Aqua-Bound Challenge 85 Review
Cons: Smaller adjustment range
Manufacturer: Aqua-Bound
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
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Aqua-Bound Challenge 85 | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $190 List | $364.00 at Backcountry | $170.00 at REI | $144.00 at REI | $285 List |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Easy and sturdy adjustment, lightweight, high performance | Lightweight, easy to adjust, high performance | Cuts cleanly through water, durable blade | High performance, relatively inexpensive | Beautifully crafted, lightweight, well-balanced |
Cons | Smaller adjustment range | Pricey, blade can flutter | Heavy, looks like a toy | Heavy, not adjustable | Snap-button adjustment system isn't the easiest to use |
Bottom Line | High-performance with an easy locking mechanism, this paddle is for serious users | A high scorer, this model is a lightweight high performer | The vibe provides excellent value for a high performing paddle | The Makai packs a performance punch, but it is a bit on the hefty side | Not just another pretty paddle! This model combines aesthetics and high performance materials |
Rating Categories | Aqua-Bound Challenge 85 | Werner Trance 95 Performance | Werner Vibe | KIALOA Makai | Bending Branches Balance |
Performance (30%) | |||||
Weight (20%) | |||||
Ease Of Adjustment (20%) | |||||
Locking Mechanism (20%) | |||||
Aesthetics (10%) | |||||
Specs | Aqua-Bound... | Werner Trance 95... | Werner Vibe | KIALOA Makai | Bending Branches... |
Paddle Weight | 1.3 lbs | 1.2 lbs | 1.7 lbs | 2 lbs | 1.6 lbs |
Blade Design | Dihedral | Dihedral | Dihedral | Dihedral | Flat |
Blade Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular | Rectangular | Teardrop | Rectangular |
Offset | 10 degrees | 10 degrees | 10 degrees | 8 degrees | 10 degrees |
Blade Material | epX engineered polymer reinforced with carbon | Carbon | Injection molded fiberglass | Nylon reinforced fiberglass | Red Alder, Basswood, Roasted Basswood |
Blade Dimensions | 85 sq in | 95 sq in | 100 sq in | 85 sq in | 85 sq in |
Shaft Material | Carbon | Carbon | Fiberglass | Textured fiberglass | Carbon |
Adjustablility (inches) | 10.5" | 8" | 16" | 16" | 10" |
Length Range (inches) | 70" - 80" | 70" - 78" | 74" - 82" | 80" - 88" | 68" - 84" | 70" - 86" | 70"-80" |
Number of Pieces | 2-piece | 1-piece (available in 1, 2, or 3) | 3-piece (available in 1, 2, or 3) | 1-piece | 1-piece (available in 1 or 2) |
Compact Size | 66" | NA | 34.5" | NA | NA |
Warranty | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Comes with cover | No | No | No | No | No |
Locking Mechanism | "Performance" Snap Button | Handle LeverLock | Handle LeverLock | Handle LeverLock | Snap Button |
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
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.
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.
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