Shaft Construction & Stiffness

We offer three types of shaft construction: ORIGINAL, ULTRALIGHT and LOW INERTIA (sculls only).

• 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 fiber, 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 rowers choose the Ultralight shaft construction.
• Low Inertia (Low-i) scull shafts were introduced in December 2004 for scullers looking for oars with 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, felt each time the oar changes direction. A reduction in swing weight 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 have to 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

Shaft stiffness is mostly a matter of personal preference. Softer shafts will flex more easily on the drive and some athletes like this feel.  Stiffer shafts flex less on the drive but some users worry that this stiffness could contribute to overuse injuries.  Most users order medium stiffness unless they have a clear reason for preferring soft or stiff.

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.

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

* 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.

The Morrisville Monster

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