Our high-grade imported whitewater straight shafts come in three constructions; Carbon, Carbon Kevlar and a Carbon Fibreglass composite. The carbon, carbon kevlar, and composite shafts are wrapped with a decorative carbon twill pattern. The shafts are finished to a high gloss glaze to match our blades, and they all have comfortable built in index/hand grips. Any of these straight shafts are a good choice for most paddlers. They offer strong stable all round use for all abilities.

The Carbon shaft is the lightest and stiffest. It gives a paddle that extra lightness, which makes it the only choice for racing and touring paddlers. The Carbon Glass shaft is also light, plus it provides flex. It is commonly used for all whitewater applications. Those two are both black and look the same. The Carbon Kevlar shaft is the strongest. It weighs approximately the same as the Carbon Glass, and is just as flexible. However, the kevlar absorbs shock waves much better than carbon, and providing flex it gives the shaft more feel. Ultimately it is the best straight shaft to use for whitewater. Shown below, it is black and yellow.

We offer two different diameter sized shafts. The shaft is an important part of the paddle and can effect a paddler in many ways. Smaller hands holding a larger diameter shaft will have an insecure grip in which the paddler will consciously grip tighter. Evidently paddlers with larger hands usually subconsciously grip a smaller shaft too tightly. In both instances it will cause fatigue and possible forearm or wrist strain. Only the Carbon Kevlar straight shafts are available the Small size.

Here at Mitchell Blades we offer two 'Ergo Logistic' Crank shafts; this specific one being a superior modified crank. These high quality shafts are curved to offer excellent feel and comfort, particularly for those who find discomfort using Straights.

The cranks prevent the inward bend of the wrists allowing a firmer grip, which does not over strain tendons and joints. The built-in hand grips, in the cranks, are along the centre and ahead of the blades, (whilst paddling in a forward motion) giving a paddler excellent stability. The axis of the Ergo remains the same keeping the blades in line with it, just like a Straight shaft. This helps to avoid flutter, and again, provides less stress on wrist tendons.

The Ergo Cranks are very easy to use, and can be applied to all paddling disciplines in water up to grade 5+. They are a particularly good choice for Racing and Touring. When used for Touring the Vario S Lock device is attached. This allows the blades to be set a any feather, and the paddle to extend 4cm.

The 'Mototorque' is an alternative to the Ergo crank. Both shafts have been designed for the same purpose, and both shafts perform equally. However, the Mototorque crank has smaller hand grip 'spacing'. This prevents the hands being able to move along the crank section. For those who do not need, or want grip spacing; this shaft keeps the hands in equal position, which can provide enhanced stroke balance. It also allows for a shorter length paddle, if required.

The Mototorque has a very comfortable grip. It does not have built in index grips, the actual shaft is moulded to shape. Like the Ergo crank, it is easy to use, and can be applied to all Whitewater disciplines on any grade river.

We also offer an extremely high quality carbon 'Double Torque’ crank. These well crafted shafts have a tortuous and twisted crank that also gives them excellent feel and comfort, particularly for those who find discomfort using straights.

Double Torque's are commonly set in the ‘bike handle bar’ position. In some cases, blades can be off-set too much, or placed too far behind the shaft. We set the shaft to a more comprising position, so the blades are placed more in line with the axis. In this position the crank offers a very comfortable grip, provides much better stroke balance, and greater stability.

In our setting the Double Torque shaft is very comfortable to use, offering powerful strokes while transmitting less stress on the wrist tendons. This type of bent shaft also allows the hands more movement along its cranks compared to the other two, particularly the Mototorque. This can be beneficial to some free-stylists, and the extra freedom of movement can feel less restricting. This shaft is ideal for Racing, Playboating and River Running up to grade 3-4.

The ‘Vario S Lock’ device is used for our Allen key adjustable locking shafts. This shaft allows the angle to be infinitely variable for right hand control and gives an increased length up to 10cm. This shaft is the best choice for a Touring paddle and, comes in either a Straight or Ergo Crank.

This shaft also allows infinite variable feather choice. The Varihand shafts main advantage is the fact there is no need to carry an Allen Key. As with the Vario shaft it can extend to an increased length of 10cm.

The Varihand 'Quiklok' connector can be fitted to a whitewater paddle if required, but is a great choice for Touring. This durable device is a little on the heavy side, but very robust. It comes on Straight shafts and the Ergo Cranks only.