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Own the Wave Adjustable Alloy Review

A heavy paddle, the Own the Wave Adjustable has the lowest retail price in our review
Own the Wave Adjustable Alloy
Own the Wave Adjustable Alloy
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Price:  $60 List
Pros:  Functional, low cost
Cons:  Heavy
Manufacturer:   Own the Wave
By Shey Kiester ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 18, 2019
Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more
59
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#11 of 14
  • Performance - 30% 6.0
  • Weight - 20% 4.0
  • Ease of Adjustment - 20% 7.0
  • Locking Mechanism - 20% 7.0
  • Aesthetics - 10% 5.0

Our Verdict

The Own the Wave model was not a favorite for most of our testers because of its heavy weight. This model weighs in at 2 pounds, which is almost a full pound heavier than the lightest model in this review. However, the nylon blade and alloy shaft are durable and withstood an onslaught of abuse when subjected to whitewater and choppy waves. This model features a TwinPin adjustment system, which is versatile, intuitive, and easy to use. Although this model did not excel in any performance metric, it is one of the least expensive models we have tested.

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Awards   Best Buy Award Best Buy Award  
Price $60 List$199 List
Check Price at REI		$129 List
$114.00 at Backcountry		Check Price at Amazon$42 List
$29.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
59
86
85
61
50
Star Rating
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Pros Functional, low costEasy to adjust, sleek, great paddle performanceCuts cleanly through water, durable bladeInexpensive, large adjustment range, durable nylon bladeInexpensive, easy to transport
Cons HeavyHandle more prone to hotspotsHeavy, looks like a toyHeavy, locking mechanism can get in the way of hands when switching hands and/or paddlingSo-so performance, looks cheap
Bottom Line A heavy paddle, the Own the Wave Adjustable has the lowest retail price in our reviewThis top-tier SUP paddle is designed with female paddlers in mind, offering easy adjustability and excellent paddling performanceThe Vibe is a great all-around paddle that moves water well and is easy to manageThis sturdy paddle is affordable, tough, and durableThis paddle is one of the least expensive options but performed commensurate to its price tag
Rating Categories Own the Wave Adjust... Kialoa Tiare Fiberg... Werner Vibe Bullet Proof Surf A... SUPply Co 3-Piece P...
Performance (30%)
6.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
5.0
Weight (20%)
4.0
7.0
6.0
3.0
3.0
Ease of Adjustment (20%)
7.0
10.0
10.0
7.0
5.0
Locking Mechanism (20%)
7.0
10.0
10.0
7.0
7.0
Aesthetics (10%)
5.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
Specs Own the Wave Adjust... Kialoa Tiare Fiberg... Werner Vibe Bullet Proof Surf A... SUPply Co 3-Piece P...
Paddle Weight 2.0 lbs 1.5 lbs 1.7 lbs 2.2 lbs 2.1 lbs
Shaft Material Alloy Fiberglass Fiberglass Aluminum Aluminum
Blade Dimensions 95 sq in 80 sq in 100 sq in 95 sq in Not listed
Blade Material Nylon composite Fiberglass Fibrlite Injection molded fiberglass Nylon composite Nylon
Blade Design Concave Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral Concave/Flat
Blade Shape Teardrop Teardrop Rectangular Teardrop Teardrop
Offset Not listed 10 degrees 10 degrees 10.5 degrees Not listed
Adjustablility (inches) 18 in 16 in 16 in 18 in 18 in
Length Range (inches) 71 in - 83 in 66 in - 82 in 68 in - 84 in 71 in - 83 in 67-85
Number of Pieces 2-piece (available in 2 or 3) 2-piece 3-piece (available in 1, 2, or 3) 2-piece 3-piece
Compact Size 65 in 66 in 34.5 in 65 in
Includes Cover No No No Yes No
Locking Mechanism "TwinPin" Collar Clamp Handle LeverLock Handle LeverLock "TwinPin" Collar Clamp Dual-Pin Collar Clamp

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Own the Wave model stood out for three reasons. It was one of the heaviest models in our test fleet. It had one of the widest adjustment ranges of the group. And, it was the cheapest model tested. All of this combined makes this paddle a great option for families who will share the paddle between many users and who don't want to spend a ton of cash.

While this model didn't earn top scores in every metric, it performed admirably and is a good option for families.

Performance Comparison


Own the Wave Adjustable Alloy sup paddle - the own the wave is so inexpensive it's hard to get picky about...
The Own the Wave is so inexpensive it's hard to get picky about performance. It works.

Performance


The Own the Wave model was not an all-star performer, but it gets the job done. With a large, teardrop-shaped paddle, testers found that they were able to manipulate their course with the paddle, but its heft made it difficult to enact quick movements and tight turns.

Weight


This product was one of the heavier paddles in our review, weighing in at 2 pounds. This shouldn't be a concern for users who don't focus heavily on performance, but if you are looking for a top-shelf paddle, this isn't the right choice for you.

Ease of Adjustment


With a TwinPin locking mechanism, this model is easy and intuitive to adjust. Our testers never had a problem with this locking mechanism, which is a huge bonus. Plus, the Own the Wave has numbers marking each adjustment hole, so when you are switching the paddle between many users, you can remember which height worked best for you and simply adjust the paddle to that height. With an 18-inch adjustment range, this paddle represented one of the widest adjustment ranges in our test fleet.

Own the Wave Adjustable Alloy sup paddle - the twinpin adjustment of the own the wave.
The TwinPin adjustment of the Own the Wave.

Locking Mechanism


This model features a TwinPin adjustment system. While not as easy to adjust as the LeverLock system found on the top-tier models, this adjustment was intuitive and straightforward. Even better, it does not require a screwdriver to set the clamping pressure.

This system operates by pushing out a "C" shaped collar clamp that releases an attached stainless steel pin from its adjustment hole and allows the shaft to be adjusted up or down. When you've reached your desired length, you push the clamp back in towards the shaft and the pin goes into the nearest hole.

Aesthetics


In terms of looks, The Own The Wave is about as plain as they come. This paddle is far from the most visually appealing adjustable SUP paddle that we have tested, earning it a lower score in this metric. Its generic black and silver look can't really match the futuristic carbon, decorative graphics, or natural wood veneer of other products we have tried.

Own the Wave Adjustable Alloy sup paddle - the large, teardrop blade demands power but is fine for brief or...
The large, teardrop blade demands power but is fine for brief or playful family paddles.

Value


This is the cheapest paddle in our review. If you are looking to get out on the water and don't mind a bit of extra bulk and lower performance, then this paddle will work just fine for your needs.

Conclusion


A sturdy model that is a bit on the heavier side, the Own the Wave paddle has an intuitive adjustment system and a large adjustment range, making it good for families who don't demand the highest level of performance.

— Shey Kiester
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