5 Best Kayak Paddles Under $100 For Canoeing & Paddleboarding

By
George Hanson
George Hanson
Research Writer
A successful journalist and news reporter in the past, George is now focused on freelance work to be able to dedicate more time to the most important things in his life: fam read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
John Carson
John Carson
Expert Consultant
John is an avid traveler, hiker, and RVer. Moreover, it seems like he knows everything when it comes to fishing and hunting: his father started sharing all the tips and tric read more
Last updated: August 15, 2023
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When you are new to kayaking, you may easily think that the perfect kayak paddle is the one that you can purchase for the lowest price. After all, to you, a paddle is just a paddle, right? However, when you consider some of the countless hours that you’ll likely spend holding it on top of the thousands of strokes that you’ll take; it therefore becomes clearer the every angle, inch and ounce counts. Lucky enough, paddles aren’t that expensive. In fact, finding the best kayak paddle under $100 is easy. There are different types of paddles, with some meant for fishing, while others are made for canoeing and recreation purposes among other uses.

There are several considerations to keep in mind when selecting your kayak paddle. To get the best out of your kayak paddle, you may want to consider the materials that it’s made of, its length, width and warranty among others. A great kayak paddle should be that one which should provide efficient and smooth paddling without making your hands fatigued even after hours and hours of paddling. In our review, we considered some of the most important elements to look out for while shopping for a kayak paddle. We’ve compiled a list of 5 top products, and the BEST Marine & Outdoors Kayak Paddle turned out to be the best one.

Quick Summary

Top 5 Kayak Paddles Under $100 Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9137 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
Features
  • Length: 92 inches
  • Weight: 3.4 lbs.
  • Material: aluminum and fiberglass

Extra features: comes with paddle leash, adjustable: 3 different paddle positions to choose from, separates into 2 pieces for easy storage and transportation

Best Marine & Outdoors kayak paddles are different and stand out from the majority of kayak paddles currently in the market. These paddles are made of some of the highest quality materials that are accompanied by an affordable price. These carbon fiber paddle shafts are some of the most lightweight ones available and consist of reinforced fiberglass blades that are durable and smooth.

Best Marine & Outdoors kayak paddle is made of two materials that are combined to provide an amazing and enjoyable paddling experience for kayakers, regardless of their skill levels. In fact, this paddle is suitable for beginners and those already skilled in kayaking.

When out there enjoying kayaking, the length of your paddle matters the most. Best Marine & Outdoors paddle has got the perfect length. Based on your height and preference, you can get different sizes of paddles to suit you. Additionally, this paddle comes with three adjustable positions that you can choose from. If you like your paddle blades straight or slightly offset, this is the right paddle for you.

A majority of paddles out there are made of aluminum and fiberglass materials that can be a bit heavy. But the Best Marine & Outdoors paddle is smooth and light. This paddle is manufactured using lightweight and durable carbon fiber material that makes it very light. While it is in the grip of your hands, you will feel the paddle’s extremely smooth and soft feel.

The Best Marine & Outdoors paddle offers pretty much complete customer satisfaction.

    Why is it special?
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to store
  • Has got three adjustable positions
  • Good for pros and beginners alike
    What are the flaws?
  • Limited color choice



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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7306 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.7
2
Best Kayak Paddle Under $100 for Touring and Recreation

Winnerwell Unsinkable Kayak Paddle

Features
  • Length: 98.4 inches
  • Weight: 2.8 lbs.
  • Material: fiberglass-reinforced nylon (blade) and fiberglass shaft

Extra features: available in 6 design/color options, separates into 2 pieces, available in other sizes: 86.6, 90.5, 94.5 inches

The Winnerwell Unsinkable Two Piece Construction Kayak Paddle is one of the best kayak paddles currently in the market. Its lightweight yet durable fiberglass-reinforced nylon blade produces both smooth and powerful strokes with right and left hand oval grips that make it a great control.

The Winnerwell Unsinkable Two Piece Construction Kayak Paddle is an ideal choice for touring or for any recreational kayak user. The good thing about this paddle is that it has got the ability to handle all the punishment that you dish out to it to give you a fun and great day on the water.

The Winnerwell Unsinkable Two Piece Construction Kayak Paddle appeals to a lot of water sports lovers. It is a tad heavier and has a handle that’s somewhat wider than others. However, its shape and size make paddling feel far easier and more efficient.

If you are shopping for a paddle that won’t exceed $100 but still want to ensure that you get a paddle with an unbeatable balance of light weight and durability, look no further than the Winnerwell Unsinkable Two Piece Construction Kayak Paddle. Better yet, even after using it for years, you won’t see it releasing dirty aluminum dust that’s characteristic of a majority of paddles after many years of use.

Not only does this paddle work great, but it’s also been constructed to be assembled within a very short time. This paddle is highly recommended based on its excellent features and a good price.

    What makes it special?
  • It’s light in weight
  • Very easy to store
  • Comes at a great price
    What cons did we find?
  • Some people find it a bit heavy
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8771 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
3
Best Kayak Paddle Under $100 for Beginners

Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle

Features
  • Length: 94.4 inches
  • Weight: 2.8 lbs.
  • Material: high-impact glass-filled polypropylene (blades), and fiberglass shaft

Extra features: lightly spooned blade shape, available in 2 color options

Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle is an ideal choice for touring. This paddle is not only lightweight but durable, consisting of a sturdy fiberglass shaft and glass-filled polypropylene blades capable of withstanding high impact from the water.

The blades of Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak are very tough with the ability to take a beating from hitting rocks in addition to other obstacles such as pushing off, especially when you get stuck.

The blades of this paddle are available in a bright orange color and slight blue giving you some increased visibility for safety, especially if you are around power boats. It comes in three lengths, 220 cm, 230 cm, and 240 cm and weighs just 2.5 pounds. Additionally, it comes apart in two pieces for portability purposes.

If you happen to be in the market for a quality recreational paddle that won’t disappoint, then the Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle is the right option for you. Based on our research, this is one of the best paddles around under $100.

Another excellent feature that makes this paddle to a favorite item to kayaking enthusiasts is the fact that it’s very lightweight, affordable and comfortable. It is easy to adjust and very sturdy, an aspect that makes it excellent if you are paddling on rivers that consist of hidden logs and stones.

Do you enjoy fishing? Are you looking for a paddle that won’t disappoint while out there fishing? If so, then you are good settling on this paddle that’s lately turning out to be a choice for a majority of fishermen.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Good value for money
  • Easy to store and transport
  • It has slightly spooned blades for a smooth and efficient stroke
  • Lightweight and available in multiple colors
    What is not ideal about it?
  • A bit thicker than a standard/normal paddle
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9751 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
Features
  • Length: 84 inches
  • Weight: 2.4 lbs.
  • Material: plastic (blades), aluminum (shaft)

Extra features: includes comfort grips on shaft, 3 feathering/ adjustment options, drip rings prevent water sliding onto your grip

The attwood Asymmetrical 2Piece Heavy-Duty Kayak Paddle 117682 is designed in a manner aimed at increasing the efficiency of stroke performance in addition to ensuring that it doesn’t create loud sounds or noise when its blades flutter in the water.

The attwood Asymmetrical 2Piece HeavyDuty Kayak Paddle 117682 is a popular paddle choice with a great performance. made of heavyduty aluminum that’s plastic engineered and smooth foam grips. Atwood products are highly reliable and engineered with a neverfail attitude – and this paddle is one of them.

This paddle comes with asymmetrical spoonblades that increase a user’s stroke efficiency when in use. Additionally, it consists of a two-piece breakdown that’s ideal for both transportation and storage. If you are looking for a paddle that will last for years, look no further than the attwood Asymmetrical 2Piece HeavyDuty Kayak Paddle made of rugged plastic construction and aluminum for durable performance.

The above is not all. This paddle has got several angle positions that can be customized for each individual paddler. Kayakers whose desire is dependability and low maintenance are advised to make this paddle their first choice. The attwood paddle is ideal for beginners as well as experienced kayaking experts.

Overall, the attwood Asymmetrical Kayak Paddle is a great paddle that offers value for money. In fact, its budget-friendly pricing on top of its impressive performance makes it a “go-to” paddle for a majority of kayaking enthusiasts. In short, this is an excellent paddle that works great.

    Why is it special?
  • A wise choice for pros and beginners
  • Drip ring included
  • Made from heavy-duty aluminum
  • Multiple angle positions allow customization for each paddler
    What are the flaws?
  • Somewhat less “tough” feel compared to other paddles
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6235 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.0
5
Best Kayak Paddle Under $100 for Fishing

Carlisle Predator Angler Paddle

Features
  • Length: 94.4 inches
  • Weight: 2.8 lbs.
  • Material: fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene (blades), wrapped fiberglass (shaft)

Extra features: available in 3 different design options, available in other sizes: 86.6, 90.5, 98.4 inches, 2-piece paddle for easy assembly and disassembly

When you have long stretches of water calling your name, its vital to make sure that you are fully prepared to get there and back safely with the Carlisle Predator Angler Paddle. This excellent paddle produces great power coupled with high performance when you pair it with your kayak.

The shaft is made of lightweight, yet durable fiberglass, and this paddle produces very smooth but powerful strokes. The blades have been constructed with a fiberglass that’s reinforced with a propylene, in a curved, asymmetrical shape meant for ensuring efficient strokes whatever the waters you may be on.

Its shaft material feels very comfortable in your hands, even after spending hours and hours on the water paddling either alone or with a group of friends. When you are done and it’s time to head home, you can break down this paddle and easily load the two pieces into your trunk.

The Carlisle Predator Angler Paddle comes in three camo colors (Urban Camo, Camo, and Lime Camo), meaning that you can choose a paddle that matches your kayak. Better yet, this paddle comes with a retrieval hook notch on the blade so as to help you recover your blade with ease in case it’s stuck.

Based on the majority of customer reviews regarding this paddle, the Carlisle Predator Angler Paddle is a great piece that won’t disappoint at all. Although its light weight that may scare you at first thinking that it may not stand up to pressure, this paddle will surely deliver at all times. Paddle out, and enjoy your day kayaking with the Carlisle Predator Angler Paddle.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Nice design options
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Excellent for both professional and recreational purposes
    What could be better?
  • Limited warranty


Things to Consider

Purchasing the right kayak paddle is more than dashing to the store and picking a paddle that appeals your eyes. A bad paddle can be a cause of annoyance and distress or of something even more disappointing like getting stuck in the middle of your kayaking experience. There are plenty of things that you need to factor in before you purchase a paddle. To help you, we’ve compiled some of the most important things that you need to be aware of first before acquiring your paddle.

Reasons to get a top-quality kayak paddle under $100

After our review of the best kayak paddles that are priced under $100, it is our hope that you’ve got the assistance that you need in making an informed decision regarding which paddle suits your needs. As mentioned above, every paddle has got its advantages and disadvantages. There are plenty of reasons to get a topquality kayak paddle under $100 since most of them will serve you right and even exceed the performance of expensive kayak paddles. Additionally, a paddle under $100 has got a few parts, weighs light and good for beginners and pros alike. Before you make that final decision, we are going to break everything up for you to understand.

Features to consider when choosing your kayak paddle

Mature man canoeing on summer dayBefore you hand in your hard-earned cash or check to your kayak paddle seller, there are some vital features that you need to consider first. Buying a paddle because you are in a hurry or simply because your friends referred you to one may end up being an expensive mistake on your end. You need to factor in a number of aspects that will enhance your kayaking experience while on the water enjoying kayaking either alone or with a group of friends. Here are some of the features to consider when choosing your kayak paddle:

Size

In case you are a profession kayaker, you must be aware that the size of your paddle affects kayaking. But if you are just starting out, you need to put in mind the size of your paddle while purchasing one. We are all different in terms of height and as your height increases, there is also an increase in the distance of the paddle from the water. But how do you decide the right size of the paddle to suit you? It’s pretty simple. Make your paddle stand vertical, adjacent to your body and hold the tip of the paddle. If your hand can bend on the tip, then it’s short for you. However, if aren’t able to wrap your entire hand, but the fingertips can be bent, then this is the best paddle for you.

Weight

The weight of the paddle matters a lot, especially if you are going on long fishing or recreational kayaking. We all don’t bear the same bodily strength and stroking while using a heavy paddle may be tiring to muscles and joints. The weight of the paddle is determined by the materials used to construct the shaft of the paddle. Two materials are commonly used; fiberglass and aluminum.

If you are considering a top performance in more turbulent water, fiberglass kayak blades may be better suited for you.

But if you are into touring and recreational kayaking, you may have to shop for those made of aluminum.

Blade Shape

While blade shape may not strike you as an important factor, it’s nevertheless important to factor in this element when shopping for a kayak paddle since such can affect your kayaking experience significantly. Narrow sized blades won’t provide enough speeds and only good for recreational purposes. They also prevent efficient feathering, especially during wind. On the other hand, wider blades offer good speed while providing excellent feathering during wind.

Material and construction

Kayak Paddle With Water Drops Hitting The LakeThe materials used to make a paddle will highly determine its durability in addition to how you are going to use it. Always ensure that you check the materials used to make it so that you end up with an effective paddle. Mostly, most of them are made using plastic, fiberglass, or carbon-fiber. Each and every material has got its own advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, you shop for a kayak paddle made of materials that are easy to assemble and disassemble in addition to being easy to store.

Grip

A good paddle needs to be excellently designed with a good grip to ensure maximum performance and safety. Does your paddle consist of a padded area on the shaft or rubber rings for an extra grip, as can be found in the attwood paddle? The grip is equally another excellent feature than you need to consider while out there shopping for a kayak paddle as a paddle that lacks grip may easily slip and get lost, especially if it doesn’t float.

Is it adjustable – can it be feathered?

Feathering can turn out to be advantageous, especially when you are paddling into strong winds since it highly minimizes resistance that you’ll encounter. Additionally, using an unfeathered paddle is beneficial if you are paddling with the wind blowing on your back since your paddle acts as more of a small sail whenever you raise it into the air. Regardless of the conditions, your paddle needs to be adjustable to different angles for an easy kayaking experience.

What will you be using it for?

Best-Kayak-Paddle-Under-50-Dollars-1To a lot of people, the purpose of purchasing a kayak paddle is to enjoy a fun kayaking experience and nothing more than that. But again, the purpose of purchasing a kayak paddle largely depends on how you are going to use it. You may not be aware but there are paddles meant for recreational purposes while others are designed for solo canoeing. Some are made of heavy materials to stand tough conditions. So the purpose/use of your kayak paddle matters the most before purchase.

FAQ

How do I choose the best length if I’m tall?

Go for a smaller paddle if you’re of a smaller height, or if you have a small canoe and vice versa.

Is the length adjustable?

No. It’s only the blade angle that’s mostly adjustable. For this reason, you need to ensure that you choose your desired length before making a purchase as you can have the length of the paddle fixed with a lot of ease.

Which is lighter – aluminum or fiberglass?

Usually, fiberglass is lighter than aluminum. But despite it being a lighter option, the blades might consist of heavy materials, an aspect that can make the paddle the same weight as its counterpart.

Our verdict

As of now, we hope that you can easily find the best kayak paddle that under $100 to enable you have an amazing kayaking experience in the lake, sea, pond, river or stream. Of the five that we reviewed, we have rounded up what we believe to the top three based on the ratings accorded to each one of them. If you want an allround kayak paddle that will serve all your needs be it recreational, fishing or just touring, the Best Marine & Outdoors kayak paddle is a very great pick for you. On the other hand, if are looking for a kayak paddle specifically designed for touring and recreational purposes, then you should settle for the Winnerwell Unsinkable Kayak. Are you just entering the world of kayaking? If so, then look no further than the Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle.

All the best for you and your friends as you enjoy your kayaking with one of the above kayak paddles that cost under $100!

9,8
Total Score
BEST Marine & Outdoors Kayak Paddle - Editor's Choice
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