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Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle Review

Mark Armstrong
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The Carlisle Magic Plus is a kayak paddle that comes in two pieces. It is designed to be both affordable and high performing. It comes in a range of lengths to suit different paddlers and can be a great option for beginners, as well as for more experienced paddlers.

Carlisle Magic PlusPin
  • Length: 220cm, 230cm, 240cm, 250cm
  • Weight: 39.8 ounces (220cm)
  • Blade Shape: Asymmetrical
  • Blade Size: 7 x 17.5 inches

The Magic Plus is lightweight and is built for both touring and recreational paddling. It features asymmetrical spoon shaped blades and can be ideal for paddling in lakes, open water and rivers.

The Carlisle Magic Plus Paddle Is…

The Carlisle Magic Plus paddle is designed for recreational paddling and touring. Its blades are crafted to help you move across the water efficiently, while minimizing wrist fatigue.

The Carlisle Magic Plus paddle is designed for recreational paddling and touring. Its blades are crafted to help you move across the water efficiently, while minimizing wrist fatigue.

It can be a good choice if you plan to spend a lot of time on the water because it’s lightweight.

However, if you’re looking for a paddle for kayak fishing, you may want to choose one that has a J shaped cutout in the blade for line retrieval. The Magic Plus does not have this feature.

The Magic Plus paddle is generally built for more open water, so if you’re looking for a whitewater paddle, this may not be ideal, as you may want something a little shorter and more suitable for paddling in stronger currents.

Top Features Of The Magic Plus

Lightweight

The Carlisle Magic Plus is made from durable but lightweight materials. The blades are crafted from polypropylene that is reinforced with fiberglass. This combination helps to combine strength and durability with flexibility, while keeping the blades lightweight.

The shaft is also designed to be lightweight, meaning it can be more comfortable to hold when you’re paddling over long distances or if you’re on the water for a long time.

The shaft is made out of wrapped fiberglass to enhance its strength and offer a lighter feel compared to an aluminum shaft.

Tailored Paddling

The Magic Plus paddle blades can be feathered at a 60 degree angle, allowing you to customize the paddle to suit your paddling preferences. There is a no-fail push button on the shaft that can let you set the blade angles easily for either right or left handed control.

The paddle also comes in a range of lengths, starting from 220 centimeters up to 250 centimeters. This can benefit a wide range of paddler heights and requirements, including if you’re a taller paddler or if you have a wider recreational vessel.

All Day Kayaking

Another feature of the Magic Plus paddle is the asymmetrical blades. This means it can be ideal for long distance paddling, as it can allow for more of the blade to be in the water while you’re paddling, making your strokes more efficient.

The paddle also benefits from having an ovalized shaft, which can make it more comfortable to hold and easier to grip. With the shaft being made from fiberglass, it also means that it can be more comfortable to hold in extreme conditions, as it will generally not heat up or cool down as significantly as an aluminum shaft.

Additionally, the asymmetric blades are slightly spoon shaped, which can help you to move more water, making it easier to paddle. This can help to minimize fatigue, which can be useful on long trips.

Recreational Paddling

The Magic Plus paddle has medium sized blades that can make it an ideal option for recreational paddling, whether you’re a beginner or a more intermediate paddler. The lengths available could be well suited to paddling recreational kayaks that are around 10 to 12 feet in length.

Touring

The paddle is also optimized for touring, meaning it could be a good entry level touring paddle or even an ideal spare. Plus, it comes in two pieces, which can make it more convenient to store on your kayak, as well as being easier to transport and store at home.

The Magic Plus is designed as a high angled paddle, which can make it ideal if you’re a more intermediate paddler looking to gain more speed from a higher angled stroke.

Visibility

Another useful feature of this kayak paddle is the brightly colored blades. These orange blades could be particularly beneficial in low light conditions or in the event of a rescue situation, as they can be easier to see than more muted or dark colored blades.

It’s not just kayaking that they can be used for, Carlisle paddles can be ideal for rafting too, just like these users recommend:


Magic Plus Alternatives

Aqua Bound Sting Ray Carbon 2 Piece Kayak Paddle

Aqua Bound Sting Ray Carbon 2 Piece Kayak PaddlePin

This Aqua Bound Sting Ray two piece paddle can be a good alternative if you’re looking for high performance and strength, although it comes in a little higher in price than the Magic Plus.

Made with a lightweight carbon shaft and carbon reinforced nylon blades, this paddle can be ideal for more experienced paddlers looking for a quality touring paddle. It weighs just 28.8 ounces and the blades can be angled in 15 degree increments.

Advanced Elements Compact Touring Paddle 4

Advanced Elements Compact Touring Paddle 4Pin

The Advanced Elements Compact Touring Paddle could be an ideal alternative if you’re looking for something more suitable for traveling. It’s a four piece paddle that can be ideal for transporting or storing as a spare paddle, and comes in around the same price as the Magic Plus paddle.

It is lightweight and durable and can be great if you’re a beginner or more experienced. It is designed to offer efficient paddling for touring.

Pelican Kayak Poseidon Aluminum Kayak Paddle

Pelican Kayak Aluminum Kayak PaddlePin

This Pelican Kayak paddle could be a good alternative if you’re on a tighter budget, as it’s in a lower price range than the Magic Plus.

This affordable two-piece paddle features an aluminum shaft for strength and durability and benefits from fiberglass reinforced polypropylene blades for impact resistance.

It also has an ovalized shaft, adjustable drip rings and comes in a choice of colors. Additionally, the blades can be feathered from zero to 65 degrees.

Our Final Words

Carlisle Magic PlusPin

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Two piece construction
  • Lightweight
  • Made for touring

Cons

  • No fishing features
  • Not ideal for whitewater

The Carlisle Magic Plus paddle can be a great option if you’re looking for an entry level touring paddle or a lightweight recreational paddle. It’s durable and easy to store and transport, as well as being designed for efficient all day paddling.

If you think the Magic Plus could be the right paddle for you, check it out here. And let us know what your thoughts are on this or any other paddle. Leave us a comment and share this with your buddies.

The Magic Plus features in our best kayak paddles article.


Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Of Paddle Should I Buy?

The size of paddle you’ll need will usually depend on your height and the width of your boat. The wider your kayak, the longer the paddle you’ll need and similarly, the taller you are, the longer the paddle.

Does The Paddle Pull Apart For Storage?

Yes, this paddle breaks apart into two pieces for easier storage and transportation.

Does The Magic Plus Float?

Yes, this paddle can float. But you may still want to use a paddle leash to prevent losing your paddle in currents if you drop it overboard.

> Do kayak paddles float generally?

What Type Of Kayaking Is This Paddle For?

This paddle is for touring and recreational kayaking on open water and around shorelines. It can be ideal for lakes, bays, rivers and oceans where you plan to spend a lot of time on the water.

Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle Review - Pinterest ImagePin

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