Page 27 - 2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

PADDLEBOARDING

WAVELENGTH
Buy Less, Do More

Six reasons why investing in quality gear really pays off by brian day

I ADMIT IT. I’m a gearhead. I’ve spent the last 30 years save some serious green. But some features pay for
working in the outdoor industry selling paddlesports themselves the first time you need them.
clothing and equipment. I have a basement full of
tried and tested gear and a long list of things that BETTER FIT
would be nice to have as soon as my budget will allow. Good gear fits better. And I’m not just talking about
I’m enough of a nerd about this stuff that a few years clothing. You’re far more likely to find a boat or board
back, I went through my closet and set to work devising that fits you just right at the top end of the quality
a universal system of outdoor clothing for all environ- spectrum. This is partly because of premium outfit-
ments and wrote a long series of articles about it. ting options and also the cost of development and
Yeah, I’m that guy. demand for performance. It’s expensive to develop
So, when it comes to the question of whether qual- a new product, and the safest bet is to aim it at the
ity equipment is worth the price, I say yes. I’ve been largest number of potential customers. This means
at this long enough and seen enough junk wear out big paddlers and small paddlers may be left out in the
along the way to know it pays to buy the good stuff. cold. The extra cost of premium gear gives manufac-
While it may cost more out of the gate, you’ll likely turers more leeway to develop products fitting at the
have more fun and save money in the long run. Here tails of the curve, rather than the average paddler.
are my top six reasons why.
INCREASED SUPPORT
HIGHER PERFORMANCE The best gear comes with great customer support.
Good gear works better. Quality equipment outper- Quality gear is sold through specialty dealers who
forms budget alternatives almost every time. Consider know their stuff and can help connect you with exactly
the breathable fabrics waterproof paddling cloth- the right equipment. Premium brands partner with
ing is made from. Premium waterproof/breathable retailers who offer test paddling, so you’ll know you’re
fabrics breath better over low-cost alternatives. It’s a purchasing the right ride. Top-tier manufacturers of-
difference you can actually feel. The same is true of fer warranty support and repair services for lengthier
an ultralight carbon paddle or a quality composite periods as part of their customer care—some even
board. Premium construction, design and material in offer lifetime warranties. Often you can get them on
outdoor equipment give you an enhanced experience the phone or an online chat to answer questions about
on the water. Good gear is more fun. maintenance and use of your equipment. If you’re
serious about getting out on the water, you’ll appreci-
MORE VALUE ate the support accompanying quality equipment.
Attaching a price tag to the peace of mind synon-
ymous with higher quality gear might be hard to NICHE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
quantify but cost per use is not. You might not feel Last, but not least, is one for all you other gearheads
like you’re saving money at the register, but since out there. The super tweaky stuff. Whitewater SUPs,
well-made products generally last longer, cost sav- specialized tow systems, drybags that fit in the corners
ings can be substantial. Especially with items you use of your boat, saddles, thigh straps, rescue PFDs with
frequently. Not having to replace the product means big pockets and strong swimmer harnesses, feather-
you’re getting a better return on your investment. light graphite racing paddles, bombproof water boots,
And, since you’re more likely to get on the water even and more. All the niche stuff performing just right on
more often with gear that performs better, you may the river or the sea. These products don’t exist outside
get an even higher return than expected. of the top tier. They’re either made by specialized
small companies or by premium manufacturers who
FRESH FEATURES have a large enough range of products to support
It costs money to add features to equipment. A kayak specialty items that wouldn’t otherwise be profitable.
without bulkheads is less expensive than one with If you love to get out on the water, chances are there’s
them, but harder to rescue if you dump. Quality outfit- a piece of specialized gear with your name on it. And
ting is expensive but lets you easily customize your fit you won’t find it in a big box store.
BUY THE BEST AND YOU’LL ONLY
CRY ONCE. PHOTO: BEN HAGGAR in your gear. Skip the relief zip in a drysuit and you’ll

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