Gear Review: Werner Bandito LeverLock Canoe Paddle
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Location of Test: Moderate class II and III in the Portland area.
Duration of Test: Several months
Product Name: Bandito LeverLock Canoe Paddle
Product Brand: Werner
Best Use: Whitewater canoeing
The Full Review:
I am an experienced canoeist but am fairly new to whitewater paddling and the Werner Bandito has been an excellent and reliable paddle. I'm 6'0'' and about 150lb and have been paddling primarily a solo open boat (Dagger Ovation) this fall and winter and just recently have paddled a Dagger Infrared C1.
The Bandito canoe paddle is the slightly smaller sister to the tried and true Bandit. I initially started out paddling a Bandit, thinking I should have a bigger blade to drive my fairly large 11' boat. After paddling the Bandit several times, it was recommended I try out a Bandito given my lighter weight frame. I have been very happy with this switch.
I experience less pull and stress on my shoulders from the Bandito and being fairly new to whitewater canoeing I'm cautious about injuring my shoulders and certainly feel more comfortable with the smaller blade. Its spooned, dihedral power face still provides a strong, reliable forward stroke without flutter. I also feel like I have a bit more control over my paddle with the Bandito.
Regarding the adjustable length, I was initially skeptical of its reliability, but the LeverLock adjustable t-grip has given me no problems and offers several benefits. The adjustability has been great while dialing in the length paddle I prefer. I have also found that while paddling my smaller C1 canoe I am closer to the water surface and need a shorter shaft compared to the bigger open-boat. It is very secure to begin with but if you get some slippage it’s easy to tighten down the action.
The Good:
Very durable, impact resistant blade we expect from Werner.
Adjustable LeverLock t-grip.
The slightly smaller blade is more comfortable on my shoulders and for small paddlers.
Very powerful, reliable paddle.
The Bad:
Nothing to complain about yet. Maybe down the road I will want the added power that comes with a larger blade but at this point in my paddling career and with the water I'm in I feel just great with the Bandito
The Bottom Line:
This is an excellent dedicated whitewater canoe paddle for someone smaller framed paddlers or for those that prefer a smaller blade.
The Full Review:
I am an experienced canoeist but am fairly new to whitewater paddling and the Werner Bandito has been an excellent and reliable paddle. I'm 6'0'' and about 150lb and have been paddling primarily a solo open boat (Dagger Ovation) this fall and winter and just recently have paddled a Dagger Infrared C1.
The Bandito canoe paddle is the slightly smaller sister to the tried and true Bandit. I initially started out paddling a Bandit, thinking I should have a bigger blade to drive my fairly large 11' boat. After paddling the Bandit several times, it was recommended I try out a Bandito given my lighter weight frame. I have been very happy with this switch.
I experience less pull and stress on my shoulders from the Bandito and being fairly new to whitewater canoeing I'm cautious about injuring my shoulders and certainly feel more comfortable with the smaller blade. Its spooned, dihedral power face still provides a strong, reliable forward stroke without flutter. I also feel like I have a bit more control over my paddle with the Bandito.
Regarding the adjustable length, I was initially skeptical of its reliability, but the LeverLock adjustable t-grip has given me no problems and offers several benefits. The adjustability has been great while dialing in the length paddle I prefer. I have also found that while paddling my smaller C1 canoe I am closer to the water surface and need a shorter shaft compared to the bigger open-boat. It is very secure to begin with but if you get some slippage it’s easy to tighten down the action.
The Good:
Very durable, impact resistant blade we expect from Werner.
Adjustable LeverLock t-grip.
The slightly smaller blade is more comfortable on my shoulders and for small paddlers.
Very powerful, reliable paddle.
The Bad:
Nothing to complain about yet. Maybe down the road I will want the added power that comes with a larger blade but at this point in my paddling career and with the water I'm in I feel just great with the Bandito
The Bottom Line:
This is an excellent dedicated whitewater canoe paddle for someone smaller framed paddlers or for those that prefer a smaller blade.