The Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Fiberglass offers a robust and highly functional paddle at an affordable price for recreational kayakers. The dihedral blade design guides the flow of water equally across the surface of the blade, delivering a flutter free and powerful paddle stroke.
The abXII fiberglass reinforced nylon blades can stand up to the toughest of users, without fear of being damaged. Due to the reinforced blades, this is not the lightest paddle on the market, but it is also far from the heaviest. Those looking for elite performance may consider other paddler purchases, but if simply getting out on the water is your goal, this paddle may be your match.
Aqua Bound Sting Ray FG Review
A vibrant paddle utlizing cheaper materials to deliver an affordable and reliable paddle
Credit: REI Co-op
Price: $130 List | $129.95 at REI
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Robust, vibrant colour,
Cons: Heavier than some
Manufacturer: Aqua Bound
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Robust, vibrant colour,
Cons: Heavier than some
Manufacturer: Aqua Bound
By Sara James ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Aug 13, 2019
Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more
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Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Aqua Bound Sting Ray FG | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | | |||
| Price | $129.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $155.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $124 List $124.00 at Backcountry | $74.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $50 List $44.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Robust, vibrant colour, | Secure locking mechanism, light weight carbon blend shaft | Exceptional value, quality blade design, fiberglass reinforced nylon blades | Affordable, durable blade construction | Easy on the wallet, functional, indexed shaft |
| Cons | Heavier than some | Heavier than some models available, locking system can become stiff to adjust | Heavier than some models, locking mechanism prone to wobble | Heavy aluminum shaft, play in locking mechanism | Aluminum shaft transfers heat/cold, flexible blades, wobble in connection point |
| Bottom Line | A vibrant paddle utlizing cheaper materials to deliver an affordable and reliable paddle | Don’t be fooled by the bland rental paddle look, the Skagit FG has premium quality features and is able to perform | This well-designed paddle delivers outstanding value without sacrificing on performance or durability | This is an affordable entry-level paddle that can get you and your family out on the water | Affordable, functional and suitable for the casual kayaker who is not looking for a high-performance paddle |
| Rating Categories | Aqua Bound Sting Ra... | Werner Skagit FG | Werner Baja | Bending Branches Wh... | Pelican Poseidon |
| Performance (40%) | |||||
| Ease of adjustment (20%) | |||||
| Locking Mechanism Security (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Aqua Bound Sting Ra... | Werner Skagit FG | Werner Baja | Bending Branches Wh... | Pelican Poseidon |
| Measured Weight | 1180 g | 1000 g | 1070 g | 1050 g | 1110 g |
| Shaft Material | Fiberglass | Carbon blend | Fiberglass | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Shaft Shape | Round | Round | Round | Round, Oval | Round, Oval |
| Blade Material | Fiberglass-reinforced nylon | Fiberglass reinforced nylon | Fiberglass reinforced nylon | Polypropylene | Plastic/fiberglass |
| Blade Shape | Asymmetrical | Dihedral, asymmetrical | Dihedral, asymmetrical | Dihedral, asymmetrical | Asymetrical |
| Adjustment Style | Push button | Smart View Adjustable | Push Button | Push button w/ basic ferrule | Push Button |
| Blade Offset Settings | L45 0 R 45 | 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R | L45 0 R 45 | L45 0 R 45 | L60 0 R 60 |
| Length Options | 220, 230, 240 cm | 205 to 260 cm in 5 cm increments | 220 cm, 230 cm, 240 cm | 220, 230, 240 cm | 230 cm |
| Style | Low-Angle | Low-Angle | Low-Angle | Low-Angle | Low-Angle |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
What makes the Sting Ray FG paddle stand out is its robust but effective blade design. Constructed from durable abXII fiberglass reinforced nylon, you don't have to be careful when using this paddle. The price and design lend this paddle well to use in top-end kayak rental companies, and the vibrant yellow blades are a familiar and attention-grabbing site on the water.
Performance Comparison
The durable nature of this paddle makes is a good ompanion for adventure travels.
Credit: Sara James
Performance
Aside from being constructed from different materials. The String Ray FG is almost identical in design to its sibling, the String Ray Carbon. Both use a dihedral blade design to guide the flow of water equally across the surface of the blades, ensuring an effective and powerful stroke. The fiberglass reinforced nylon blades are heavier than other options and alter the balance of the paddle somewhat in comparison to more elite models. The performance is, therefore, not a distinctive feature of this paddle as it did not perform as well as those constructed from more expensive materials.
You may need a friend to help you dismantle this paddle, especially after extensive use.
Credit: Sara James
Ease of adjustment
When new, snap-button mechanism is straightforward to use, offering a choice of three blade feather setups. Unfortunately, with frequent use, the components are prone to jam, making it occasionally difficult to adjust or dismantle, particularly in cold conditions. Although suitable for the infrequent user, the snap-button mechanism is significantly inferior to the Posi-Lok option that Aqua-Bound offers for its high-end paddles.
The snap-button system used in this paddle is adequate for a budget paddle.
Credit: Sara James
Locking Mechanism Security
The locking mechanism is perfectly functional and does not impede the effective use of this paddle. The paddle felt ' tight' immediately after it was purchased; however, after extensive use, we noticed there was some rotational give in the paddle at the joint. This same concern was observed in all paddles that used the snap-button system.
The snap button can get clogged in sandy or dirty conditions. A regular rinse and service should help to maintain this component in functional order.
Credit: Sara James
We were surprised that Aqua-Bound does not offer this paddle with their signature Posi-Lok adjustment system as we felt this is far superior in its simplicity and reliability.
The study blades mean that paddlers pay a bit extra in terms of weight; however, this is balanced out with a fiberglass shaft.
The weight of this paddle is noticeable if you are traveling long distances but for short jaunts, it should overly tire your arms.
Credit: Sara James
Weight
The fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades make this paddle heavier than some of the models constructed of full fiberglass, or better still carbon. However, the fiberglass shaft ensures that is it still lighter than the heaviest of models, some of which utilize an aluminum shaft.
The additional weight of this paddle and the distribution of the weight make this paddle feel notably more sluggish to use than its Carbon blend sibling.
We weren't concerned about this durable paddle in shallow water.
Credit: Sara James
Durability
The fiberglass reinforced nylon blades were resistant to significant abuse. After extended use, the paddle blades showed no signs of wearing down, unlike the full fiberglass and carbon models tested. This paddle is ready to be thrown around and used with little fear of damage.
The adjustment system was noted to become less tight over time and also suffer from the build-up of sand and grit. A basic cleaning helps to maintain this paddle at its best.
Credit: Sara James
Value
The paddle was a strong contender for the best value award due to its great performance to cost ratio. There are cheaper paddles available, but none that perform on par with this budget model.
Conclusion
This paddle is perfect for those that expect their paddle to last and perform suitably but are not concerned about weight or having the most elite of options.
Other Versions and Accessories
Available in the following increments - 210cm 220cm 230cm 240cm
Available as 2 or 4 piece paddle
— Sara James
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