There were a couple of sets of Werner Odachi on display last weekend at the Paddle Expo in Nuremberg. Throughout the few days I was there a constant stream of paddlers, retailers and manufacturers were checking them out.
The Odachi has been designed to fulfil the needs of the new breed of whitewater racers tackling the Sickline race and similar. The blade is some 49cm long and is symmetrical to allow for a more vertical paddle stroke.
With an increased blade to shaft offset, this blade forward design gives a more powerful catch and more verticality through the power phase.
Greater dihedral to stabilize powerful forward strokes through turbulent conditions.
Long blade length (49cm) provides greater leverage.Race inspired blade tip. Symmetrical shape for more surface area, for more efficiency when matching a more vertical race stroke. Subtle scoop for more purchase.
Along with carbon bent and straight shafts, we’ve optimized materials and manufacturing techniques to obtain lower weight, remain strong and provide a comfortable flex. Less fatigue on your body overall, for the longer races.
Because you still hit rocks when you go fast, Dynel® edging is highly abrasion and impact resistant. Protecting the fine-tuned carbon blades from the elements.
NOTE. Design features that make this paddle fast, also make for a unique feel in your hands. Bracing and rolling are different. With our proven River Running line up to round out your quiver, we did not intend the Odachi to be an all around paddle.
Although our Ultimate performance paddles are far and away our best paddling, their unique design characteristics and materials do not make them our most impact resistant. Look to our Premium paddles for the highest impact resistance.
Feather Angle: 1-piece options- unfeathered, Right hand control or left hand control, up to 90 degrees, in 5 degree increments. 2-piece and 4-piece options not available.
The biggest and most noticeable design feature is the offset nature of the blade. Such features have been seen in wing paddles for some time but seen very rarely on full on whitewater blades, although there is an increasing interest in this segment of the market.
I had a conversation with a couple of guys who had used these extensively over the development period who informed me that the blades were super powerful but they did take a little time to get used to, particularly when rolling.
They will be available in full carbon only from early October 2015. You need to save quite a few pennies to get the £380+ paddles.
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