By Denny Parker
Our fourth review of 2026 focuses on Paddles, namely three (3): Black Project Ultimate Hydro SyneryX, Braća Sport SUP Marlin, and Starboard PrePreg Lima.
Outside of your Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP board), the Paddle is integral, foundational, and essential to the sport of SUP. There is no SUP without the P(addle).
The Paddle is both your sword and staff. Your sword when moving you and your board through the water effectively and efficiently. Your staff when using it as brace to stabilize you and your board in windy, choppy conditions on the water.
Note—I paddled on a 2025 404 LTD Pro 14’x25” SUP Board.
1. Black Project Hydro SynergyX Ultimate
Length 75.5”
Blade Size: L (91 sq inches)
Shaft Shape: Oval Taper 29/25/23.5mm
Shaft Stiffness: Flex 50 (Stiff)
Weight: 443 g
Black Project Hydro SynergyX Ultimate (BP SYNX ULT) paddle is by far the lightest paddle of the three and provided the least amount of strain on the body, which is essential in long distance paddling.
It has the largest blade size of all three paddles, which would lead one to presume it has the most power, however, the power of the BP SYNX ULT —in terms of mobility—was slightly less than the two paddles as I was only able to move the board about 10 feet (i.e., 71 percent of the board’s length) on average with each stroke.
The power of this BP SYNX ULT —in terms of stability—was on full display when facing 15 mph wind gusts as my board and I did not retreat nor lose ground in the face of such gusts. I was able to firmly and consistently plant my paddle in the water and move incrementally forward.
Power Mobility Rating: 9/10
Power Stability Rating: 10/10
2. Braća Sport SUP Marlin
Length: 75”
Blade Size: L (89 sq inches)
Shaft Shape: Round : 29 mm
Staff stiffness (Hard)
Weight: 455g
Braća Sport SUP Marlin (Braća Marlin) paddle is the heaviest and has the thickest shaft of all three paddles. Also, the blade, which is the second largest of the three, is flat and led to a slight a convulsive, jerky movement during the catch and power phases of my stroke. All of these characteristics made this paddle feel awkward, clunky which resulted in a steep learning curve for me to properly use this paddle and unlock its benefits.
After overcoming the steep learning curve, the Braća Marlin has the strongest catch and release of all three paddles. This translates to the power of the Braća Marlin—in terms of mobility—being the highest of all three paddles as I was able to move the board about 10.60 feet (i.e., 75.7 percent of the board’s length) on average with each stroke.
The power of the Braća Marlin—in terms of stability—is the highest of all three paddles as I was able face 10 mph gusts and 2’ boat wakes with confidence and fortitude. The Braća Marlin was undeterred when confronting both conditions, separately and jointly.
I will note that since the Braća Marlin is the heaviest of all three paddles, my body felt significantly more strained after using it.
Power Mobility Rating: 9.5/10
Power Stability Rating: 10/10
3. Starboard PrePreg Lima
Length: 74.5”
Blade Size: M (82.8 sq inches)
Shaft Shape: Skinny Oval : 27.5 mm
Shaft Stiffness: S30 (Stiff)
Weight: 445g
Starboard PrePreg Lima (SB PREG Lima) paddle was the second lightest of the three paddles, but has the smallest blade size of all three paddles. This dynamic lead me to increase my paddle stroke rate, which was the highest among all three paddles. The higher paddle stroke rate led to more power in my stroke—in terms of mobility—as I was able to move the board about 10.5 ft (i.e., 75.2 percent of the board’s length) on average with each stroke.
While I did not face any wind gust, I did face substantial boat wakes of 2’ to 3’ and the power of the SB PREG Lima paddle—in terms of stability—was significantly less than the other two paddles as I felt pushed back by those boat wakes. I surmised that the smaller blade was the contributing factor.
Power Mobility Rating: 8.5/10
Power Stability Rating: 7.5/10
