http://www.dragonglobe.com/paddles/zre-dragon-carbon-fibre-paddle/ dragonboat talk for dragonboaters. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:40:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://www.dragonglobe.com/paddles/zre-dragon-carbon-fibre-paddle/comment-page-1/#comment-6556 GH Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:02:46 +0000 http://www.dragonglobe.com/?p=301#comment-6556 I question the strength of the blade on the new Dragon XL. The blade seems easily damaged if it comes into contact with another blade during use. I thought it was a fluke when it happened to someone else then it happened to mine. Now my blade has 2 gashes where you can see the foam core. I also have 2 Grey Owls, 3 Merlins (including the new CD3), and a Kialoa and the occassional blade to blade contact has not damage the blade in a similar manner. Even during a race when the boat next to us came close to hitting us we had blade to blade contact and nothing happened to my Merlin blade. So I have to wonder if in the pursuit of a lighter paddle (the XL is among the lighter paddles on the market) if strength and durability of the blade has been sacrificed. Sure it is nice that the paddle is made up of 3 sections making it easier to replace the blade, shaft or handle, but that should not mean frequent replacement of the blade because it lacks strength for less weight. The Merlin Ghost is lighter than the Dragon XL but uses a more durable honey comb aerospace grade aluminum in the blade so it too can take a hit without damage. At $280 I would have expected better from ZRE. I question the strength of the blade on the new Dragon XL. The blade seems easily damaged if it comes into contact with another blade during use. I thought it was a fluke when it happened to someone else then it happened to mine. Now my blade has 2 gashes where you can see the foam core. I also have 2 Grey Owls, 3 Merlins (including the new CD3), and a Kialoa and the occassional blade to blade contact has not damage the blade in a similar manner. Even during a race when the boat next to us came close to hitting us we had blade to blade contact and nothing happened to my Merlin blade. So I have to wonder if in the pursuit of a lighter paddle (the XL is among the lighter paddles on the market) if strength and durability of the blade has been sacrificed. Sure it is nice that the paddle is made up of 3 sections making it easier to replace the blade, shaft or handle, but that should not mean frequent replacement of the blade because it lacks strength for less weight. The Merlin Ghost is lighter than the Dragon XL but uses a more durable honey comb aerospace grade aluminum in the blade so it too can take a hit without damage. At $280 I would have expected better from ZRE.

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