| Well we're back just in time for spring runoff. Hey, for all you rubber heads out there, Cricket is making raft paddles. We'll have some pictures up soon but in the meantime, if your interested, just give us a call.
ABOUT OUR PADDLES
*Cricket Designs* makes hand-made canoe and kayak paddles for boaters who
want custom quality and features and personal service at a competitive
price. Cricket Paddles are beautiful to look at but it's what you can't
see that really counts. Our philosophy on building paddles is very
simple. Do the best job we can. If can find a way to make them lighter,
stronger, more durable or prettier, we do it. We have changed to Dynel
edges on all paddles except the Greenland style as it reduces the
weight, improves the balance on canoe paddles and lowers the swing
weight on kayak paddles, it looks better and significantly improves the
durability. What more can we ask for!
With the price increases due to the greater time it takes to put on
these Dynel edges, our paddles now cost just a little more than garden variety
composite paddles and significantly less than the high end shoulder
killer graphite paddles.
*What Makes US different* You may wonder why you should even consider a premium-quality wood
paddle -- cheaper plastic and wood paddles are certainly available.
But do consider this: Wood paddles such as our laminated Cricket
Paddles, have a tough resilient flex that reduces the strain on the arms
and shoulders. Premium wood paddles are designed for the most efficient
paddling possible while retaining their light weight. Reinforced tips
and fiberglassed blades create a paddle that is strong and durable --
yet they are crafted to show the beauty of the wood.
Don't let the lovely, glossy finish fool you -- our finish is pretty
because it's durable! To explain, we coat the entire paddle with a minimum of two
coats of epoxy resin which saturates, hardens and seals the wood. Then
we top it off with three coats of polyurethane, wet sanded between each
coat, and they become...well, to pretty to use, some say!
But it is this five-step finishing system which gives the wood a *far
more durable* surface than wood which is varnished only. And it results
in that wonderful glass-smooth finish that only *SEEMS* too pretty to
use! So remember: that *finish either glossy or satin isn?t just for show* -- _these
paddles are built to be used!_
*Durability*. Designed to withstand adrenaline-powered strokes and rocks
which inevitably crop up from nowhere!
*Laminated Shafts Don't Snap in Two*. This is an important point when
taking strong, powerful strokes. Our laminated shafts are
stronger than a one piece or even three-piece shaft. Lamination, good
design and the choice of specific woods keeps the weight light without
sacrificing strength. (We don't want you left up a creek without a
(Cricket) paddle!)
*Reinforced Tips and Edges are Tougher*. Our epoxy-saturated Dynel
forms the most indestructible tips and edges we have found. It is
strange, but the premium wood paddle builders have used this material for
years and several of the big name composite paddle companies just found
it in the last few years.
*Fiberglassed Blades Last Longer*. To further enhance durability, the
blades are covered with fiberglass cloth and epoxy which provides high
dent- and abrasion resistance.
*Performance*. Designed for hours of tireless paddling with a very
quiet entry into the water; smooth, powerful strokes and good bracing
ability.
*Less Fatiguing on the Body*. Balance is critical in touring paddles. If
a paddle is well balanced, it will be less tiring over a day than a
blade-heavy paddle. In fact, balance is more important than ultra-light
weight for comfortable paddling over long distances.
An added advantage of wood is the slight “give”or flex of the resilient
shaft which reduces fatigue in shoulders and back muscles. Remember too,
wood is warmer in your hands.
*No Flutter in the Water* One of the basic advantages between wood and
composite paddles is that the thicker, profiled wood blade doesn't slice
and flutter as many thin-blade composites do, yet it still provides the
solid leverage as you power your boat forward. And, the rounded corners
of Cricket Paddles allow them to enter the water smoothly and quietly.
*Why is a Cricket Paddle Worth More Money?* The larger manufacturers of
wood paddles are unable to add the durability and performance features
that we do--our paddles are nearly custom-made, yet sell for competitive
prices. They have hand-crafted care and additional time put into
important extras: /*reinforced blades, edges and tips, a five-coat
finish and well-designed, well-balanced blades, shafts and grips.
Cricket Paddles are readily customized -- most have their owner's name
on them and wood selections can be tailored to the owners wishes. As
shown on the paddle descriptions, other options are available.
*We Guarantee Satisfaction* _Our paddles carry a one-year warranty
against manufacturer defects. All standard paddles have a return if not
satisfiedguarantee, the buyer is responsible only for return shipping. _
Here are just three comments from satisfied customers:
- I'd like to
order a paddle. I borrowed one of your paddles about a year ago, and
I've tried several paddles since but never found one with quite the
?feel? of the Cricket. David.
- And, It was great to feel the natural
energy of this paddle. Love it! Mark.
- The flex pattern is great and it
has a good bite in the water. Just love it! Ron/
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