Recently upgraded from a heavy, aluminum, adjustable paddle. WoW!! What a difference!. This new carbon paddle is featherlite. Carbon handle feels solid and smooth in your hand. Adjusting clamp is simple, sturdy and easy to use; with a firmly locking, quick-release flip lever for length adjustment. Weight is exactly 28.3 oz (1.75lbs). The shaft and handle are 3K full carbon fiber, and super-light. Most of the weight is in the nylon/plastic composite blade due to the heavier, more durable, blade material. If you're a racer, and you really want to shave a few more ounces off your paddle, then go with the full carbon blade for an extra $40.00. But I'll caution you, the full carbon blade section....while pretty and light....will easily get dinged, scratched, or dented during transport or just hanging around the dock or beach. I personally like this carbon shaft paddle with nylon composite blade since I know I'll never have to repair the blade section after my kids throw it in the truck or bang it on the concrete dock. I plan to buy another one for my wife, since she always wants to use this new one now. At $119.99, it's the BEST sup paddle value anywhere. Compare most similar "name brand" paddles at $300.00, and this one blows them away in value and performance.