Reviews You Can Rely On

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
werner skagit fg kayak paddle review
Credit: Werner
Price:  $155 List
Manufacturer:   Werner
By Sara James ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 23, 2018
68
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 14
  • Performance - 40% 5.0
  • Ease of Adjustment - 20% 8.0
  • Locking Mechanism Security - 15% 9.0
  • Weight - 15% 6.0
  • Quality of Construction - 10% 9.0

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.
REASONS TO BUY
Secure locking mechanism
Light weight carbon blend shaft
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier than some models available
Locking system can become stiff to adjust

Compare to Similar Products

 
werner skagit fg kayak paddle review
This Product
Werner Skagit FG
Awards   Best Buy Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award 
Price $155.00 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$225 List
$104.93 at REI
$124 List
$99.20 at Backcountry
$125 List
$114.95 at REI
$59.96 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
68
86
59
55
45
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros Secure locking mechanism, light weight carbon blend shaftVery sturdy and durable locking mechanism, smooth blade performance, easy to adjust, lightweightExceptional value, quality blade design, fiberglass reinforced nylon bladesDurable blade and shaft construction, ribbed fiberglass shaft provides textured gripAffordable, durable blade construction
Cons Heavier than some models available, locking system can become stiff to adjustIn the more expensive rangeHeavier than some models, locking mechanism prone to wobbleHeavy blades, play in snap button locking mechanism systemHeavy aluminum shaft, play in locking mechanism
Bottom Line Don’t be fooled by the bland rental paddle look, the Skagit FG has premium quality features and is able to performThis paddle consistently was a top performer across all metrics and it was not hard to select this paddle as a winnerThis well-designed paddle delivers outstanding value without sacrificing on performance or durabilityThis model features durable blades that deliver powerful strokes at an affordable priceThis is an affordable entry-level paddle that can get you and your family out on the water
Rating Categories Werner Skagit FG Aqua-Bound Sting Ra... Werner Baja Carlisle Magic Plus Bending Branches Wh...
Performance (40%)
5.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
3.0
Ease of Adjustment (20%)
8.0
9.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
Locking Mechanism Security (15%)
9.0
10.0
5.0
5.0
6.0
Weight (15%)
6.0
8.0
5.0
4.0
5.0
Quality of Construction (10%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
Specs Werner Skagit FG Aqua-Bound Sting Ra... Werner Baja Carlisle Magic Plus Bending Branches Wh...
Measured Weight 35.3 oz 30.0 oz 37.7 oz 42.0 oz 37.0 oz
Shaft Material Carbon blend Carbon Fiberglass Fiberglass Aluminum
Shaft Shape Round Round Round Round Round, oval
Blade Material Fiberglass reinforced nylon abX Carbon reinforced nylon Fiberglass reinforced nylon Fiberglass reinforced polypropylene Polypropylene
Blade Shape Dihedral, asymmetrical Dihedral, asymmetrical Dihedral, asymmetrical Asymmetrical Dihedral, asymmetrical
Adjustment Style Smart view adjustable Posi-Lok ferrule system Push button Push button Push button w/ basic ferrule
Blade Offset Settings 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R L45, 0, R45 L45, 0, R45 L45, 0, R45
Length Options 205 to 260cm in 5cm increments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250cm 220, 230, 240cm 220, 230, 240cm 220, 230, 240cm
Style Low-angle Low-angle Low-angle Low-angle Low-angle

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


werner skagit fg kayak paddle review - the dihedral blade design helps to reduce flutter in this paddle.
The dihedral blade design helps to reduce flutter in this paddle.
Credit: Sara James

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.

werner skagit fg kayak paddle review - the smart view adjustment system is easy to use.
The Smart view adjustment system is easy to use.
Credit: Sara James

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.

werner skagit fg kayak paddle review - testers found this paddle to be a dependable and reasonably priced...
Testers found this paddle to be a dependable and reasonably priced paddle.
Credit: Sara James

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.

werner skagit fg kayak paddle review - you take thousands of strokes when you go kayaking. make sure these...
You take thousands of strokes when you go kayaking. Make sure these are the best they can be.
Credit: Sara James

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.

werner skagit fg kayak paddle review - we tested this paddle in rough conditions and were not disappointed.
We tested this paddle in rough conditions and were not disappointed.
Credit: Sara James

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.

werner skagit fg kayak paddle review - this budget paddle has adjustable drip rings.
This budget paddle has adjustable drip rings.
Credit: Sara James

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.

werner skagit fg kayak paddle review - the testers were quicker to tire using the skagit than camano due to...
The testers were quicker to tire using the Skagit than Camano due to its heavier blades.
Credit: Sara James

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
 
You Might Also Like

Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.

GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.

Learn More