The Deets:

Surface Area: 710 sq cm

Blade Length x Width: 49 x 20cm

Available in Werner’s: Premium (fiberglass) and Performance (carbon)

Angle Type: High

Sharing the same surface area and blade dimensions as the Werner Ikelos, the Corryvrecken is designed for well-conditioned paddlers who want high-angle, big water performance. The Corryvrecken/Ikelos blade is one of the largest touring blades available without moving into the whitewater class of paddles. Fit for playing in surf, aggressive bracing, flatwater racing, or fitness paddling, these blades pack a PUNCH when they purchase the water.

On paper, the Ikelos and the Corryvrecken look virtually the same. The biggest difference between the two Werner paddles is the material construction and the price. When one moves from the straight-shaft performance in carbon to the proprietary performance-cored Ikelos, we see a price jump from $350 to $400. Like many folks, I wondered what constituted the $50 price increase and ventured to purchase a Corryvrecken as a play/instruction paddle.

I purchased a red premium fiberglass Corryvrecken about two seasons ago with the plan to use primarily for flatwater racing and instruction. At first, I was impressed the Corryvrecken’s powerful catch and smooth linking from one paddle stroke to the next. I felt that the Corryvrecken managed its surface area well and provided a nice balance between surface area and purchase. I paddled with the Corryvrecken for a full-season which provided me with plenty of sea time to become familiar with its handling characteristics.

The more I paddled with it, the more I became disappointed with the performance it delivered. I noticed (particularly on slower drawn paddle strokes) that the Corryvrecken fluttered greatly. As I drew the blade threw the water, it nearly resisted the desire to be pulled through the water, jig-jagged, and fluttered back and forth. Not only did the blade flutter through the water (which can often be expected with wider blades) but the Corryvrecken flexed considerably during more aggressive strokes and braces. When I say flexed, this is not kayaking lingo, I literally mean that the blade flexed during strokes. The flexing contributed to a compromise in efficiency which added to its failure to make complete use of the surface area.

How about draw strokes? I would have better purchase on the water if I taped a paper plate to my hand than if I used the Corryvrecken for draw strokes. Drawing the boat laterally is a labored chore for the Corryvrecken, and every attempted draw stroke merely flutters into wasted effort.

Overall, the Corryvrecken performs well as a fast-paced touring or racing paddle. It provides dependable performance during bracing and rolling. When you bring the Corryvrecken down to slower, more relaxed pace, its performance is compromised (especially during draw strokes).

Pros: Smooth transitions, solid bracing and rolling, great blade design

Cons: Flutters during slower strokes, flexes, weak performance during draw strokes

-Alex

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