GearBuyer
Product Videos Product Reviews Buying Guides

Bending Branches Whisper

Kayaks & Boating > PaddlesRated: **** by 8 reviews.

REI

Perfect for the beginner, this entry-level model incorporates many of the features usually found only on more advanced models.

  • Nearly silent blade shape enters and exits water cleanly
  • Carefully engineered lightweight, injection-molded nylon and fiberglass blade design helps you paddle longer with less fatigue
  • Dihedral curve and asymmetrical power face eliminate blade flutter; thin and low-profile to reduce wind resistance
  • Blade surface area is distributed evenly for a balanced feel, uniform pull and minimal roll
  • Lightweight, strong aluminum shaft has 3M Versafit™ over the oval grip area for comfortable and confident hand control
  • Composite ferrule is extremely light and strong; tested to ensure great fit, feathering angle, breakdown ease and joint tightness
  • Feathering is adjustable to 0 or 60 degrees, with left or right hand control
  • Comes with heavy-duty rubber drip rings

Ramsey Outdoor

This entry-level paddle boasts features usually found only on expensive models: a composite ferrule that won't seize up in sand or salt water, a high-performance "Dream" blade shape, and 3M Versafit™ grips.

Features:

  • Blade Color: Black
  • Blade Shape: 6.75" x 18" (89 sq. in.)
  • Drip Rings: Heavy duty
  • Ferrule Angles: 0° and 60° left or right
  • Length: 230 cm
  • Shaft Color: Silver
  • Shaft Size: Regular
  • Shaft Type: Aluminum
  • Weight: 37 oz.
Blade material:Fiberglass-reinfoced polypropylene
Blade shape:Asymmetrical dihedral
Blade size:18 x 6.75 inches
Feather angle:60 right / 60 left / 0 degrees
Shaft material:Aluminum
Shaft type:Straight
Weight:37 ounces

View other products from Bending Branches classified in Kayaks & Boating > Paddles.

View all products from Bending Branches.
View other products classified in Kayaks & Boating > Paddles.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

Bending Branches Whisper AS Kayak PaddleBending Branches Whisper AS Kayak Paddle$49.95

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

SizeColor
Black
21060.00
22060.00
23060.00
24060.00

Legend

  •     - REI

Notes:

Ramsey Outdoor offers this product at $59.99, but does not provide any color/size information.

Bending Branches Whisper Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****1
****7
***0
**0
*0
To see how this product compares to others view Kayak Paddle Reviews.

Reviews:

Excellent introductory paddle

Rating:*****
I was comparing paddles for quite a while before I settled on this one. This paddle has almost identical specs (size, weight, feather) to the more expensive aqua bound paddles. The one additional feather angle (3 total) seems useful as well.

The built in drip rings work pretty okay, they do catch most of the water. I did get the extra drip rings like another reviewer recommended (only a dollar each). The "aftermarket" drip rings catch the rest of the water that makes it past the built in ones.

I didn't notice any splashing at all, I suppose it depends upon your paddling style. In fact, I felt that the paddle entered the water very cleanly and pulled through very easily.
Markoe at REI on 10/15/2008

Great paddle for price!!!

Rating:****
These paddles have some of the features of more expensive paddles. They have the option of being offset which helps make your paddling strike more comfortable. They are fairly lightweight. They cause less fatigue then others we tried in this price range. They are comfortable to use and are rigid. There is no flex when you use them. They are also milled so that the two pieces fit exactly. It's convenient to be able to take them apart for easier tranport. They've been great for day trips on calm water, and class one and two rivers as well as an overnight camping trip. The only con is that they do splash a little. But they are great for recreational paddlers.
Steven, Amy at REI on 10/29/2007

Love this paddle

Rating:****
My friend and I love these paddles! They have a lot of the features found in those costing considerably more. The grip is comfortable and the blades can be feathered. On day-long paddles on quiet rivers and lakes, they are light enough that we don’t experience paddling fatigue. We haven’t babied them; their rigid construction has dug us out of muddy landings and pulled us through weed-clogged passages. They are a good match for our folding kayaks; everything can be stowed inside the car (or the airplane). The Whisper has been perfect for the beginners we were, and will serve us for a long time to come.
Greyday at REI on 03/08/2008

Fine quiet-water paddle

Rating:****
I use this for quiet water paddling in lakes and coastal wildlife refuges and it does just fine. Nothing fancy so I don't have to worry about messing it up on rocks, oyster beds and the like. The molded in drip rings at the base of the blade don't work particularly well, so spend a couple of bucks and get a pair of rubber drip rings. Other than that, you can't beat this paddle for the price.
Barry in GA at REI on 06/24/2008

Good Paddles

Rating:****
We are relatively new to kayaking, but these paddles have been working out great for us. We use a touring kayak and generally paddle for >2hrs at a time on lakes or ocean bays. The paddles have worked out well for us. They are light enough not to get fatigued after several hours of rowing, and seem to push enough water to keep the boat moving at a good pace hour after hour.
KB at REI on 05/16/2009

Great Price, Decent Paddle

Rating:****
I bought the paddle becaused it had decent reviews, I am happy with the performace and the weight is fine too. I am new to paddling and it could be my form, but I kept hitting the side of my Native Ultimate 14.5 with the shaft as I paddled. Maybe I need a longer paddle or a better techinique. Good paddle for the price.
mr clean at REI on 06/12/2009

Great 1st paddle

Rating:****
I have been really pleased with this paddle. It is light, adjustable and I don't have to worry about not getting it dirty because I didn't spend [$] bucks on it!
AlisonG at REI on 03/29/2008

Smooth paddling

Rating:****
Have used this paddle with an awkward sit on top kayak. I don't mind the extra weight (over carbon fiber) since I paddle for exercise. It's great for the $$$.
paco del mar at REI on 10/01/2009