RRD Razzle Paddle R 90 2017
Reviews / Paddles
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At A Glance
Paddle technology has come a long way in recent years, and the difference between a high-end paddle like the Razzle from RRD and an entry level one has never been starker. This is the very top end of the range from RRD, and the paddle is packed with technology and clever tweaks aimed at making paddling easier, more efficient and more fun.
The Razzle Paddle is 100% carbon and is made in Italy using the best fibres and foam cores available. The shaft tapers from a round shape at the top to an oval shape in the middle, and the blade itself has been optimised to ensure a perfect catch for every stroke. It’s available in two stiffness’s; the Reflex, which we have on test, is the softer of the two. Total uncut weight is just 500g, and the shaft length is a whopping 215cm so by the time you cut it down to size you are looking at a very light paddle indeed.
On The Water
In the hands this paddle feels sublime, the oval shaft shape is exceedingly comfortable and feels entirely natural in your hands. The blade features a V on the face to help keep it straight in the water through the pull of the stroke, and the angle makes the catch clean and easy. The real beauty of this paddle though is the flex; this paddle feels alive in your hands.
On the wave as you use the paddle for extra power and balance, dipping it to increase your carve and leaning on it when needed, the response you feel back through your hands is exceptional. If you’ve never used a high-end paddle before, or even if you have a high end one and it feels a bit wooden the Razzle Paddle R 90 is well worth a look. Going back to our regular, slightly older but still 100% carbon “high end” paddle was certainly a disappointing experience!
Overall
The flex and shape won us over here, the oval shaft is a real pleasure to engage with, and the feedback is fantastic. The finish is sublime; the Italian quality literally shines under the light, when you aren’t using it you can always just stare at it for extended periods of time!
This review was in Issue 3 of Tonic Mag.
For more information visit RRDRelated
By Rou Chater
Rou Chater has been kitesurfing for over twenty years, paddleboarding for the last six years, and was there testing the first wingsurfer from Naish in Tarifa when it arrived on the continent. He is passionate about riding waves and exploring new places. As the publishing editor, he oversees everything at Tonic but also our sister magazines IKSURFMAG and IMB. He's been on the water since he was born and has never looked back, in the winter you'll find him chasing swells in the Caribbean and during the summer he can be found all over Europe at various SUP, Kitesurf and Mountain Bike events getting features for the magazines.
