Aqua Bound Malta Fiberglass 2-Piece Review

The Malta Fiberglass is our top choice for a high-performance paddle at a more accessible price point than many full-carbon options. In comparison to carbon paddles, the fiberglass Malta feels similarly both in-hand and while paddling.

Performance

For this metric, we scored each contender based on how ergonomic it was to hold, how balanced it felt, how smoothly it entered and exited the water, and how much power we could generate from each paddle stroke. The Malta Fiberglass did exceedingly well in this metric, earning one of the best overall scores.

This paddle has an all-carbon grip and shaft with a 10-degree offset for the blade. This design will feel light and comfortable for those who are ready to improve their paddling skills or considering engaging in SUP competitions. Each stroke is a bit longer, which is more efficient and saves energy during paddle trips. The contoured palm grip is comfortable in hand — there are no edges, seams, or openings to cause blisters or hot spots during longer periods of use.

The fiberglass blade has a rectangular shape with a dihedral profile to help scoop the water and minimize fluttering. We only noticed a small amount of flutter when driving the paddle at full power. The length of the blade increases the range of each complete stroke, which forces you to be more patient and intentional with each paddle stroke. The blade has a surface area of 87 square inches — not the largest, but this still allows for more than enough surface contact per paddle stroke. The size of the blade also contributes to directing your power more effectively when going for top speed. The additional attention to each paddle stroke can, initially, feel more fatiguing, which is something to consider if you are just starting out, transitioning to your first top-tier paddle, or want to advance your skills.

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Ease of Adjustment

This metric focuses on how quickly and easily the length of each paddle can be adjusted. The Malta Fiberglass offers 10 inches of adjustment and is available in three sizes: 64 to 74 inches, 70 to 80 inches, and 76 to 86 inches. Be sure to choose the size that can be adjusted most accurately for your height. Of note: our shorter testers noted that the longer blade required that they adjust the handle to a shorter setting.

This paddle has a series of holes that an internal spring pin catches. It is relatively easy to adjust; you have to press the pin into the paddle to release the two parts and then slide them against each other. Paddlers with longer fingernails found this adjustment to be a bit difficult, and you only have discrete lengths to choose from. Also, when the pin is released, the handle can spin freely, causing it to misalign while adjusting if you don't pay attention.

Locking Mechanism

Not only should a paddle be easy to adjust, it should also have a robust locking system. The Malta Fiberglass has a single internal spring pin that keeps the look and feel of the paddle handle sleek and clean.

There are no areas on the Malta where the grip rubs uncomfortably, which can result in hot spots or blisters. This type of locking mechanism is also one of the most secure we've tested. Once locked in place, the paddle is rigid and sturdy. There is no play in the handle or anywhere along the shaft. The carbon is stiff, the two pieces fit together perfectly, and we did not notice any flex while paddling. We did find that the glossy finish on the handle and paddle gets a bit more slippery when wet.

Weight

In the world of paddles, imbalance and extra ounces can increase fatigue. Using a heavier paddle over longer distances can make the recovery portion of your paddle stroke less efficient. The additional effort of gripping, swinging, and moving the paddle through the water requires extra strength and endurance. While not as light as full-carbon, the Malta Fiberglass is very light compared to many other paddles on the market.

This paddle is only surpassed in this metric by a few of the all-carbon offerings. Still, the Malta Fiberglass weighs just 2 ounces more than the lightest paddle in our line-up. It is a two-piece paddle, so it does not collapse as small as others, but the ability to separate the two parts means it can tuck in with your inflatable board or a case of its own. While holding this paddle in your hand or upon a few fingers, it feels light and balanced. In the water, each stroke feels strong and efficient. The fiberglass blade moves as easily through the water as the carbon versions we have tested. The recovery on each paddle stroke is smooth, which helps to minimize additional fatigue on marathon paddles.

Construction Quality

Our final testing metric concerns the quality of each paddle. The materials used to build the paddle are just one small piece of this puzzle. How they are constructed, finished, and attached affects the paddle's look, feel, and overall performance.

The Malta has a rectangular fiberglass paddle attached to a full carbon shaft. It's very sleek, with the hidden LeverLock locking mechanism adding to both quality and aesthetics. The lines flow cleanly from the shaft to the blade with no seams, ridges, tape, or clips. This paddle performs just as well as the fully carbon models we tested. The Compression Molded Fiberglass blade is the same shape as the carbon version, and this shape is our preferred style because it is long and wide. Once in the water, with an effective stroke, it transfers power more effectively than short, wide paddles or long, thinner ones. The carbon shaft and handle are stiff and rigid giving you the ability to direct your efforts directly to the paddle with each stroke.

Should You Buy the Aqua Bound Malta Fiberglass?

We think the Malta Fiberglass is a great value if you are searching for a high-performance adjustable SUP paddle. While it is more expensive compared to non-carbon paddles, it goes toe-to-toe with the extremely expensive high-end carbon options for performance, all while costing about 25% less.

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