Werner Vibe Review

While not the lightest or highest-performing paddle in our lineup, the Werner Vibe offers solid all-around performance at a reasonable price.

Performance Comparison

Performance

Out of the box, we will admit that we didn't have the highest hopes for this paddle. While Werner is a highly respected company, the Vibe strongly resembles the type of paddle you would find included with a cheap inflatable raft, with a shape reminiscent of a kayak paddle. While it has some flashy features, including a sweet locking mechanism and a solid blade design, our reviewers were initially skeptical of its performance capabilities, doubting that it could hold its own against some of the other top candidates. Because of the shape, testers who strictly paddle board had a bit of a learning curve when using this paddle, but ultimately it earned a very impressive score.

The Vibe is a solid all-around paddle, providing both power and maneuverability. It features a blade with a rectangular shape, a hybrid dihedral/scoop profile, and 10 degrees of offset. The result allows for a gentler catch and a smooth pull through the water. Those familiar with the traditional teardrop shape may find that this paddle initially flutters. Becoming familiar with how this design moves through the water can take some time, but we think it's worth it.

The lever-locking mechanism featured on this paddle plays into the overall performance. This mechanism has a very low profile that significantly reduces fumbling when switching your paddle stroke. The locking mechanism allows the Vibe to have versatile adjustability while its profile resembles that of a non-adjustable paddle. This system does sacrifice some comfort in the handle. The shape is less bulbous and more round compared to those with traditional locking mechanisms. The in-hand experience is not nearly as comfortable as more traditional paddle handles. The major benefit of the lever-locking system is that the top shaft feels solid because everything is built into it.

Ease of Adjustment

The Vibe features 16 inches of adjustability, which is about average among the paddles we reviewed. This range provides a reasonable amount of wiggle room to allow for adjustments between paddlers of varying heights. However, one of our testers is under 5 feet tall and could not get the paddle short enough to feel confident.

The Vibe has marks on the shaft for both the height of the paddler and the paddle measurement itself, a feature not present on all models in our review. This makes figuring out your ideal paddle length much easier. With helpful measurement marks and a superior locking mechanism, the Vibe is one of the easiest paddles to adjust. This makes it ideal for use between multiple paddlers of different heights or for transport. We did find that most of our testers added 2 to 4 inches to their marked height on the paddle for comfortable recreational use.

Locking Mechanism

The LeverLock system featured on the Vibe is the simplest option we tested and a tester favorite. It's convenient and very easy to use, particularly when making on-the-water adjustments. A small lever is built into the handle that gets lifted upward — when in the up position, the shaft of the paddle easily slides up and down. There are very few moving parts associated with the mechanism, which our testers found to be a huge benefit. We also like that there isn't a ton of force required to raise or lower the lever. You can feel the spring drawing the paddle shorter, so two hands are required to secure the length in place. Other mechanisms take so much force to engage or disengage that they can almost cause you to lose your balance, particularly when the water is a little rough.

Other paddles also feature a system that, confusingly, is called LeverLock, or Family Adjustable. However, these systems require a screwdriver to adjust the holding pressure. They aren't as intuitive as the system on the Vibe and can be a pain to adjust while you are out on the water.

Weight

The Vibe is hefty at 30.5 ounces. This is more than half a pound heavier than the ultralight models in our review. That may not sound like much, but it can take a toll during a long paddle. Much of this weight is in the shaft rather than the paddle.

The silver lining of this extra weight is that there's a big price difference between the Vibe and the lightest models in our lineup. And overall, this paddle does not feel super heavy when in hand, so it might be worth the little bit of extra weight for its low price and high performance.

Construction Quality

The Vibe features a long, rectangular, and slender blade design, differentiating it from other paddles. The dihedral blade has a ridge down the middle and is constructed of fiberglass set at a 10-degree offset. The shaft is fiberglass with a nicely textured surface. At first glance, this paddle kind of resembles a toy. It reminded one tester of the paddles that come with inflatable rafts for kids, as it lacks the ultra-modern look, feel, and cool graphics prevalent on other top paddles. However, don't let looks deter you from this high-value paddle — it's a high-quality option with a modern locking system and great performance.

The majority of the weight of this paddle is in the blade, which is uniquely designed to feel light in the water. While carrying it, the Vibe feels heavy and unbalanced. As we mentioned before, testers noted that it is more like a kayak paddle than a traditional SUP paddle. That said, it feels sturdy, and the fiberglass will stand up well to daily use.

Should You Buy the Werner Vibe?

Prices for this paddle differ depending on whether you select the one-, two-, or three-piece option. No matter which you choose, the Vibe is on the middle to lower end of the price range of the different paddles we have tested. It's a solid option and is one we recommend to anyone shopping on a budget. It isn't the most stylish or lightest, but if you're looking for a higher-performance paddle, this one will not disappoint.

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