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Super Paddles Elite 12K Bamboo Review

The Elite 12K is great when it comes to looks and portability but could be better when it comes to performance
super paddles elite 12k bamboo sup paddle review
Credit: Super Paddle
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Price:  $300 List
Manufacturer:   Super Paddles
By Marissa Fox ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 16, 2019
74
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 14
  • Performance - 30% 7.0
  • Weight - 20% 7.0
  • Ease of Adjustment - 20% 8.0
  • Locking Mechanism - 20% 7.0
  • Aesthetics - 10% 9.0

Our Verdict

If you value portability and looks just as much — if not more — than actual paddling performance, the Elite 12K Bamboo from Super Paddles might be a great option. It has a sleek and stylish look, with the bamboo patterned blade setting it apart from the rest of the group and contrasts with the carbon shaft in a visually striking way. However, we weren't overly enamored with how it felt to paddle compared to some of the top-tier models.
REASONS TO BUY
Looks great
Compact travel size
REASONS TO AVOID
Paddling performance could be better
Handle shape isn’t for everyone

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award Best Buy Award 
Price $300 List
$199.95 at Amazon
$380 List$285 List
$294.95 at Amazon
$178 List$65 List
$62.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Looks great, compact travel sizeLightweight, easy to adjust, high performanceFantastic paddling performance, easy to adjust, stylishCuts cleanly through water, durable bladeInexpensive, large adjustment range, durable nylon blade
Cons Paddling performance could be better, handle shape isn’t for everyonePricey, blade can flutterPriceyHeavy, looks like a toy, flutters under waterHeavy, top grip feels cheap, shaft bends during power stroke
Bottom Line The Elite 12K is great when it comes to looks and portability but could be better when it comes to performanceThe Trance is a breath of fresh air, with good performance and an unbelievably lightweight constructionWe think this is one of the best options for most people shopping for a top-tier paddleThe Vibe has a unique shape that functions as a solid all-around paddle that moves water wellAn affordable and highly adjustable paddle that will stand up to multiple users and rough usage
Rating Categories Super Paddles Elite... Werner Trance 95 Pe... Aqua Bound Malta Fi... Werner Vibe Barrel Point Surf A...
Performance (30%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
Weight (20%)
7.0
10.0
10.0
5.0
4.0
Ease of Adjustment (20%)
8.0
10.0
10.0
8.0
5.0
Locking Mechanism (20%)
7.0
10.0
9.0
10.0
6.0
Aesthetics (10%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
4.0
7.0
Specs Super Paddles Elite... Werner Trance 95 Pe... Aqua Bound Malta Fi... Werner Vibe Barrel Point Surf A...
Paddle Weight 1.5 lbs 1.2 lbs 1.2 lbs 1.9 lbs 2.2 lbs
Number of Pieces 3-piece 1-piece (available in 1, 2, or 3) 2-piece 2-Piece 2-piece
Shaft Material 12K Carbon Fiber Carbon 100% Carbon Fiberglass Aluminum
Length Range 72 in - 86 in 70 in - 78 in, 74 in - 82 in, 80 in - 88 in 64 - 74, 70 - 80, 76 - 86 in 68 in - 84 in 65 in - 83 in
Shaft Adjustablility 14 in 8 in 10 in 16 in 18 in
Blade Material Bamboo Carbon Fiberglass Fiberglass reinforced injected molded nylon Nylon composite
Blade Dimensions Not listed 95 sq in 87 sq in 100 sq in 95 sq in
Blade Shape Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular Teardrop Teardrop
Blade Design Concave Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral
Offset 10 degrees 10 degrees 10 degrees 10 degrees 10.5 degrees
Compact Size 37 in NA 70 in 34.5 in 65 in
Includes Cover Yes No No No Yes
Locking Mechanism Handle LeverLock Handle LeverLock Interior Spring Pin Handle LeverLock "TwinPin" Collar Clamp

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Elite 12K Bamboo is a three-piece paddle that is a great option for traveling, with a carrying case included with purchase. However, there are some concessions made when it comes to paddling performance for all that compactibility, as it didn't feel as secure or as powerful when paddling as some of the 2-piece models.

Performance Comparison


super paddles elite 12k bamboo sup paddle review - the bamboo classic is stylish and easily transported with its...
The Bamboo Classic is stylish and easily transported with its 3-piece design, but we wished it paddled just a bit better.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Performance


Our most significant testing metric for each paddle is our Performance metric, which makes up 30% of the final score for each paddle. In this metric, we ranked and compared how it felt to use each adjustable SUP paddle on the water, looking specifically at its entry and exit from the water, how it felt on the power stroke as you pulled it through the water, and how easy it was to set up for the next paddle stroke. The Elite 12K Bamboo is one of the better paddles of the group in this regard, though not the best, earning it a spot in the upper portion of the group.

The Super Paddles enters the water fairly smoothly but doesn't have quite the same catch that other paddles do. It has a flatter blade with much less pronounced of a scoop than other paddles. We thought that it took less effort per paddle stroke but you definitely get less power, akin to paddling in a lower gear. However, we noticed a bit of a flutter if you tried to put too much power into a paddle stroke

super paddles elite 12k bamboo sup paddle review - the shaft of the elite 12k feels just a bit more wobbly than...
The shaft of the Elite 12K feels just a bit more wobbly than comparable 2-piece carbon models.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The paddle makes a fairly clean exit from the water and is balanced well enough for an easy recovery motion. However, the handle grip isn't our favorite but that may just be a matter of personal preference and the shaft seems to have a little more flex than other carbon paddles we have tested.

Weight


Our next metric focused on how much each of these paddles weighs and accounts for 20% of the Super Paddles Elite 12K's total score. Even with the added weight of a lower locking mechanism, the Elite 12K runs on the lighter side for these products, earning it an above-average score.


This adjustable SUP paddle weighs about one and a half pounds, with the typical paddle ranging from just over one pound to about two and a half pounds.

super paddles elite 12k bamboo sup paddle review - the elite 12k is fairly easy to adjust but does require a...
The Elite 12K is fairly easy to adjust but does require a screwdriver to set the clamping pressure, which can be problematic if it loosens while on the water.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Ease of Adjustment


The Super Paddles Elite 12K did decently well in our next two metrics, both of which have to do with adjusting the length of the paddle and each responsible for 20% of its overall score. When it came to ease of adjustment, the Elite 12K finished just behind the top-tier paddles.


This paddle has an adjustment range of 14" and can be set from 72" to 86". It slides smoothly and easily and isn't too bad to adjust on the water. However, the locking mechanism isn't our favorite, which carries us to our next testing metric.

Locking Mechanism


While the Elite 12K has — in our opinion — the worst of the three common locking mechanisms, it at least executes it well. This adjustable paddle uses an on-handle lever lock, which we would rank behind the TwinPin and handle LeverLock systems but it securely held in our tests and was easy to engage and disengage, putting it on par with some of the TwinPin paddles in terms of scores.


However, we will concede that it gives us some cause for concern. You need a screwdriver to tighten this mechanism if it comes loose and, while this never happened to us in the course of our testing, it could be quite catastrophic if it happened on the water. You still could paddle if this happened, just with reduced efficiency with the shorter length.

The locking mechanism for the blade to the middle section of the paddle is a simple push-button that holds it fairly well but allows the paddle to flex a bit more than some of the other three-piece models we have tested.

super paddles elite 12k bamboo sup paddle review - the 3-piece super paddles bamboo classic has a bit more flex than...
The 3-piece Super Paddles Bamboo Classic has a bit more flex than some of the other paddles.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Aesthetics


For our final metric, we compared how each paddle looks. While this obviously doesn't impact their paddling performance, we just enjoy nice-looking equipment, so this metric accounts for the remaining 10% of the total score for the Elite 12K. Our panel unanimously agreed that this paddle is one of the better-looking models, earning it top marks.


In our opinion, it's hard to beat a paddle that uses wood veneer in the style department. The bamboo veneer on the blade sets this paddle apart from most of the other products we tested and various testers were drawn to it over and over again.

Value


Unfortunately, the Elite 12K isn't the best value, at least in terms of paddling performance. While this paddle is great in the looks and portability departments, some paddles perform much better and cost less.

Conclusion


Overall, the Elite 12K is a decent paddle, we would probably just recommend other models over this one. It looks great and is easy to transport but is just a bit on the pricey side unless you place higher stock in those characteristics compared to how the paddle actually performs in the water.

Marissa Fox
 
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