I wrote the review above after having the paddle a short time. I wish I could take it back entirely. Maybe I just got a defective paddle, but the construction on this thing is horrible. After 3 months or relatively light use (maybe 30 mins average a day) , the handle split right down the middle, log ways. I didn't hit it on a table, I didnt put weight on it to bend it. I took very good care of it. Always putting it back in the case, and never applying any pressure to it.
About a week ago, I hit a backhand shot and noticed that it felt very strange. I looked at the paddle and yep, split all the way. So, I took some Tidebond 3 wood glue, glued it up, and clamped it for about 2 hours. Seemed to be back in working order. I played again with it last night, and it started to split in a different spot. Now, where the blade meets the handle, the blade itself is splitting.
This thing is VERY disappointing. This is a horribly constructed paddle. I might expect this from a 30 dollar paddle, but not a 110 dollar paddle. Buyer beware.
- Nick Thompson, WA