Product of the week: 2014 Quickblade V-Drive 91

I don't like telling my non-paddling friends how much paddles can cost. After all, who wants to look like a snob, a dork or a madman?

But if they only knew... even after years, it's not a simple matter of picking up a paddle when you get back on the water. Even after packing it into the car for the 500th time, the incredible "aha effect" simply doesn't wear off. It is light as a feather and delicate in the hand. I quickly paddle it through the air once or twice before it flies into the car - simply because the feeling alone is fun. My "old" Quickblade Elite cost 500 euros 100 times - today, after three years, such a paddle is still up to date and worth a decent price: in the end, maybe one euro per race, per training session remains. I've made worse purchases.

To clear up any confusion: The fact that this is about Quickblade is purely coincidental, it could also be about a top paddle from Naish, Kialoa, Starboard or other brands.

With the new V-Drive Quickblade now wants to go one better. I am curious. The "old" 100 Elite was a bit big for me - a good reason to try out the V-Drive 91. Can it be any lighter? Yes, it is possible. The V-Drive is already lighter than my "original" when uncut and extremely agile after cutting to length.

The paddle isno longer The angled transition is perfectly marked, you can reach for the saw straight away, the connection between the shaft and blade is almost seamlessly elegant. The standard glued handle also sits on top of the shaft without any visible edges. This is where the new paddle scores highly.

You can immediately feel the difference on the water - But that doesn't necessarily mean better or worse. You now have a choice: either you adapt your paddling technique to your paddle, or you keep searching until you find a paddle that suits you. In any case, the V-Drive has a squeaky clean catchit stingswithout splash and immediately (immediately!) builds up pressure. In the pulling phase it isExtremely stabledoes not wobble (another tester said you hit the board less as a result) and islight as a feather out of the water.

Conclusion: A playful paddle in the air with real pressure right after the dip.

Alternatively, the also new Quickblade "Trifecta" could be interesting (we were able to compare it briefly). With slightly less vapour at the catch and then harmonious pressure build-up over the entire pull phase. Also very light and an alternative for paddlers who can do without the sudden power when catching.

My conclusion:If you are very committed to paddling, you won't be annoyed by the high price of a top paddle for long. And even after three years, a top paddle like my old Elite 100 is still a great paddle, for me the size is actually the main reason to change.

The new V-Drive shows,that paddle development is still going ahead, fine details and new paddle characteristics are the biggest advantages. Do you have to swap? If the size fits and the characteristics of your paddle suit you, you can keep a good carbon paddle for a long time, what's to break? I like the new 91 size better, but that's also a personal preference.

The V-Drive is undoubtedly an excellent paddle, but other brands also offer lightweight full carbon paddles. It is also worth taking a look, because "qb" is not only the dominant brand in many races, but also in the price range, which is open at the top.