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Aqua-Bound Challenge 85 Review

The Aqua-Bound Challenge has a a high-performance paddle for serious paddlers
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aqua-bound challenge 85 sup paddle review
Aqua-Bound Challenge 85
Credit: aqua-bound
Price:  $220 List
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Manufacturer:   Aqua-Bound
By Shey Kiester ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 18, 2019
84
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 14
  • Performance - 30% 9.0
  • Weight - 20% 9.0
  • Ease of Adjustment - 20% 8.0
  • Locking Mechanism - 20% 8.0
  • Aesthetics - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

There are no two ways about it: The Aqua-Bound Challenge 85 is a high-performance paddle. With a shaft constructed from carbon and a blade made of polymer-reinforced carbon, this model is both light and durable. A long, rectangular blade allows this product to maneuver quickly and nimbly. Plus, the Performance adjust system makes the paddle quick, intuitive, and simple to change lengths. We liked that the locking mechanism on the Challenge 85 does not get in the way of the user's hand during paddling or while changing hands.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy and sturdy adjustment
Lightweight
High performance
REASONS TO AVOID
Smaller adjustment range

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Easy and sturdy adjustment, lightweight, high performanceFantastic paddling performance, easy to adjust, stylishEasy to adjust, sleek, great paddle performanceCuts cleanly through water, durable bladeInexpensive, large adjustment range, durable nylon blade
Cons Smaller adjustment rangePriceyHandle more prone to hotspotsHeavy, looks like a toy, flutters under waterHeavy, top grip feels cheap, shaft bends during power stroke
Bottom Line The Aqua-Bound Challenge has a a high-performance paddle for serious paddlersWe think this is one of the best options for most people shopping for a top-tier paddleThis top-tier SUP paddle is designed with female paddlers in mind, offering easy adjustability and excellent paddling performanceThe Vibe has a unique shape that functions as a solid all-around paddle that moves water wellAn affordable and highly adjustable paddle that will stand up to multiple users and rough usage
Rating Categories Aqua-Bound Challeng... Aqua Bound Malta Fi... Kialoa Tiare Fiberg... Werner Vibe Barrel Point Surf A...
Performance (30%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
Weight (20%)
9.0
10.0
7.0
5.0
4.0
Ease of Adjustment (20%)
8.0
10.0
10.0
8.0
5.0
Locking Mechanism (20%)
8.0
9.0
10.0
10.0
6.0
Aesthetics (10%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
4.0
7.0
Specs Aqua-Bound Challeng... Aqua Bound Malta Fi... Kialoa Tiare Fiberg... Werner Vibe Barrel Point Surf A...
Paddle Weight 1.3 lbs 1.2 lbs 1.5 lbs 1.9 lbs 2.2 lbs
Number of Pieces 2-piece 2-piece 2-piece 2-Piece 2-piece
Shaft Material Carbon 100% Carbon Fiberglass Fiberglass Aluminum
Length Range 70 in - 80 in 64 - 74, 70 - 80, 76 - 86 in 66 in - 82 in 68 in - 84 in 65 in - 83 in
Shaft Adjustablility 10.5 in 10 in 16 in 16 in 18 in
Blade Material epX engineered polymer reinforced with carbon Fiberglass Fiberglass Fibrlite Fiberglass reinforced injected molded nylon Nylon composite
Blade Dimensions 85 sq in 87 sq in 80 sq in 100 sq in 95 sq in
Blade Shape Rectangular Rectangular Teardrop Teardrop Teardrop
Blade Design Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral
Offset 10 degrees 10 degrees 10 degrees 10 degrees 10.5 degrees
Compact Size 66 in 70 in 66 in 34.5 in 65 in
Includes Cover No No No No Yes
Locking Mechanism "Performance" Snap Button Interior Spring Pin Handle LeverLock Handle LeverLock "TwinPin" Collar Clamp

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Aqua-Bound Challenge was among the top contenders regarding performance, with lightweight construction and a well-designed blade. This paddle is best for serious users who appreciate a paddle that can help them push their limits, even if it means paying a bit more for initially.

Performance Comparison


aqua-bound challenge 85 sup paddle review - the challenge is a high-performing paddle that's lightweight and...
The Challenge is a high-performing paddle that's lightweight and easy to adjust.

Performance


This paddle is lightweight and agile, and users felt that it was easy to manipulate their crafts when paddling, and quick motions were not a problem. Because of the paddle's 10-degree offset, backstrokes are also easy. Unlike other lightweight paddles, this model's balance was not thrown off by its heavier locking mechanism.

This SUP paddle has a great catch and powers through the water easily. The Challenge 85 enters and exits the water very smoothly, all while being very light and making it easy to set up for the next paddle stroke. We didn't have any flutter issues even at maximum power, with the blade shedding the water evenly and failing to create any undesirable vortices.

aqua-bound challenge 85 sup paddle review - the aqua-bound's blade.
The Aqua-Bound's blade.

Weight


While not the lightest product in the test, this model weighed in at just 1.3 pounds, which is much lighter than the heavier and less nimble models in the test.


Ease of Adjustment


This paddle features a Performance adjustment system, which makes it one of the easiest-to-adjust paddles in our review. The paddle has six adjustment holes and a small steel button that you compress to lengthen or shorten the paddle. It's simple to do and allows a group to share one paddle easily. This model has an adjustment range of 10.5 inches, which was not the highest in our test. If you plan on sharing your paddle between multiple users, consider an easier-to-adjust model with a wider range of possible lengths.

Locking Mechanism


The Aqua-Bound featured our testers' second-favorite locking mechanism. The adjustment mechanism features six holes spaced along the shaft of the paddle. Just press a metal button and extend or contract the paddle. After it's adjusted there is very little play in the handle and the connection feels quite solid.

However, this locking mechanism can be more prone to corrosion than other models or can become much more difficult to operate if dirt or grime gets inside. This isn't a huge issue but you do want to make sure you take the time to rinse it off after you are done paddling, particularly if you were paddling in saltwater.

aqua-bound challenge 85 sup paddle review - here are two "performance" adjustment systems. the aqua-bound paddle...
Here are two "performance" adjustment systems. The Aqua-Bound paddle is at the top, the older version of the Trance is on the bottom.

Aesthetics


For our last testing metric, we rated and compared how each paddle looked, since everyone wants to look at least a little stylish while they are SUPping. Unfortunately, the Aqua-Bound Challenge 85 is a paddle first and a style statement second. It has an overall generic and uninspiring look, but we did appreciate the accent graphics on the blade.

Value


This model packs a lot of performance in a relatively affordable package. While it is slightly less high-performance than the top-tier models, it is also a lot easier on your pocketbook.

Conclusion


The Aqua-Bound Challenge 85 is a high-performance model with an easy locking mechanism and lightweight construction, making it a good paddle for serious users who want performance for their dollar.

Shey Kiester
 

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