Earlier this summer, Tammy and I were sent a pair of Gearlab's breakdown, carbon fiber, Greenland-style paddles to review. After spending some considerable time with the paddles, we have found that we really enjoyed the experience of paddling with them.

Gearlab is an innovative gear engineering firm based in Taipei, Taiwan. According to their website:
“Gearlab engineers and staff are avid kayakers, cyclists, hikers, rock climbers, surfers and paragliders. We are passionate about exploring the hundreds (yes!) of 10,000+ ft peaks—including the highest peak in Northeast Asia - and the incredible waters that surround the beautiful island. Our wild passion with nature coupled with relentless engineering has led to the development of ingenious, efficient gear that make paddling and outdoor expeditions worldwide better than ever.”

We were sent two models, the Aukanek (“Designed to deliver optimal power in rough conditions, the Aukaneck paddle provides adventurous paddlers greater control for kayak surfing and rock gardening.”) and the Akiak (“The world’s most popular Greenland-style carbon fiber paddle”). Both retail for $348 USD and have several of Gearlab's innovative features, including the replaceable ProTek tip made from a durable polyamide material. Those of us who have had excellent wooden paddles slowly eaten away at the tips by contact with sand, rough rocks, and barnacles will appreciate this feature. Also appreciated was the rock-solid joint on these breakdown paddles, providing a firm attachment with no discernible, irritating wiggle. The joint was relatively easy to separate with my usual pre-use treatment of silicon spray.

The paddles are offered with several options, including length, and blade and tip colors. Extra tips are available on the website. We found the prices to be similar to other carbon fiber breakdown paddles, although shipping from Taiwan is a considerable cost issue.

As an aside, we have found that any paddle joint, no matter how cleverly designed, does need careful rinsing and regular lubrication to avoid grit or salt buildup.

On the water, the paddles performed beautifully. Tammy was especially taken with the way the buoyant blades “popped up,” when taking them out of the water, adding a little jump and lift to her stroke.

While not as weightless as Tammy's super-light Werner, it was still much lighter than our wooden Greenlanders, and far stronger than the Werner, which included the warning not to put any excess pressure on it when exiting the boat, for instance. The Gearlab paddles felt sturdy enough to beat off a ravening polar bear, if necessary.

I mostly used the Aukanek, as I thought I would like the wider blade. I did, but should have ordered the 220 model, as it was a little short to use comfortably in my Hornbeck canoe. I found myself borrowing the longer Akiak from Tammy for a change.

The only problem with the paddles was one I have with all non-wood paddles. A wooden paddle just feels more alive and springy to me. However, the extra strength and the replaceable tip of the Gearlabs far outweighs this, and these would be the Greenland-style paddles I would choose for an expedition.

Gearlab offers a number of other items, including dry bags, deck bags, paddle bags, and the like. They offer their joint ferrule so you can turn your wooden Greenland in to a break apart, and even have a carbon fiber norsaq!