Just purchased naish held paddle which on my first flatwater paddle snapped on the extension well collapsed be better term was replaced by surf fx no questions bit worried about it happening again especially once I progress to surf. Has this happened to anyone else or suggestions for alternative in same price range $250 ish

Sounds like you've been unlucky. The replacement paddle will probably be fine. The 2014 Quickblade fibreglass adjustables are very nice, and are as good as most casual users will ever need, IMO. They are usefully lighter than the old ones were (although they were pretty nice anyway). The vario adjustments that Naish and some others use are great for fine adjustment but I find that after a while they tend to slip downwards, especially if you have a stroke that emphasises getting weight over the paddle. This happens more if you paddle in environments which have large temperature changes in my experience.

The Quickblades for 2014 use an improved version of the simple spring click mechanism. It gives less range of adjustment than a vario but the paddle will not twist or compress on you at a critical moment.

Hey Matty,

Bummed to hear your misfortune. This is very rare, and I would not be too concerned. Obviously any paddle can snap for any number of reasons, but I think you will find that Naish Paddles are among the best (if not the best) on the market for durability and performance. But at teh end of the day they are mass produced and there is always the odd manufacturing fault that can happen to any brand, however it is the strong brands that will get you back on the water ASAP!.

Enjoy your Hele, a very sweet price point anti twist adjustable.

Ride safe,

JB