Werner Skagit FG Review

The Skagit FG utilizes a Smart View adjustment ferrule system on a carbon-blend shaft and carefully designed, reinforced nylon, injection-molded blades to deliver a high-quality paddle. The 230cm two-piece paddle weighs 34.7 ounces, which is respectable for the approachable price point.

Performance Comparison

Performance

The Skagit FG doesn't have the higher-performance feel of paddles with fancier construction. While the “FG” in the name does stand for fiberglass, in this case, it means 'fiberglass-reinforced nylon,' which isn't as lightweight as some other composite options. However, when considering cheaper paddles with a fully plastic blend, it is important to remember that not all plastics are created equal. The particular blend of the Skagit is well suited to kayaking. More rigid than the other budget options we tested, the blades deliver a more effective stroke with less flutter.

The Skagit shares the same mid-sized dihedral blade design as some of Werner's more premium paddles. The materials used are the compromise, yet this is still a well-designed paddle for recreational paddlers. It offers a good balance of power, weight, and value, making it suitable for various water conditions, from calm lakes to slow-moving rivers.

Ease of Adjustment

The Smart View adjustable ferrule is a simple-to-use system. The viewing portal enables paddles to identify the feather of the paddle, making it straightforward to adjust with little thought. Werner offers nine feather-angle options in 15-degree increments, which testers found sufficient to meet different needs and paddling conditions.

The Smart View system offers a precise fit and avoids the wear that is often common from repeated use. With only one moving part, the Skagit has no external levers or buttons to break or catch on your gear as you use and transport it. This system is easy to use, but avoiding letting sand or grit collect at the connection point is wise. If you're floating in a particularly silty or debris-ridden area, we recommend cleaning out the connection before packing all your gear away.

Locking Mechanism Security

At first glance, you could easily mistake this paddle for a one-piece. Even after getting out on the water, you are not likely to experience any instability in the point of connection.

This system consistently outperformed the basic snap button system used by the other entry-level paddles. Only more expensive paddles use ferrule systems that we found more secure than the Skagit. That said, when new, it was easy to dismantle this paddle, but over time the ferrule benefits from attention and care; otherwise, it can become harder to separate the two pieces.

Weight

Weighing in at 984 grams or 34.7 ounces, the fiberglass-reinforced nylon-injection molded blades are heavier than those with fiberglass laminate or carbon. That said, this paddle still weighs less than most of its competitors due to its lightweight carbon-blend shaft. The balance of the slightly heavier blades and a lightweight shaft help deliver a swing weight that feels lighter than the Skagit actually is.

Most kayak paddles that are lighter than the Skagit FG also cost considerably more. And, on the flip side, those that are significantly cheaper weigh noticeably more. The Skagit strikes a good balance between weight and cost, which is ideal for an up-and-coming paddler or building out a quiver for when friends and family visit.

Contruction Quality

We identified the Skagit as one of the toughest of all those we tested. It shined in our gravel bank test and survived being tossed in a roof box for hundreds of miles with other gear rattling around.

The one downside we experienced was that the two-piece paddle became difficult to adjust or dismantle after extensive use. The adjustment point benefits from some basic care and after-paddling cleaning to ensure that this does not happen.

Should You Buy the Werner Skagit FG?

The Skagit is one of the more reliable paddles on the market. It doesn't have any extra bells and whistles, but it offers a solid, functional design at an appealing price point. This paddle suits those just getting into kayaking, but more experienced paddlers may want to invest in a higher-end option unless just using this as a backup.

What Other Kayak Paddles Should You Consider?

If you are willing to invest more money, you can get the Werner Camano with the same design but more advanced materials. The fiberglass laminate blades are lighter, delivering a smooth stroke and an easier paddle cadence, which long-distance paddlers much prefer. Another option is to consider the Skagit CF, which uses carbon fiber to reinforce the nylon-injected mold rather than the less strong (and less environmentally friendly) fiberglass used to reinforce the Skagit FG. If your budget is even tighter than the Skagit line requires, check out the Bending Branches Whisper.