ZRE Power Surge FW-Z Light
Reviewed by
R Reed
+40
October 5, 2015
Hand made in the USA carbon fiber work of art that makes heavier paddles obsolete IMHO
Pros
- Incredibly efficient
- Incredibly light in weight
- Incredibly beautiful
Cons
- None other than not inexpensive
We purchased two ZRE Power Surge Light paddles a year ago and they still make us smile every time we use them or even just pick them up. At near 8 1/2 ounces (varies slightly by length), they allow two Medicare-age paddlers to paddle for four hours without even having our arms get tired.
My wife has arthritis in her hands, so I phoned Mr. Zaveral himself for advice. He told us what measurements to take and then recommended specific widths/lengths for each of us. The idea of hefting a paddle that weighs three times as much (typical fine quality wood paddle) now seems simply nonsensical. I traded paddles with a friend one day for him to try mine and a few minutes later he said he had to give it back before he got hooked.
Yes, they aren't inexpensive, but a good quality kevlar canoe costs nine times as much as one of these, and you get what you pay for. Because of how well our ZREs efficiently and silently slice through the water with almost zero splash and without arm/shoulder fatigue, I have decided to buy a spare Surge Light just in case Zaveral might ever decide to retire.
Almost as much fun as paddling with them is when you hand one to someone and then watch the shocked look on their face at holding an 8 1/2 ounce work of art.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $290
