The Werner Skagit includes features from Werner's premium line, such as the Smart View adjustable ferrule system and carbon blend shaft. Although the reinforced nylon injected molded blades put the paddle on the heavy side, it has the added benefit of being more durable. All this for less than half the cost of the Camano makes this a great value performance paddle. Overall this is an excellent option for those looking for a robust kayak paddle that will deliver a quality performance.
Werner Skagit FG Review
Don’t be fooled by the bland rental paddle look, the Skagit FG has premium quality features and is able to perform.
Price: $135 List | $135.00 at REI
Compare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Secure locking mechanism, light weight carbon blend shaft
Cons: Heavier than some models available, locking system can become stiff to adjust
Manufacturer: Werner
Compare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Secure locking mechanism, light weight carbon blend shaft
Cons: Heavier than some models available, locking system can become stiff to adjust
Manufacturer: Werner
By Sara James ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Nov 23, 2018
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Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
Our Analysis and Test Results
Similar to the Camano, the Skagit FG utilizes Werner's Smart View adjustment system and carefully designed blades to deliver a high-quality paddle.
Performance Comparison
The Skagit would be a perfect companion for a sit on top kayaker.
Performance
This paddle didn't have the higher performance feel of paddles with a carbon or fiberglass blade construction such as the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray and Werner Camano. However, when considering cheaper paddles with a plastic blend, it is important to remember that not all plastics are created equal. This particular blend is well suited to kayaking. More rigid than the Bending Branches and SeaSense, the Skagit blades deliver a more effective stroke, with less flutter.
The Skagit is a dependable and reasonably priced paddle.
Ease of adjustment
The Smart View system makes this paddle easy to adjust, assuming you haven't allowed sand or grit to collect in the connection point. The viewing portal enables paddles to identify the feather of the paddle, making it straightforward to adjust with little thought. Werner offers nine options for the blade feather angle, which testers found more than sufficient to meet different needs and paddling conditions.
The Smart view adjustment system is easy to use.
Locking Mechanism Security
At first glance, you could easily mistake this paddle for a one-piece. Even after paddling with it 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 Magic Plus and the Bending Branches. The only system out there that tested as more secure was Aqua-Bound's Posi-Lok.
You take thousands of strokes when you go kayaking. Make sure these are the best they can be.
Weight
The reinforced nylon injection molded blades make this paddle heavier than the fiberglass laminate Camano. However, it still weighs in less than most of its competitors due to its lightweight carbon blend shaft.
The testers were quicker to tire using the Skagit than Camano due to its heavier blades.
Durability
The blades on the Skagit are more durable than the Camano, and we identified it as one of the toughest of all those we tested. It shone in the gravel bank test and survived being tossed in a roof box for hundreds of miles with other gear rattling around. After extensive use, testers found that the two-piece paddle became difficult to adjust or dismantle. The adjustment point benefits from some basic care to ensure that this does not happen.
The Skagit held up in rough conditions.
Best Applications
If you intend to use a recreational sit-on-top kayak, you are likely to find this paddle perfectly adequate to your needs. This paddle is also well-suited to an emerging paddler looking to purchase a paddle they know they can rely on to perform for years to come. Those looking to tour long distances or perform high-speed sprints may want to consider a lighter, higher performing paddle such as the Camano or Aqua-Bound
Value
The Skagit delivers many features of a premium paddle like the Werner Camano, for a much lower price. We, therefore, consider this a paddle to be a great value. However, it is possible to purchase a perfectly functional paddle, like the Bending Branches for $100 less, so some may argue that this price is still too much for a first paddle purchase.
The Skagit has adjustable drip rings.
Conclusion
Given the significant price difference between the Camano and the Skagit, we expected a more significant difference in performance. Although the Skagit is heavier and doesn't have the same smooth catch and pull in the water, it still lives up to Werner's quality name and delivers a more than satisfactory performance. Novice paddlers are unlikely to notice the slight flutter that the blade can deliver when placed under duress, however expert paddlers may notice this when digging in for a stroke and wish they had the more rigid Camano or Aqua-Bound
Other Versions and Accessories
- Also available in 1 piece or 4 pieces.
- Lengths 205 to 260cm in 5cm increments
- Werner also makes this paddle with Carbon Fiber reinforced nylon injection molded blades
- Skagit hooked available
— Sara James