Next up in our head-to-head comparison of Werner touring paddles will be the Corryvrecken versus the Ikelos. Both of these paddles represent the larger (with respect to blade area) of Werner’s high-angle touring paddles. The blade area makes these two paddles well suited for strong, injury-free paddlers looking for the most powerful strokes and braces. Both paddles feature Werner’s adjustable ferrule system and come in a variety of options (small shaft, neutral-bent shaft, various lengths, ect). Let the battle begin:
The Corryvrecken:
Layup: Carbon shaft with fiberglass blades (Premium); Carbon shaft with carbon blades (Performance)
Weight: 29oz (Premium); 28oz (Performance)
Blade Size: 710cm2
Cost (MSRP): $275 (Premium); $350 (Performance)
Feel on the water:
I purchased a fiberglass premium Corryvrecken about two-years ago as a performance touring paddle. My primary uses for the Corryvrecken were instruction, day-tripping, and surfing. Like the Ikelos, the Corryvrecken takes a little extra muscle to move through the water and provides considerable purchase during virtually any type of stroke. During forward strokes and reverse strokes, the Corryvrecken quivers and flutters through the water. While the paddler wants the stroke to follow the lines of the kayak, the Corryvrecken wants to zig-and-zag its way along the stroke. Unlike the Ikelos, the Corryvrecken is less rigid, flexes considerably, and doesn’t make complete use of its surface area . The Corryvrecken performs poorly during draw strokes and struggles to bring the kayak laterally without jigging from side to side. In addition, I feel durability is compromised when you move down to the fiberglass material. For example, I accidentally struck the end of my blade against a rock during a lesson and a nickel-sized sliver chipped from the edge – this is an account that would less likely occur on the Ikelos.
-Alex
The Ikelos:
Layup: Carbon shaft with carbon performance core blades (Performance Core).
Weight: 24.5oz
Blade Size: 710cm2
Cost: $400
Feel on the water: The Ikelos has been put to the test over the years and this paddle always responds reliably and with power. I’ve never felt a paddle that’s more stable to brace with or more reliable to roll with. The foam core and large blade area certainly provide a lot to lean on in conditions when you need it and will give you a sturdy catch to power through the soup. However, efficiency is not the forte of the Ikelos as it takes some muscle to swing a big blade like this on all day trips. Smaller paddlers may want to consider the Werner Cyprus to save their elbows and shoulders. Also, the high buoyancy of the Ikelos may take some time to get used to at first but give it time and you won’t be disappointed!
Click here for a full review of the Werner Ikelos
The Winner:
The power and stability of the Ikelos blows the Corryvrecken out of the water! The addition of the foam core gives the Ikelos much more stability, durability, and buoyancy than the Corryvrecken. This eliminates the blade flutter and provides for a much more stable brace in the surf and a sturdier catch to power you forward. From racing to surfing to trips where crossings or mixed sea conditions require a reliable and powerful forward stroke, the Ikelos will get you through! This paddle is a dream that’s namesake Greek God can be proud of!
Stay tuned for our final match-up: the Shuna vs. the Cyprus
-Kayak Dave