Shaft Construction & Stiffness

We offer the following types of shaft construction:

• Skinny shafts (sweep and scull) are smaller diameter shafts that are now available. Learn more
• Ultralight shafts (sweep and scull), are lightweight, all carbon fiber shafts that are most commonly used for recreation and racing at the highest level. Over the years we have refined the construction of this shaft to be as durable as possible. The lighter weight saves a significant amount of energy at higher stroke rates.
• Low Inertia (Low i) shafts (scull only) offer a lower overall weight and lighter "swing weight." The overall weight is approximately 5 oz. less per scull than our standard Ultralight construction, while the swing weight is reduced by 18%.
  
  Swing weight refers to the weight at the blade and is felt each time the oar changes direction. A reduction in swing weight, therefore, becomes more significant at higher stroke rates. Lighter rowers may realize more benefit from these sculls than heavier rowers.
  
  Note: Low i sculls are more susceptible to impact damage than the Ultralight sculls and must be handled with greater care. As with any decrease in oar weight, balancing your boat may be more difficult until you get used to the change.

Standard Stiffness Options

A blade and shaft work systemically to create a perception of stiffness: A blade that creates more resistance in the first third of the drive will feel stiffer, as will a shorter oar.

Shaft stiffness is largely a matter of personal preference.

• Softer shafts flex more easily on the drive, and some athletes prefer this feel.
• Stiffer shafts flex less on the drive. Some athletes worry that this stiffness could contribute to overuse injuries.
• Medium stiffness is the most common choice, unless the athlete has a clear reason for preferring soft or stiff.

Stiffness Measurements

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 below.

Our stiffness measurements are made using a standard length shaft. A very long oar will feel more flexible than a short oar of the same stiffness.

Shaft Testing

Every oar is tested for strength in the Morrisville Monster and leak-tested before it leaves the shop.

The Morrisville Monster