based paddle removes hesitation, encourages experimentation, and makes progression feel natural rather than risky.

A paddle should adapt as you do. Designed adjustment makes that possible.

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Which Paddles Use Hot Glue Assembly

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