Wondering if anyone has ever looked into these carbon shafts available from suppliers in China?

www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Carbon-fiber-tube-for-paddle-shaft_60772419692.html?spm=a2700.7724838.2017005.5.414a14cfudSC0u

Wonder how the mechanical qualities would compare to expensive brand name paddles (stiffness, flex etc). It looks like you can choose dimensions.

Could be a very cheap way of replacing broken paddle shafts. I have a carbon NSP blade and T handle that I love, only I snapped the shaft.

Would be cool to hear others' thoughts.

Jon

I'd just fix the broken shaft. You can buy CF tubes in Oz at reasonable prices. I dunno about buying a whole 2m long tube from China as the post would be crazy I reckon. Aus Post have not carried anything over 1500mm (?) for a long time now as its containerised. Couriers rip you badly.....

And dodgy Chinese hmmmm... I have bought Chinese CF and aramid cloths though...... and it has improved now that good Jap CF manufacturers such as Toray are using Chinese factories also. However, you could still get black fibreglass as you don't know which Chinese ones are legit unless u r buying a ton of shafts.
. Given the price saving for tubes I dunno if its worth the risk

I am always seeking broken SUP paddles for that reason (to repair) ...... and can't find any!!!

Good points Mark.

I did fix the broken shaft but its not the best repair job. Alleydesigns have a carbon shaft priced at $120.

Anyway they sent a quote back saying $26 per shaft for a minimum order of 5., Then $55 shipping on top of that. So too expensive for one person i'd say. Could work as a little experiment if 5 people all living around Brisbane, GC & SC all chipped in.

Jon

That is a good price per shaft for sure....

I need a paddle for my son so I do wonder why I never see busted ones for sale.
I might just take a mould off my existing paddle and reproduce the head.