Robsons new innovation to the paddling scene in Flowtek technology
has been so successful that recently we have seen other companies taking on
similar ideas! The Robson Hells bell is just one of the many different designs
Robson do, with a wide variety of blade sizes and feels available. This
particular review is on a 191cm , 0 degree cranked shaft set.
For Freestyle
The massive blade surface area offered a stable platform to
help initiate moves such as cartwheels without the effort required with a
smaller sized blade. It also felt comfortable for the longer play boating
sessions many people do.
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| Me and Kev Griffiths battling it out on the Cafe Wave at the Tryweryn, testing the real strength of the hells bell ;) |
For Creeking
Whilst on the river, the Hells bell gave support when needed
as well as giving a good amount of power to help initiate those much needed
boof strokes as well as helping your desired boat get up to the speed required
for that particular rapid. Although I would not personally recommend a zero
feathered set of paddles for river boating, it gained no discomfort at all
whilst on the river. However, personally I would prefer a longer length shaft
if I was to use these paddles for Creek Boating alone.
Overall
The Robson Hells bell was a great alternative to a full
carbon set of paddles, with the main difference being that it added a lot more
durability and a longer lasting life to your blades, another selling point is
the colourful blade design which is not only nice to look at, but makes it
easier to spot in the event of a swim and loss of paddles. In a freestyle
session it offered a lot of support to help initiate moves as well as being
comfortable. On the river the large surface area aided boof strokes and it also
enabled you to really pull on the paddle for increased pace and speed. However,
the large surface area of the paddle is not for everyone as some people find it
a little too large but luckily the Robson flowtek range offers a lot more sizes
for you to choose from ;)
See you on the river,
Charles Blyth
