Z&J SPORTAdjustable Dragon Boat Paddle, IDBF Approved Boat Oars, Carbon Fiber Paddle Adjustable T Handle with Adjuster for Dragon Boat Paddler (Range: 43”-52” /110cm-132cm)

Nice paddle, but it was scratched a little and when you go to make it longer the tube scratches the extended area more.

I've been paddling dragon boats for 3 years, and I have a Kialoa hybrid (carbon blade & wood handle). I was wanting an extra paddle to try different lengths, and to be able to loan it to teammates. At $125, I thought I'd give this one a try (adjustable name-brand carbon paddles are going for around $300).My biggest "unknown" looking at the ad was whether or not I needed a tool to adjust the length. There is a screw, but you only need to adjust that once, and then you use the flip-out latch to release the pressure and adjust the length (see photo). You can flip the plastic latch in/out easily with your finger. (Note - do not over-tighten the metal screw that adjusts the amount of pressure, as I suspect that would break the latch.)This paddle is shipped from China, so be prepared to wait a few weeks. It comes well-wrapped in many layers of foam sheets & micro bubble wrap, and then the entire thing wrapped in several layers of clear packing tape. It takes a major effort to unwrap it! It arrived through USPS, with 'signature required' (which is kind of a pain, getting off work early, driving across town, and waiting in the Christmas-rush line at the post office - ymmv).The main section of the shaft is oval, similar to my Kialoa - I like this, as it helps you "feel" that your paddle is right, and gives you better control. You can feel just a hint of the fiberglass seam under the smooth finish of the shaft. There are no measurement marks on the handle to let you know what length you have it adjusted to. The t-handle section of the handle has a round shaft, which means you could actually turn the handle at a slight angle (I think you would more likely do this by accident, rather than on purpose ... but ymmv).The tip of the blade is not quite as thin as my Kialoa, but it's close. There is a sticker on the blade that says "IDBF Sport Paddle, specification 202a".The t-grip handle is slightly curved along the top, and has ever-so-slight finger indentions on one side. And of course, you could spin the handle so the Z&J Sport logo is facing forward or backward on the paddle (not that it would make any difference to your paddling).I would advise you to take the handle section completely out, and clean the shaft & hole periodically (especially if your paddle's been in dirt/sand).And, as with any paddle, never-ever place the tip on the ground, or jab it in the sand, or use your paddle as a leaning post, etc. I see so many newbies do that, and it makes me cringe. If the paddle is too heavy for you to hold in the air while on land, then place the tip on the top of your foot and let it rest there (never on the ground). <-- yes, that is my "soapbox" :)I'll hopefully get a chance to try out the paddle this weekend (if December North Carolina weather allows it), and once I've used it a few times I'll update the review with how I think it paddles.I'm including several photos of the various things I mentioned about the paddle.

This paddle arrived with few scratches on the top shaft that became visible as I extended it. I was going to contact the manufacturer to see if they are willing to remedy this issue but got busy and now I am past the return date. It also feels a bit wobbly when I paddle at high level, but I am not sure if that is due to my technique or an actual problem with the paddle. I was ready to give it a 5 start before I saw the scrathes and figured out this might have been a return or a seconds and didn't feel that great about my selection.

I am new to Dragon Boating and this paddle is working out great! Easy to adjust and this was a great company to work with. I did not put the correct code in for a free paddle bag when I purchased the paddle. I then contacted the company and they allowed me to still order the paddle bag offer. Highly recommend this company!

I'm relatively new to dragonboating, but decided to buy my first carbon paddle ahead of a race. I'm more of a power guy and can readily feel the flex in this paddle when I'm pulling. I realize that all paddles will flex to some extent, but this paddle flexed to an extent that I was not comfortable with. There were times I felt like I could snap the thing. This is fairly subjective evidence, but it's the reason why I went to a Burnwater. The Burnwater flexes too, but only ever so slightly. The Burnwater gives me a more comfortable and steady feeling when I pull.As a result, I wouldn't recommend this paddle to power strokers due to the amount of flex.

I believe the vendor owes me a refund for purchasing the paddle bag.

Pro: Very light paddle, 399g, fit 44~52 inches.Con: The handle comes scratched and a bit dirty, didn't give lower score because the seller is very responsive and is taking steps to remedy the issue.

Working great for my first paddle. I chose an adjustable paddle because I'm fairly new to the sport and not sure what length paddle I want to end up with. A bonus- since I have long arms-if I'm sitting behind someone with an odd rhythm or stroke that causes occasional clashes of paddles-I can shorten my paddle to compensate.