Cheap Kayak Paddles

When it comes to a quality set of kayak paddles, you can find a good deal without paying the price tag of high-end paddles. If you’re bargain shopping for a good affordable set of paddles you will most likely be looking at plastic or aluminum paddles. Here we will review some of the best deals for budget-friendly kayak paddles. 

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Best Kayak Paddle for the Money

  1. SeaSense X-TREME 2 PADDLE BLACK 96IN
  2. Pelican Boats – 2-Piece Heavy-Duty Aluminum Kayak Paddle – Extra Tough & Lightweight – for Kayaks or Inflatable
  3. Leader Accessories Marine Aluminum Kayak Paddles for Kayaking Boating
  4. Curved Kayak Paddle
  5. Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle (Sunrise, 230 cm)

1. SeaSense X-TREME 2 PADDLE – Top Choice for Cheap Aluminum Kayak Paddle

 

Product Features

Brand Name: SeaSense
Blade Material: Fiberglass Filled Nylon
Shaft Material: Aluminum
Colors: Seven Color Options
Sizes: 86″ or 96″

Our top pick when shopping for a good cheap kayak paddle is the SeaSense X-Treme 2 Paddle. This paddle is made from nylon filled blades with an aluminum shaft making it lightweight and easy to use. The shaft of this paddle includes two foam grips for ergonomic comfort and gripping strength. They offer this paddle in a variety of colors and two different sizes: 84″ and 96″. The paddle is made from a 2-piece construction, which makes it easy to store, while the blades have a feathered design. Overall this is an excellent lightweight aluminum paddle for kayaking in all weather conditions.

 

Pros
  • Great affordable value
  • Lightweight and durable design
  • Two size options
Cons
  • This is a stiff and firm paddle. If you prefer paddles with a bit of flex to it, you may want to go with something else

 

2. Pelican Boats – 2-Piece Heavy-Duty Aluminum Kayak Paddle – Extra Tough & Lightweight – for Kayaks or Inflatable – Durable Lightweight Kayak Paddle

Product Features

Brand Name: Pelican
Blade Material: Polypropylene
Shaft Material: Aluminum
Colors: Tangerine or Lime
Sizes: 84″ or 89″

The second spot on our list is the Pelican Aluminum Kayak Paddle. This paddle is made from a polypropylene blade and aluminum shaft which is designed to be lightweight and durable. The paddle has drip rings which are designed to keep your hands dry and is made from 2-piece construction. Overall this is great budget-friendly kayak paddle that comes in two sizes: 84″ or 89″. The best thing about this paddle is that they have the smaller sized 84″ version, which is great if you’re shopping for an affordable paddle for kids. The only drawback of these paddles though is that if you’re an extremely tall person, you may need something longer than the 89″ version they offer.

 

Pros
  • Lightweight and durable
  • 84″ paddle is great for kids
  • Drip rings designed to keep hands dry
Cons
  • If you’re tall you may need a longer paddle than their 89″ version (they have a longer model called a Poseidon Kayak Paddle that you can search for)

 

3. Leader Accessories Marine Aluminum Kayak Paddles for Kayaking Boating – Best Adjustable Blade Kayak Paddle

 

Product Features

Brand Name: Leader Accessories
Blade Material: Molded Plastic
Shaft Material: Aluminum, Carbon, and Fiberglass
Colors: Nine Color Options
Sizes: 84.7″, 87″ 89.7″, or 96″

The Leader Accessories Kayak Paddle is our third choice. These paddles are made from molded plastic with aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon made shafts. They have seven different color options and five sizes to choose from, making this an excellent option for people of all sizes. The shaft itself is 2-piece construction making it easy to store, while the blades can be adjusted to three different angles. The blades also featured a feathered design, and the shaft features a water-resistant ring to keep your hands dry. Overall this is an excellent option if you want multiple different lengths to choose from.

 

Pros
  • Five sizes to choose from
  • Blades adjustable to three angles
  • Molded plastic blades designed for pull strength
Cons
  • The longer paddles can be a little heavier than some people are used to

 

4. Curved Kayak Paddle – Best Budget Extra Long Kayak Paddle

 

Product Features

Brand Name: TRAC
Blade Material: Fiberglass Reinforced Polyproplyene
Shaft Material: Aluminum
Colors: Blue
Sizes: 7Ft or 8Ft

If you’re shopping for an inexpensive extra long kayak paddle the TRAC Outdoor Curved Kayak Paddle is a pretty great value. Their 8-foot model is perfect if you need something extra long. This paddle features a lightweight aluminum shaft and fiberglass blades. This one is easily stored due to its 2-piece construction while also featuring 3 feather positions. Overall this is a pretty great paddle for the price.

 

Pros
  • Offer an extra-long 8 foot paddle
  • Three feather settings
Cons
  • If you want an average-sized paddle their 7 foot might be too short, while their 8 foot might be too long

 

5. Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle (Sunrise, 230 cm) – Top Choice for Cheap Asymmetrical Kayak Paddle

 

Product Features

Brand Name: Carlisle
Blade Material: Fiberglass Reinforced Polypropylene
Shaft Material: Fiberglass
Colors: Two Color Options
Sizes: 220 cm, 230 cm, 240 cm

The last spot on our list is the Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle. This paddle features an asymmetrical slightly spooned shape with provides power and maneuverability compared to your standard straight paddle. The fiberglass shaft and paddle are made to be durable and lightweight, making gliding through the water a breeze. This paddle is made from two-piece construction for easy storage and comes in three different size options which are great for people of all sizes. Overall this is a great budget-friendly asymmetrical paddle, though it is a little bit more expensive than some of the other options on this list.

 

Pros
  • Asymmetrical shape for power and maneuverability
  • Three size options
  • Lightweight and durable
Cons
  • Somewhat expensive compared to the other paddles on the list

 

Kayak Paddle Buying Guide

When shopping for a good deal on a kayak paddle, there are a few things you might want to consider:

  1. Size
  2. Material
  3. Weight
  4. Feathered or Unfeathered Blades

How to Choose a Kayak Paddle

1. Size

Choosing the right size paddle can be tricky at first if you’re unsure of what to look for. Typically the wider your boat or kayak is, the longer paddle you will need. It also depends on your height. If you are taller, you will need a longer paddle. Here is a great guide on choosing a paddle with a handy chart that can be used as a general guide for how long of a paddle you will need.

2. Material

Another thing to look for when shopping for a good value paddle is the material. Typically kayak paddles made from plastic, nylon, fiberglass or aluminum will be the cheapest. On the higher end you will find carbon-fiber blades. But you can find a good quality paddle without shelling out for a carbon fiber paddle.

3. Weight

Weight is also an important factor to consider. If you have a heavy paddle it could cause discomfort and soreness if you’re using it for a long period of time. Luckily most of the one’s we have linked here are pretty lightweight (though if you’re buying a long size it might be heavy).

4. Feathered or Matched Blades

Feathered blades are offset at an angle which reduces wind resistance for the blade that is out of water. Many paddle shafts these days allow you to adjust the amount of feathering to a certain angle so you can make them matched or feathered to whichever degree you like. This might be something you want to consider when buying your paddle.

If you need grips for your paddle read our guide on buying paddle grips.