TOUR CARBON – Exploring The New Double-Tapered Oval Paddle Shaft

The revolutionary Tour Carbon shaft series is an integral component of the Hydro SynergyX and Hydro SprintX race paddles. These shafts redefine paddling performance, blending reduced weight, amplified power, increased shaft responsiveness, superior grip, and enhanced comfort.

Engineered with a double tapered round-oval-round design, the Tour Carbon shaft maximizes stiffness in the lower section, delivering unparalleled stability and optimizing power transfer to the blade. Meanwhile, the upper section has a thinner and more flexible round profile, minimizing fatigue during extended paddling sessions. The oval-shaped middle-grip area with a natural carbon-textured matte finish, the Tour Carbon shaft ensures a directional feel with a secure and relaxed grip.

Setting a new standard, the Tour shafts represent the pinnacle of lightweight, responsive engineering. Constructed with meticulously optimized unidirectional 30T carbon layers, each shaft is then wrapped in a twill carbon outer layer, ensuring unmatched durability and slightly textured feel. With four distinct profiles offering various length and stiffness options, the Tour series caters to every paddler’s unique preference and requirement. With twelve stiffness options calibrated to match different paddler weights and heights, there’s a perfect fit for every enthusiast across the entire spectrum of paddlers.

Explore: Hydro SynergyX – The Next ‘Generation of Super Paddles’

Explore: Introducing the Hydro SprintX the first paddle specifically designed for short-distance racing

Explore: How does paddler weight and height affect shaft flex?

The introduction of the oval and tapered design with multiple options presented challenges for our us, our retail partners, and paddlers alike. This article aims to address the three most frequently asked questions which we have received about the new shafts. We want to empower you to confidently select the ideal paddle shaft to suit your individual paddling needs – remember that we are always available to answer your questions.

WHAT DO THE "150/165' NUMBERS REPRESENT?

Each shaft features a number, either 150 or 165 on the front. This indicates the uncut length of the shaft. It determines whether the shaft is tailored for shorter paddle lengths in the case of 150cm shafts or longer paddle lengths with the 165cm version.

165 shafts are for paddles 73 – 87 inches (185 – 222cm)

150 shafts are for paddles 67 – 81 inches (170 – 207cm)

* Note that sizes vary slightly according to blade and shaft configurations – see full details later in article and refer to sizing charts.

Within the most typical paddle length range of 73 to 78 inches, paddlers have the flexibility to choose between the two shaft length options. Opting for a 165 shaft means cutting more from the upper, more flexible section during paddle assembly, resulting in a stiffer overall feel with a more consistent curve flex. Conversely, selecting a 150 shaft less is cut from the top section, providing a slightly softer feel with a more progressive curve – great for safeguarding shoulders from strain. Additionally, note that the 165/150 options correspond to slightly different stiffness ratings (e.g., 165/65 and 150/70), these two shaft options are made from the shaft mold, which measures 180cm. For the 165 shaft option, we cut 15cm of round from the bottom during production, whereas for the 150 shaft, 30cm is removed. Currently, the most popular shaft option is the 150/70.

Taller, stronger, and younger athletes typically gravitate towards a stiffer variant, exemplified by Arthur Arutkin’s preference for a 165/65 shaft. This choice amplifies power and speed, enhancing performance on the water. In contrast, older, shorter, and less conditioned paddlers like Chris Freeman, the Founder of Black Project, who has a history of shoulder injuries from other sports, are advised to opt for the 150/70 shaft. This selection aims to alleviate strain and make paddling more manageable for individuals with specific physical considerations.

WHAT DO THE "FLEX 45, 50, 65, 70, 85 & 90" NUMBERS ACTUALLY MEAN?

To accommodate our new shafts, we recognized the necessity of devising a fresh measurement system and rating. The existing testing and rating system no longer met our desired level of effectiveness. Thus, we embarked on the development of a new shaft stiffness rating system. While this system maintains a connection to the previous scale, there are clear differences.

As before, a lower numerical value indicates a stiffer shaft, while a higher value signifies greater flexibility. In broad terms, the Tour Carbon shafts exhibit increased stiffness compared to their predecessors, yet their tapered design enhances overall comfort. For instance, if you were accustomed to a Medium75 shaft previously, taller paddlers are likely to find the 65 shaft suitable, whereas shorter paddlers may prefer the 70.

This new system offers a more consistent experience for paddlers across diverse height and weight dimensions. Unlike the previous generation, which had specific “sweet spots” for shaft stiffness and length, along with corresponding “dead spots” where the shaft felt either too stiff or too flexible, the latest generation presents a wider array of options. While this may initially seem more complex, it ensures there are no longer any undesirable dead spots, enabling everyone to find an optimized sweet spot for an enhanced paddling experience.

To prevent shaft stiffness from being confined to a narrow numerical range, we positioned the stiffest shafts closer to zero, indicating minimal flex. The stiffest shaft, rated at 45, exhibits slightly more overall flex than its predecessors. However, owing to its stiffer base and more flexible upper section, it offers heightened reactivity, comfort, and liveliness.

WHICH TOUR CARBON SHAFT IS CORRECT FOR ME?

Tour Carbon Shaft Decision Matrix – Download as .pdf

There are a few basic measurements and principles to consider when selecting a paddle shaft.

Height.
Weight.
Paddle Length.
Other factors e.g.
1. Previous shoulder injury.
2. Age.
3. Paddling aims and ambitions.

The Tour Carbon series decision matrix, which is currently being used to create an easy to use decision-making tool, considers two key factors: paddler weight (2) and paddle length (3) to determine the ideal shaft. As paddle length increases and paddlers’ weight increases, greater force is exerted on the shaft, resulting in increased flex. To maintain a consistent feel across different paddle lengths, it stands to reason that taller or heavier paddlers would necessitate a stiffer shaft. Conversely, shorter, or lighter paddlers need a more flexible shaft to achieve an equivalent paddling feel relative to their proportions.

It is also important to consider other factors e.g. previous shoulder or back injuries, in this case you are wise to consider one flex rating lower.

Age is also an important factor, younger (Adult 18-39) paddlers will tend to need a stiffer shaft while older paddlers (40-59) may to benefit from the comfort of a slightly more flexible shaft. Over 60s will typically benefit from a slightly more flexible shaft as will under 18s.

Explore: Hydro SynergyX – The Next ‘Generation of Super Paddles’

Explore: Introducing the Hydro SprintX the first paddle specifically designed for short-distance racing

Shaft flex is an important decision so if you have any questions, Contact Us to discuss specific considerations.