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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.
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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
By Sara James ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 23, 2018
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68
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#5 of 9
  • Performance - 40% 5
  • Ease of adjustment - 20% 8
  • Locking Mechanism Security - 15% 9
  • Weight - 15% 6
  • Durability - 10% 9

Our Verdict

The Werner Skagit includes features from Werner's premium line, such as the Smart View Adjustable ferrule system and carbon blend shaft. The reinforced nylon injected molded blades put the paddle on the heavy side. However, it has the added benefit of being more durable. This is a great value performance paddle for recreational touring kayakers. 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. Overall this is an excellent option for those looking for a robust kayak paddle that will deliver a quality performance.


Compare to Similar Products

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This Product
Werner Skagit FG
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award   
Price $135.00 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers		$235.97 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers		$415.00 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers		$199.95 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers		$285.00 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Secure locking mechanism, light weight carbon blend shaftReliable, lightweight, easy to adjust and extend.Featherweight, sleek blade design, enhanced paddling styleVery sturdy and durable locking mechanism, smooth blade performance, easy to adjust, lightweightLight weight, secure locking mechanism, high performance blades
Cons Heavier than some models available, locking system can become stiff to adjustQuestionable graphicsExpensive, not for the careless userIn the more expensive rangeExpensive, blades prone to wear if not treated well, locking mechanism can get sticky
Bottom Line Don’t be fooled by the bland rental paddle look, the Skagit FG has premium quality features and is able to perform.A versatile, lightweight and reliable paddle that delivered a strong performance across all metrics.A featherweight full carbon paddle engineered to provide you with an exceptionally smooth but powerful performance.This paddle consistently was a top performer across all metrics and it was not hard to select this paddle as a winner.This paddle is designed for those looking for a higher performance option.
Rating Categories Werner Skagit FG Pungo Glass Werner Kalliste Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon Werner Camano
Performance (40%)
10
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5
10
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9
10
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10
10
0
8
10
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7
Ease Of Adjustment (20%)
10
0
8
10
0
10
10
0
7
10
0
10
10
0
8
Locking Mechanism Security (15%)
10
0
9
10
0
10
10
0
9
10
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10
10
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9
Weight (15%)
10
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6
10
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8
10
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10
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8
10
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9
Durability (10%)
10
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9
10
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8
10
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7
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9
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8
Specs Werner Skagit FG Pungo Glass Werner Kalliste Aqua-Bound Sting... Werner Camano
Measured Weight 1000g 970g 816g 850g 820g
Shaft Material / Construction Carbon blend 50% carbon/50% fiberglass Carbon fiber Carbon Carbon blend
Blade Shape Dihedral, asymmetrical Asymmetrical Asymmetrical Dihedral, asymmetrical Dihedral, asymmetrical
Shaft Shape Straight Straight Straight Straight Straight
Style Low-Angle Low-Angle Low-Angle Low-Angle Low-Angle
Offset 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R None 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R
Weight (230cm) advertised 953g 850.5g 652g 865g 761g
Breaks Down To 2 piece 2 piece 2 piece 2 piece 2 piece
Blade Material/Construction Fiberglass reinforced nylon fiberglass composite Carbon fiber/foam core abX Carbon Reinforced Nylon Fiberglass laminate
Length Options 205 to 260 cm in 5 cm increments 220 - 240 cm 220, 230, 240 cm 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 cm 205 to 260 cm in 5 cm increments
Adjustment style Smart View Adjustable Rock-solid Leverlock® ferrule system Push button Posi-Lok® ferrule system Smart View Adjustable
Other Options Also available with higher blade construction Also available with higher blade construction ( Pungo Carbon) N/A Available with smaller diameter shaft N/A

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 dihedral blade design helps to reduce flutter in this paddle.
The dihedral blade design helps to reduce flutter in this paddle.

Performance


This paddle didn't have the higher performance feel of paddles with a carbon or fiberglass blade construction. 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 other budget options tested, the blades deliver a more effective stroke, with less flutter.

The Smart view adjustment system is easy to use.
The Smart view adjustment system is easy to use.

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.

Testers found this paddle to be a dependable and reasonably priced paddle.
Testers found this paddle to be a dependable and reasonably priced paddle.

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.
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.

We tested this paddle in rough conditions and were not disappointed.
We tested this paddle in rough conditions and were not disappointed.

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.

This budget paddle has adjustable drip rings.
This budget paddle has adjustable drip rings.

Value


The Skagit delivers many features of a premium paddle 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 for $100 less, so some may argue that this price is still steep for a first paddle purchase. If you expect to be using this for multiple years to come, we think this is a great investment for introductory and emerging kayakers.

The testers were quicker to tire using the Skagit than Camano due to its heavier blades.
The testers were quicker to tire using the Skagit than Camano due to its heavier blades.

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.

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 for fishing


— Sara James