REASONS TO BUY
Very economical
Durable blade construction
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Locking mechanism wobbly
Foam grips prone to slipping
SeaSense X-Treme II Review
A budget paddle for those who want to get on the water but are not concerned about performance
Credit: Sara James
RELATED: Best Kayak Paddle of 2024
Our Verdict
The substantially lower price tag on the SeaSense X-Treme 2 makes it a tempting option for anyone looking to purchase an affordable paddle without having to break the bank. It would also make a suitable backup paddle to keep for multi-day touring emergencies or as a spare. Although the construction and weight of this paddle significantly impacted its performance, it may be adequate for those who just want to get out on the water.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
SeaSense X-Treme II | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Bang for your Buck | Best on a Tight Budget | High Value and Bomber Construction | ||
| Price | $60 List $43.68 at Amazon | $129.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $75 List $79.95 at REI | $99.99 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $45.00 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | What this paddle lacks in performance it makes up for in value | Premium features without the shiny finish or heavy price tag, this is a great paddle | A durable paddle at an affordable price point | This is a robust and affordable paddle that can deliver powerful strokes | This is an easy-on-the-wallet option for the non-discerning kayaker |
| Rating Categories | SeaSense X-Treme II | Werner Skagit FG | Bending Branches Wh... | Carlisle Magic Plus | Pelican Poseidon |
| Performance (30%) | |||||
| Ease of Adjustment (20%) | |||||
| Locking Mechanism Security (20%) | |||||
| Weight (20%) | |||||
| Quality of Construction (10%) | |||||
| Specs | SeaSense X-Treme II | Werner Skagit FG | Bending Branches Wh... | Carlisle Magic Plus | Pelican Poseidon |
| Measured Weight | 42.0 oz | 34.7 oz | 37.0 oz | 44.5 oz | 39.2 oz |
| Shaft Material | Aluminum | Carbon blend | Aluminum | Fiberglass | Aluminum |
| Shaft Shape | Round | Round | Round, oval | Round | Round, oval |
| Blade Material | Fiberglass filled nylon blade | Fiberglass reinforced nylon | Polypropylene | Fiberglass reinforced polypropylene | Plastic/fiberglass |
| Blade Shape | Asymmetrical | Dihedral, asymmetrical | Dihedral, asymmetrical | Asymmetrical | Asymmetrical |
| Adjustment Style | Push button | Smart view adjustable | Push button w/ basic ferrule | Push button | Push button |
| Blade Offset Settings | L45, 0, R45 | 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R | L60, 0, R60 | L60, 0, R60 | L65, 0, R65 |
| Length Options | 84in, 96in | 220 to 250cm in 10cm increments | 210 to 240cm in 10cm increments | 220, 230, 240cm | 230, 240, 250cm |
| Length Tested | 96in | 230cm | 230cm | 230cm | 230cm |
| Style | Low-angle | Low-angle | Low-angle | Low-angle | Low-angle |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The SeaSense X-Treme 2 is a no-frills, entry-level recreational touring paddle. It is functional and has an exceptionally low price (less than a quarter of the cost of the most competitors). This model is perfect for a short lake float or short journeys. The foam grips reduced performance, and the point of connection felt shaky. Due to is excessive weight, this model would not be recommended for extended tours (over two hours) or for paddlers who are looking for performance. The X-Treme is for those paddlers looking to get out on the water without making a significant investment into the sport yet.
Performance Comparison
This is not a high-performance paddle and may limit those wanting to go on more challenging adventures.
Credit: Sara James
Performance
The grips started to move around within 15 minutes of us first using it. Maybe the temperatures caused the adhesive to unbind, or maybe we just bought an unlucky specimen. However, we were pretty disappointed with this feature. Testers found that you could just pull these up to one end, which made the paddle easier to control effectively. The narrow shaft and shaky adjustment point also drew away from the performance. After long days on the water, testers were not excited to be using this paddle.
Ease of Adjustment
The adjustment system was easier to use than most; however, this was partly because the connection point was inherently loose in the first place.
It uses a simple snap button connection with no additional internal locking features. As a result, this paddle is shakier than most.
Credit: Sara James
Locking Mechanism Security
The looser style snap button system used on the SeaSense X-Treme 2 was not secure. There was a significant amount of give in the mechanism which resulted in a shaky, inefficient paddle stroke. A novice paddler may not notice or care about this shake. However, those looking for efficiency in their paddle strokes may feel frustrated. The other models of paddles tested, delivered a significantly superior point of connection for the two-piece paddles.
This type of paddle is an option for kayakers not intending to take many strokes during the day.
Credit: Sara James
Weight
Due to the aluminum shaft and plastic blades, this paddle is one of the heaviest paddles tested. This is unlikely to be a cause of concern for those looking to make very short journeys. However, if you are paddling for more than 30 minutes, you are likely to notice the additional fatigue that this paddle will bring. Other budget options are not as heavy as this paddle.
The plastic blades are functional with no frills. You won't have to be too concerned if you hit rocks with this paddle.
Credit: Sara James
Quality of Construction
The polypropylene blades were observed to be durable and not prone to damage. Testers had concerns about how the riveted join would last over time, especially if used by powerful kayakers. Although we noticed no issues during testing, we have seen multiple paddles fall apart over the years that use this same construction technique.
Within 15 minutes of kayaking, the foam grips on the SeaSense started to slip around the paddle shaft, significantly impacting the effectiveness of this paddle. Constructed of plastic blades and an aluminum shaft, testers observed no other wear and tear to the paddle.
A budget Polypropylene paddle like this one makes for an affordable spare paddle for occasional use in relaxing conditions.
Credit: Sara James
Value
This is a cheap paddle, retailing for a fraction of most the other models. Although the performance difference was notable compared all to the other paddles, the SeaSense provides excellent value for the introductory kayaker.
Heavier and less stable than other options out there, this paddle is not designed for extended journeys.
Credit: Sara James
Conclusion
It is hard to contend with the incredible value of this product. If you are looking for a spare paddle for your touring kayak, or are considering getting a paddle for your inflatable, this may be a paddle worth spending your money on. However, if you can throw down the extra money for one of the other models, you will notice the difference.
—
Sara James
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