REASONS TO BUY
Easy and sturdy adjustment
Lightweight
High performance
REASONS TO AVOID
Smaller adjustment range
Aqua-Bound Challenge 85 Review
The Aqua-Bound Challenge has a a high-performance paddle for serious paddlers
Aqua-Bound Challenge 85
Credit: aqua-bound
RELATED: Best SUP Paddles of 2023
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.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Aqua-Bound Challenge 85 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | | ||
| Price | $219.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $199 List | $178.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Easy and sturdy adjustment, lightweight, high performance | Fantastic paddling performance, easy to adjust, stylish | Easy to adjust, sleek, great paddle performance | Cuts cleanly through water, durable blade | Inexpensive, large adjustment range, durable nylon blade |
| Cons | Smaller adjustment range | Pricey | Handle more prone to hotspots | Heavy, looks like a toy, flutters under water | Heavy, top grip feels cheap, shaft bends during power stroke |
| Bottom Line | The Aqua-Bound Challenge has a a high-performance paddle for serious paddlers | We think this is one of the best options for most people shopping for a top-tier paddle | This top-tier SUP paddle is designed with female paddlers in mind, offering easy adjustability and excellent paddling performance | The Vibe has a unique shape that functions as a solid all-around paddle that moves water well | An 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%) | |||||
| Weight (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Adjustment (20%) | |||||
| Locking Mechanism (20%) | |||||
| Aesthetics (10%) | |||||
| 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 |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
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
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.
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.
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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