Ophion Glass Raptures one month review.

I have been using Ophion paddles for a couple of years now and have found them to have a nice feel to them and plenty of power. So when I was asked to test their new cranked glass blade and glass shaft paddles, I was interested to see what they had to offer.
The first thing I noticed was the colour, they were in my favourite shade of blue so was instantly off to a good start.

The paddles are 191cm long on a cranked shaft and medium Rapture blade, this is the same as I have been using previously so took little time to adapt to and a back to back comparison was possible.

The second thing I noticed was the glass crank no longer has the grip notch that I had liked on my own paddles, but which proved unpopular with some paddlers who tried them. The crank does feel comfortable to grip and on this set allows my hands to be closer to the blades than on any other cranks I have tested.

I have used the paddles for all my paddling over the past month and this has given me the opportunity to test them playboating, river running and for slalom.
The new paddles offer good power and little flex (considerably less flex than previously owned glass paddles). The blades slide smoothly through the water without flutter but offer a stable base to brace off when required.

These Blades were designed for out and out playboating, but when using them for river running or slalom paddling the blades did supply good feedback and allow you to feel and use the water and currents. The paddles have only been on test for one month but are showing no signs of wear and tear and I look forward to continuing the testing.

Review by Craig Ayres