The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of outdoor gear

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
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Price:  $60 List | $39.71 at Amazon
Pros:  Functional, low cost
Cons:  Heavy
Manufacturer:   Own the Wave
By Shey Kiester ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Aug 4, 2017
  • Share this article:
59
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#10 of 10
  • Performance - 30% 6
  • Weight - 20% 4
  • Ease of adjustment - 20% 7
  • Locking Mechanism - 20% 7
  • Aesthetics - 10% 5

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 has the lowest price point in our test. This model definitely won't break the bank. With that said, you can get spend just a few more dollars and get the Bullet Proof Surf Alloy, which has more performance value.


Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Awards  Best Buy Award  Top Pick Award  
Price $39.71 at Amazon$170.00 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers		$151.96 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$199.00 at REI$129.00 at REI
Overall Score Sort Icon
100
0
59
100
0
85
100
0
84
100
0
84
100
0
77
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros Functional, low costCuts cleanly through water, durable bladeEasy and sturdy adjustment, lightweight, high performanceLightweight, strong, easy on the body to useHigh performance, relatively inexpensive
Cons HeavyHeavy, looks like a toySmaller adjustment rangeThe handle allows excellent grip but can become uncomfortableHeavy, not adjustable
Bottom Line A heavy paddle, the Own the Wave Adjustable has the lowest retail price in our review.The Vibe is a great all-around paddle that moves water well and is easy to manage.The Aqua-Bound Challenge has a a high-performance paddle for serious paddlers.This is a high-performance paddle that is easy to pull through the water.The high-performer Makai was a favorite among some of our testers, while others felt it was too heavy.
Rating Categories Own the Wave Adjustable Alloy Werner Vibe Aqua-Bound Challenge 85 KIALOA Insanity KIALOA Makai
Performance (30%)
10
0
6
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
Weight (20%)
10
0
4
10
0
6
10
0
9
10
0
6
10
0
4
Ease Of Adjustment (20%)
10
0
7
10
0
10
10
0
8
10
0
10
10
0
9
Locking Mechanism (20%)
10
0
7
10
0
10
10
0
8
10
0
10
10
0
10
Aesthetics (10%)
10
0
5
10
0
6
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
7
Specs Own the Wave... Werner Vibe Aqua-Bound... KIALOA Insanity KIALOA Makai
Weight 2 lbs 1.7 lbs 1.3 lbs 1.56 lbs 2 lbs
Blade Design Concave Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral
Blade Shape Teardrop Rectangular Rectangular Teardrop Teardrop
Offset 10 degrees 10 degrees 10 degrees 8 degrees
Blade Material Nylon composite Injection molded fiberglass epX engineered polymer reinforced with carbon Fiberglass fibrlite Nylon reinforced fiberglass
Blade Dimensions 95 sq in 100 sq in 85 sq in 83 sq in 85 sq in
Shaft Material Lightweight alloy Fiberglass Carbon Durable fiberglass Textured fiberglass
Adjustablility (inches) 18" 16" 10.5" 16" 16"
Length Range (inches) 71"- 83" 68" - 84" 70" - 80" 70"-86" 70" - 86"
Number of Pieces 2-piece (available in 2 or 3) 3-piece (available in 1, 2, or 3) 2-piece 1-piece (avaliable in 1 or 3) 1-piece
Compact Size 65" 34.5" 66" NA NA
Warranty 12 months 1 year 2 years 12 months 1 year
Comes with cover No No No No No
Locking Mechanism "TwinPin" Collar Clamp Handle LeverLock "Performance" Snap Button Handle LeverLock Handle LeverLock

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


The Own the Wave is so inexpensive it's hard to get picky about performance. It works.
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 got the job done. With a large, teardrop-shaped paddle, testers found that they were able to manipulate their course with the paddle, but its heavy weight made it difficult to enact quick movements and tight turns.

Weight


This product was one of the heavier ones 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. If you're looking for a paddle that has a bit less adjustability and makes up for it in performance, we recommend the Werner Vibe or the BPS Alloy.

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 Werner Vibe and Kialoa Makai models, this adjustment was intuitive and straightforward and did not require a screwdriver.

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.

Compactability


This model performed in the middle of the pack when it came to how compactable it was. While obviously not as capable of shrinking down as the three-piece paddles in this review, this model was able to come down to a total height of 65 inches. Most of our testers found that this provided plenty of room to stow the model in a car or truck. If you plan on flying with your SUP setup, look at the iGK, which is a three-piece paddle that break down efficiently.

The large teardrop blade demands power but is fine for brief or playful family paddles.
The large, teardrop blade demands power but is fine for brief or playful family paddles.

Best Applications


Perfect for families who plan on letting many users of varying heights use the SUP setup, this paddle is adjustable and affordable.

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