1. Drive over a dragonboat paddle with your car (it’s been done on a Trivium paddle before)
2. Place the paddle on a ledge and jump on it
3. Use a heat gun and melt the joint then hit it against a wall
4. Use a drop saw and cut it in half
5. Throw it off a 10+ storey building

Here are some photos of breakages I have collected over the years:

The Apex Ultimate dragonboat paddle allows you to change from lengths of 47 to 51 inches. Unfortunately it only allows for an adjustment of 2 inches depending on the length you purchase. For example if you purchased a 47inch Ultimate it only allows up to 49inch or purchasing a 49inch Ultimate would allow up to 51inch. This compared to the G-Power Falcon is not as good because the G-Power Falcon allows for a full range of adjustment between 45inch to 52inches and without compromising the weight. Whereas in the Apex Ultimate you will need to add aluminum rings to increase the length of the paddle and after testing it, I have found the aluminum rings do add considerable weight to the original paddle. The average weight of the paddle with additional rings is about 550grams or 19.5oz. This is a quite a difference compared to the Apex Accelerator which on only weighs around 400grams or 14oz.

I also noted that if you don’t clean the paddle after use, particularly in salt water the handle and aluminum rings start to form rust and this can be quite a hassle.

Lastly the biggest difference I did notice was it had a round carbon fibre shaft instead of an elliptical shaft and I noticed it wasn’t as comfortable to hold compared to the Apex Accelerator. Something I would suggest to Apex: please change to an elliptical shaft!

Overall the dragonboat paddle has been designed ideally for a more seasoned athlete who trains in all different water levels and conditions allowing them to easily adjust their paddle length when necessary.

Due to the adjustable joint, it has been observed that water manages to seep into the shaft. For any paddler looking to use this paddle regularly, they have to ensure the joint is securely tightened. Additionally to store the paddle with the blade tip facing up so that water can be drained out during storage.

On the upside, it is an excellent light weight paddle weighing in at 400g or 14oz with such simplicity and smooth finishes. I liked this paddle when I first saw it because the blade is so well designed and well balanced it just enters the water without any plonking. The paddle has reasonable flex and is not too stiff, which makes it comfortable to paddle over longer periods. I would also highly recommend this paddle for anyone who does a lot of travelling interstate or overseas and needs to disassemble the paddle in order to fit into their luggage.

Now why all the fuss and delays? Trivium paddles are delicately hand-made in Lithuania and they are carbon composite paddles consisting of carbon fibre and Kevlar. The reason for a composite of materials is because it needs to retain it’s strength, especially if it’s this light. Something I have noticed about paddling with such a light paddle is it often tends to feather the water and if there is the slightly wind it’s also very easy to loose control of the paddle. One reason why I have decided not to own a paddle that is too light.

The Trivium S12 is bipartite and the handle is joined to the blade via either a ‘GLUE’ connection or an IDBF approved ‘SCREW’ connection. Personally I have not liked seeing joints between shafts and the hassle of un-gluing just to adjust the length is a big job for the average dragonboat paddler. The other issue I feel is that it also weakens a paddle’s durability because there is an extra joint compared to a paddle being assembled in a one-piece construction.

Trivium S12 paddles also offer various grips:

• Sculpted (more like a Palm Grip)
• Ergo T (like a T-Grip, except more rounder around the edges)
• Ergo Medium (a slightly thicker version of the T-Grip)

It’s a positive for the Trivium paddles to have different grips as it can be customised to each individual paddler’s needs. In addition, Trivium have taken the extra step for customisation of their blades and offers individuals and clubs a choice of colours. Needless to say it may be why there is a long waiting period to supplying these paddles.

The paddle is finished with handmade quality (extremely detailed) and compares to the ZRE paddle of similar construction and design. It is constructed in three pieces and funnily enough I was surprised that they still used wooden handles. The wooden handle is softer to hold and is quite comfortable, but I still prefer carbon handles. I understand RAAB now offers the option of a carbon fibre handle. The blade is polished nicely and even has the RAAB logo embossed on the bottom edge. Furthermore the edges are clear coated adding more protection from splitting and allowing for a smoother entry and exit into the water.

Finally any colour can be added to the weaving allowing it to stand out for teams and individuals who want something different. A dream paddle to use!

You can see other reviews in our paddles review section

The ZRE Dragonboat Paddle:
I’ve always been asking myself before the day I got my hands on one of these, what is so special about them? Is it because they are made in the USA, uses aerospace material or they just look good? I read a lot of comments from other paddlers from the other side of the world and they kept saying these were the best paddles.

Okay, I am going to give my biased opinion as I have tested, assembled and sold numerous of these paddles. Firstly yes, the ZRE dragonboat paddles do live up to their reputation for being a very light paddle and it performs very well through the water. They have been designed from a paddlers mind combining the best possible materials that are used in aerospace and for Formula 1 racing. Currently these paddles weigh around 410g to 450g or 14.5oz to 16oz depending on what grip and length you choose.

What I like about the ZRE dragonboat paddles is that it provides flexibility. What it means is there are many different grips you can choose from and also many repair options if your paddle breaks.
The Grips: You can choose from:

• Plastic Palm
• Carbon T
• Carbon Palm
• Wooden T

It’s good to have the different grips because they allow for different conditions and each grip feels customised to your own needs. The other thing I mentioned is repair options. Because the ZRE dragonboat paddle is assembled in 3 separate pieces, if you one part gets damaged it can be easily replaced, rather than sending the whole paddle back. Most paddlers are also able to do this themselves. The downside is the paddle doesn’t look like a Burnwater or Apex Accelerator paddle showing a consistent carbon fibre weave. If you’re not fussed about how the paddle looks, then the ZRE will provide you with exceptional performance.

One last thing I did notice about this paddle is the sound it makes through the water on a return stroke. The resonating sound is a “whip” and if you heard it with a full team of 20 paddlers using ZRE paddles then you definitely know they’re coming.

Overall a great well balance dragonboat paddle that I would highly recommend for competition.

You can see other reviews in our paddles review section

The Apex Accelerator dragonboat carbon fibre paddle is a seamless one piece. The paddle has been well designed and engineered (from Canadian Men’s Masters Coach Jim Farintosh) to give it the best strength to weight ratio . As the paddle only weighs on average of 400g or 14oz it still retains a frame that is very strong. Additionally as there is a foam core all the way through the blade and shaft, it helps keep it’s rigidity.

I like how it has an elliptical shaft that has been molded into the blade giving any dragonboat paddler comfort and grip. The blade cuts into the water on entry with ease and the paddle pulls back with some flex through the catch. One thing I didn’t like is the rubber caps to enclose the handle. I have seen a few of them pop out during races but not a major issue as they can be replaced.

Overall this dragonboat paddle is very light, nicely finished with a distinct carbon fibre weave and feels great to use.

For more reviews visit our paddles review section

The whole paddle is constructed in three pieces, with a round carbon fibre shaft holding the blade and handle together. At the weight of 490g or 17oz, it’s a mid-range paddle and priced at $295 US, it’s a bit pricey for a carbon fibre / wooden paddle.

I would look at the other paddles on the market first before considering this one.

You can see other reviews in our paddles review section

The SRS Elite 1 Carbon has a round shaft as opposed to an elliptical shaft which I have mentioned that I don’t like the feel of, leading to less grip coverage and comfort. Also I noticed that the handle is hollow and if water does get in during a race it can weigh the paddle down. Normally this paddle weighs around 450g-510g or 16oz-18oz depending on the length you choose. In comparison to other carbon fibre paddles in the market, it is considered to be a mid-range carbon fibre paddle.

The verdict: I do like how the blade is well finished, but the shaft and handle need some rethinking. Particularly the handle, as it’s hollow water can flood it and makes this paddle awfully heavy.

You can see other reviews in our paddles review section

At first when I tested this blade, I felt it was light with little strain on the shoulder. Though after being accustomed to the elliptical shaft design, I felt it wasn’t as comfortable to use for a longer period of time. Additionally the handle is slightly smaller compared to a Burnwater and Apex carbon paddle, and can cause blisters for a person with average size hands.

I have to admit, at first I didn’t take a liking to this paddle because I had seen some manufacturing and teething issues – shaft and handle breakages. Furthermore the external paddle finish was not complete showing unpainted areas of the fork and inconsistent clear lacquer. This was from version 1 and Merlin has since address these issues, shifting their manufacturing from Malaysia to China. Sometimes it does take the new version (CD2) to be released to have these issues fixed. Since then I have not heard many more problems except for more advancements, and Merlin plans to soon release the next lightest paddle in Dragonboating. At the price of $197AU, it is considered to be the cheapest and lightest dragonboat carbon fibre paddle available.

You can see other reviews in our paddles review section