Bending Branches Black Pearl

The Lightest Full-Carbon Straight-Shaft Canoe Paddle We Stock

The Bending Branches Black Pearl ST weighs just 16oz (454g) - the lightest full-carbon, straight-shaft canoe paddle in our entire range, ahead of the Wenonah Blacklite Straight and both Werner carbon options in our Carbon Fibre Paddles range, and the most affordable of the three brands we stock at this construction tier. For long days on the water, that saved weight adds up stroke after stroke. (If a bent shaft suits your paddling style, our Wenonah Blacklite Bent Elbow is lighter still at 13oz - it's just not a straight-shaft paddle, so it's not a direct swap for this one.)

Built for Distance, Not Just Low Weight

The Black Pearl ST pairs a 100% carbon shaft and grip with a foam-core carbon blade, reinforced at the tip and edges with Bending Branches' proprietary nylon-weave Edgegard protection, which seals the carbon and extends the paddle's working life. The blade measures 8.25 x 18.75in (105 sq in of surface area) for a strong, efficient pull, and the Freestyle Palm Grip keeps hand position natural over a long paddling day. It's part of the same Bending Branches range as our solid-wood and hybrid canoe paddles, sitting at the top of the construction tier for weight and price.

Where the Black Pearl ST Performs Best

This is a flatwater and Class I-II touring paddle, built for long-distance trips and the kind of quick manoeuvring you need on easy moving water - not a technical whitewater paddle for Class III and above. Edgegard protects the tip from everyday wear, but it's a thinner layer than the reinforced fibreglass wrap on paddles like our Expedition Plus, so it's worth keeping the Black Pearl ST off rocky, shallow or braided river sections where a harder-wearing construction will last longer.

Straight Shaft, and Who This Suits

The Black Pearl ST uses a straight shaft (Bending Branches also make a bent-shaft "Black Pearl II," which we don't currently stock). It suits experienced tourers and expedition paddlers who've already decided carbon is worth the investment and are weighing up long-distance comfort against price - exactly the buyer comparing spec sheets across brands rather than choosing their first paddle. If you're newer to canoeing, paddling mixed or rockier water, or want to keep costs down, our solid-wood Beavertail or Java ST are a better starting point in the same range.

Ordering and Delivery

The Black Pearl ST is available in five lengths (52in-60in) - see our length guide if you're not sure which size suits your height and paddling style, or call the team for advice. As a long item, it ships via our dedicated long-item delivery services. For more info regarding deliveries, visit our Delivery Information Page.

Bending Branches Black Pear FAQs

What's the difference between the Black Pearl ST and Black Pearl II?

The ST is the straight-shaft version and the II has an 11-degree bent shaft - both use the same 100% carbon construction, foam-core carbon blade and weigh the same 16oz. The choice comes down to shaft preference, not weight or durability. We currently stock the straight-shaft ST.

Is the Bending Branches Black Pearl ST suitable for whitewater?

It's rated for flatwater and Class I-II moving water, not technical whitewater. Its Edgegard tip protection handles everyday wear well, but for Class III and above we'd recommend a more heavily reinforced paddle like our Bending Branches Expedition Plus.

What is Edgegard?

Edgegard is Bending Branches' nylon-weave protection system, wrapped around the blade tip and edges to seal the carbon and extend the paddle's working life - similar in purpose to the Rockgard system used on their wood-construction paddles.

How much does the Bending Branches Black Pearl ST weigh?

16oz (454g) - the lightest full-carbon, straight-shaft canoe paddle we stock across all brands, and the lightest paddle in our entire 7-model Bending Branches range.

Which Bending Branches canoe paddle is the lightest?

The Black Pearl ST, at 16oz - lighter than the Sunburst ST (17oz) hybrid, and considerably lighter than the solid-wood models in the range (22-24oz).