SUP paddle test: Duotone Bamboo Carbon 60 Slim - thin, light & comfortable

If you're not constantly racing across the lake with a bumblebee-like paddling frequency, you don't necessarily need the lightest, stiffest top paddle. The Bamboo Carbon 60 combines elegant style with very light handling. A shaft as thin as that of a full carbon paddle and a low weight ensure very good all-round and touring qualities, joint protection and low fatigue. Only in very sporty mode does it lose in stiffness compared to the Duotone Carbon 100 Slim (Test here) then noticeably.

The most important features of the Duotone Bamboo Carbon 60 Slim

• good weight of 663 grams (surf measurement)
• Very thin, easy-to-grip shaft (26 mm)
• Sufficient stiffness for all-round use and comfortable touring
• Adjustment range from 170.5 to 222 centimetres overall length
• thin, visually attractive paddle blade with fine bamboo veneer
• Large, ergonomic handle
• Blade size: 100 inch²
• Vario system with anti-rotation lock

Duotone Bamboo Carbon 60 Slim in a practical test

The mid-price Bamboo paddle with its slightly larger blade weighs just 140 grams more than Duotone's top model, the Carbon 100 Slim (here in the test). This also conveys a delicate, light feeling right from the start. The length is quickly adjusted, the fastener holds well and has no corners or edges, the guide groove prevents unintentional twisting. The ergonomically shaped handle in size M-L fits comfortably in the hand.
In paddle mode, the Bamboo swings easily forwards and backwards, the very thin blade, which is slightly curved like a shovel in modern form, plunges cleanly and without splashing and pulls stably through the water. The pressure build-up starts immediately after piercing, with even force development through the pull phase. In touring mode it doesn't feel stiff, but pleasantly damped. The somewhat softer flex only becomes noticeable at very high frequencies and even the rather large blade doesn't like to be pulled through the water 100 times a minute. At normal speed, the pleasant damping and the low swing weight, as well as the clean plunge and pull-through, outweigh the perception. It also feels quite playful during manoeuvres.

Surf summary of the Duotone Bamboo Carbon 60 Slim

The mid-range paddle has an elegant appearance and is delicate and easy to grip in the hand, swings easily, penetrates cleanly and pulls stably. It offers pleasant damping and only with a very sporty paddling style (high frequency, lots of pull) does it reach its limit, at which point the stiffer Carbon 100 Slim seems more suitable. A recommendation for lighter people and comfort-orientated touring paddlers.