Started by Kiwi brothers, Mike and Andy Nash in 2017, who were looking to build a paddle with a combination of great performance and durability (after Andy broke two high-end paddles on the same waterfall on the same day), Hard Core Paddles has achieved the duo’s goal. Hard Core’s Mangu is a phenomenal paddle, lightweight with smooth power and bomber durability.
When I first used this paddle, I was surprised at how much power I got out of a stroke. With zero flutter, the blade provides for an incredibly effortless and powerful stroke, due in part to the “aggressive catch” of the blade. It’s also very durable, built with a cedar core combined with Bi-Ax glass and carbon contributes to a solid, light, responsive shaft.
The blades feature several different highly durable materials, such as carbon, Innegra and Dynel. This combined with the double-concave, dihedral profile, and wide, slightly curved power face, makes for a light and long-lasting blade, with no flutter whatsoever. All of this provides for a stellar paddle that will take plenty of hits.
All of these things add up to an amazing on-water experience. Boofing is great, as the wood and carbon work together to create a highly responsive feel. The blade moves effortlessly across the surface of the water when bracing or rolling, contributing to enhanced confidence. This, combined with the size and shape of the back of the blade makes it good for freestyle as well. The edges of the blade are reinforced, contributing to increased durability and stability when pushing off of stuff. Bottom line for the blade? This will be my go to paddle for years to come.
While I use a 30-degree straight shaft Mangu, Hard Core offers a variety of options when it comes to straight or bent shaft, length, featherings, and shaft materials. While all the shafts have a “hard core”, you have the choice of a carbon reinforced cedar shaft (Matai), or a cedar core with a carbon sleeve (Mangu). There’s also a two-piece breakdown with an internal clamping mechanism that gives the same feel as a regular one-piece. With all these options, you’re sure to find the one that best suits you. And, they come at a price point on par with all other high-end paddles. I highly encourage giving them a try.”
—Judah Harms (lead photo courtesy Riley Seebeck).
Blade Beta:
The Mangu features an outer carbon sleeve for increased feel and responsiveness. One-piece straight shaft available in 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 degree feathers, and regular or small grip. Straight shaft one piece pricing as tested is $15. Also, available as a two-piece breakdown for $485. Bent shaft available at $475.
Shaft features:
- Outer layers of fiberglass and carbon provide strength and stiffness while the solid cedar core creates dynamic flex and enhanced power loading
- A 10-degree angle at the end of the shaft gives the blade a slight forward off-sett without having to alter the powerful and balanced catch of the blade.
- The ergonomic grip profile provides intuitive blade alignment and greater control with less grip pressure. Two grip sizes available.
Blade features:
- Combining the unique properties of Carbon, Innegra and S-Glass creates a light, stiff and extremely durable blade skin
- A combination of hard wearing Dynel cord and carbon unidirectional fibres prevents gradual wear and adds strength and rigidity to the blades edges
- A progressive, double-concave, dihedral profile combined with an aggressive catch generates more power from less blade area while also providing greater balance and control
More Info at : https://hardcorepaddles.com
Full interview with Mike Nash below on Kevin Cripps Podcast : Tales from the Cripps
Tales from the Cripps: Episode 17: Hard Core Tales with Mike Nash