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A review of Sawyer's Banzai Ellipse Stand Up Paddle
By Christian Shubin
The Sawyer Banzai Ellipse Stand Up is a truly beautiful paddle. The laminated Ponderosa Pine shaft is wrapped in Carbon Fiber reinforcement. The Eleven degree bended blade is made from laminated Western Red Cedar with graphite rib reinforcements. The Tapered shaft ends at a laminated oval wood grip.
We received our paddle uncut at a length of 84". After cutting our paddle to the appropriate length we used a 5-Minute epoxy to secure the handle to the shaft.
At 32oz the Sawyer paddle felt light but not quite as light as other all carbon paddles. The carbon wrapped wood shaft has a ribbed texture that was easilly gripped by your hands.
On the water the Banzai Ellipse performed well as expected. It's oval wood handle felt a bit slim compared to other paddles at first but it's unique shape was easy to get used to. The Wood/Carbon composite shaft allows for a small amount of flex... It felt solid... We think it would take a lot to break this shaft. This paddle got our board up to speed and gliding with no problem, and it's light weight made it easy to quickly transer hands during paddling and technical wave riding manuevers.
With a retail price of around $200 the US made Sawyer Banzai Ellipse paddle is a bargain. This paddle is a real workhorse that should be appreciated for it's craftsmanship, performance, style and value.
-Christian Shubin
Company Specs and Product Description Below:
The Ellipse Bonzai is designed and built by Sawyer. Sawyer has been
making traditional and innovative styles of paddles for over 40 years.
Weighing only 32 oz., Bonzai Ellipse paddle is built by using
technologies that blend wood and composite materials for a finished
product that is incredibly strong and light. The blade is constructed
of laminated Western Red Cedar with graphite rib reinforcements to
provide strength while still allowing ample flex. The power face of the
blade is carbon reinforced for added strength throughout the stroke. A
full perimeter Dynel Tough Edge protects the rim of the blade. The
tapered, laminated Ponderosa Pine shaft is Carbon Braid Reinforced,
oval shaped to index cleanyl to the hand and offers a medium flex that
delivers power to the blade while protecting your muscles and joints.
An 11 degree bend at the base of the shaft provides a longer, more
efficient forward stroke. A thumb-notched, hot dog grip offers more
control while keeping your hand relaxed.
FEATURES:
- Each paddle size may be cut up to 6" to fit your height.
- Oval Grip shaft.
- 11 degreee bend.
- Elliptical Blade - delivers excellent power and very good efficiency for combined surf use and distance paddling.
- Each paddle size may be cut up to 6" to fit your height.
- 32 oz total weight.
- Blade is laminated Western Red Cedar with graphite rib.
- The power face of the blade is carbon reinforced.
- A full perimeter Dynel Tough Edge protects the rim of the blade.
- The tapered, laminated Ponderosa Pine shaft is Carbon Braid Reinforced.
- A thumb-notched, hot dog grip handle.
- 6" adjust 1x shaft for customize length.
Sizing: 72, 78, 84, 88"
A Note About Paddle Length Sizing:
Total length should be 8-12" above your standing height. 8" for wave
use, 10" for wave and distance use, 12" for distance use paddling. Buy
a paddle accordingly and remember you have up to 6" of adjustment to
shorten the total paddle length b4 mounting the Grip on the end of the
shaft.
 
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