Hey 'breezers!
Does anyone have experience with a Trident Ultra Carbon PAddle?
On paper, these look similar to a QB Slim Jim, Kialoa Pipes or even a Ke Nalu.
But, the Trident is A LOT cheaper @ $340, the rest are all $480+ !!
I need a small blade paddle for DW and I've got tender shoulders. I'm paddling a DC17 board.
There's not much chatter about these Tridents, which is worrying, and all the other aforementioned paddles all have cult followings!
Any (unbiased) info is appreciated!
They are very different to QB, Kialoa, and Ke Nalu..
I don't know anyone who likes them.. except the people that sell them..
The blade has a very odd shape.. They look more like a kayak paddle.
Werner do a similar shaped paddle.. and we don't see many of those on the water either.
DJ
I've used their budget adjustable range at a rental place. The curved blade feels good in a straight line and encourages a positive angle and full catch. It may be a minor issue but I found that when starting a turn with a brake type stroke it was a little tricky to get the angle in the water right due to the curve. But it depends on what type of sup you're doing and you get that to various degrees with a lot of blades. Fibreglass blades would be very durable and easy to repair, but the heavier, stronger guys might find that the blade flexes more than they like. It seems like a good option if you don't want to pay big $ for a carbon but want it to last.
For a Dw'er I'd suggest a demo.
Thanks fellas!
Good info that. I figured that may be the case.
Know anything about 'yob' paddles while I'm at it?
I'm normally of the opinion of if you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all.. So I wasn't going to coment at all.. But seeing that I have.. and the fact that you want to use the paddle for downwinders make me want to explain more about why I'm not a big fan.. I drag my paddle a lot on DW'ers and some paddles slide on the water better than others.. Maybe that's why I like Kialoa's so much with their flat blades.. I find that even a dihedral catches a little.. and a very curved blade like the Trident would be awful .. Also the curved blade is ok for the catch part of the stroke but it's when you pull the curved blade out of the water at the end of the stoke you will most likely pull out a bucket of water at the same time.. Maybe these two things are not an issue for most people or maybe they don't know any better but it's not something that I would like in a paddle.. 
DJ
It is pure speculation, and I'm looking for the positives, but a curved blade might catch more water in rough conditions and braking on the back of the curve might prove better than leaning on the edge of a flat blade - works on a ski but different strokes of course. Steering, leaning and braking on it would be different and would need some adjustment if you're used to straighter blades. Need to remember we're talking about a hybrid fibreglass/carbon paddle at a different price point here and a comparison to a top end paddle isn't 100% relevant.
The other positive is that it deters renters from using their paddle backwards up and down the beach - which has to be good for the sport.
I actually like my trident, I have tried a few paddles and I haven't really hated anything though. Being a tall guy I find if you start the stoke early and finish the stoke cleanly it works very efficiently. If you get lazy with your paddling it is terrible though, twists and turns all over the shop. In the surf I find it brakes well to turn the board and paddles well too. Just my opinion.
Oh and I don't sell these paddles. 
Hi, I am not a full-time SUP Paddler and I don't compete in any events. However, I have developed a bit of experience thru' asking, listening, watching, trying lots of different gear, etc. I use the following paddles;
My first paddle was a Naish 110 size blade & I don't like it. The blade flexes as much as the shaft does & my shoulders always get trashed. Its good for punting around the estuary with the dog though.
Kialoa Methane - my favourite for surfing. A small (90) narrow blade, stiff shaft, short length, high paddle cadence, very positive feel & the edges don't catch on the wave.
QB Kanaha Elite 100. Brilliant flat water & training (I don't compete) on Hobie 14' & 12'6 WOW. Long shaft with great flex, too edgy when surfing waves.
Aqua Glide Carbon. Great all-round (not too serious) paddle to use with my 12'4 Nalu Board on both flat water & small surf.
Trident Carbon - great on down-winders, It centres itself when dragging along on the swell runners & for when a few quick paddle strokes are required to re-align & get the most out of the swell.
The Trident looks more like a Ke Nalu than a Kialoa.
I only do down-winders paddling on the Ocean, not in relatively shallow windswept bays where there's very little gap between swells.
I have used a number of other paddles. Most are good, some are bad. IMO
Hey DJ, put a straight edge along the blade of your Kialoa, you may be in for a 'subtle' surprise. Rgd's, G...
Not going to buy into the incipient 'which is better' diss-fest but for Pyeman's info - Fanatic do a couple nice paddles around the same price point as the Trident you're considering. The 80/20 carbon/bamboo is a nice thing and pretty forgiving in the smaller size if your shoulders are dodgy.
As usual...pick your price point and see if you can demo a few. Paddles are pretty personal, like shoes and bicycle saddles.
