SWEEP OARS - Shaft Construction and Stiffness
Products > Oars > Sweeps
| Sweep Ordering Guide Shaft Construction Blade Options Oar Length Handles & Grips Pitch & Inboard |
We offer two types of shaft construction: ORIGINAL and ULTRALIGHT.
ORIGINAL shafts, comprised of both fiberglass and carbon fiber, are an offshoot of the first composite shafts we made. These shafts weigh more than our other options, and therefore, are not as popular among rowers at all levels. Originals have great impact resistance and are a good choice where oar durability is paramount. ULTRALIGHT shafts, first introduced in 1986, are made entirely of carbon fibre, making them 25% lighter than our original oars. Ultralights have less impact resistance than the original construction, but the weight reduction saves a significant amount of energy at higher stroke rates. For this reason, most competitive rowers choose the ultralight shaft construction. STANDARD STIFFNESS OPTIONS
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Our stiffness measurements are made using a standard length of the shaft (as shown in the diagram). Therefore, when choosing, stiffness, the oar length deserves some consideration. A very long oar will feel more flexible than a short oar of the same stiffness spec.
Every shaft is tested for strength and graded for stiffness. Stiffness is measured in terms of the deflection in the oar when a 10kg weight is hung from the neck as shown in the drawing above. |
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