The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of 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 | $39.99 at Amazon
Pros:  Functional, low cost
Cons:  Heavy
Manufacturer:   Own the Wave
By Shey Kiester ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 18, 2019
  • Share this article:
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
#13 of 14
  • 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 is one of the least expensive models we have tested.


Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award  Top Pick Award 
Price $39.99 at Amazon$270 List$170.00 at REI$189.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$198.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
100
0
59
100
0
92
100
0
85
100
0
84
100
0
84
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 costGreat paddling performance, lightweight, compact for travelingCuts cleanly through water, durable bladeEasy and sturdy adjustment, lightweight, high performanceLightweight, strong, easy on the body to use
Cons HeavySlight paddle flutterHeavy, looks like a toySmaller adjustment rangeThe handle allows excellent grip but can become uncomfortable
Bottom Line If you're looking for a paddle that won't break the bank, this is your option.The Lock and Load is easily one of the best paddles we have tested to date and breaks down into 3 pieces for easy transportThe vibe provides excellent value for a high performing paddle.High-performance with an easy locking mechanism, this paddle is for serious users.Users will appreciate the Insanity's high performance and updated lever-lock adjustment system.
Rating Categories Own the Wave Adjustable Alloy Hala Travel Lock & Load Werner Vibe Aqua-Bound Challenge 85 KIALOA Insanity
Performance (30%)
10
0
6
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
8
Weight (20%)
10
0
4
10
0
10
10
0
6
10
0
9
10
0
6
Ease Of Adjustment (20%)
10
0
7
10
0
10
10
0
10
10
0
8
10
0
10
Locking Mechanism (20%)
10
0
7
10
0
10
10
0
10
10
0
8
10
0
10
Aesthetics (10%)
10
0
5
10
0
8
10
0
6
10
0
7
10
0
8
Specs Own the Wave... Hala Travel Lock &... Werner Vibe Aqua-Bound... KIALOA Insanity
Paddle Weight 2 lbs 1.125 lbs 1.7 lbs 1.3 lbs 1.56 lbs
Blade Design Concave Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral
Blade Shape Teardrop Teardrop Rectangular Rectangular Teardrop
Offset Unavailible 10 degrees 10 degrees 10 degrees 10 degrees
Blade Material Nylon composite Polycarbonate Injection molded fiberglass epX engineered polymer reinforced with carbon Fiberglass fibrlite
Blade Dimensions 95 sq in Unavailible 100 sq in 85 sq in 83 sq in
Shaft Material Lightweight alloy Carbon Fiberglass Carbon Durable fiberglass
Adjustablility (inches) 18" 16" 16" 10.5" 16"
Length Range (inches) 71"- 83" 62"-78" 68" - 84" 70" - 80" 70"-86"
Number of Pieces 2-piece (available in 2 or 3) 3-piece 3-piece (available in 1, 2, or 3) 2-piece 1-piece (avaliable in 1 or 3)
Compact Size 65" 41" 34.5" 66" NA
Warranty 1 year 3 years 1 year 2 years 1 year
Comes with cover No No No No No
Locking Mechanism "TwinPin" Collar Clamp Handle LeverLock Handle LeverLock "Performance" Snap Button 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 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.

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.

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.

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