: ....I noticed that the weight varied quite a bit from piece to piece of
: the same size. I suspect that density and moisture (both water and sap)
: content is the difference. Won't that make a difference in the finished
: paddle weight?

yes, I'm sure both make a difference, also the grain ie. did the tree grow on fertile land (wide rings) or on very poor soil, only adding very thin rings each year. And then, even if somebody cites "88 inch west greenland style", well, how thin did he make it? If this guy went to extremes for instance to get good "bite", can one compare the resulting weight to another person's paddle, where the average thickness can easily be 15% more? Well, not really.

I guess this is why I occasionally ask questions like "what do you think this or this detail means for the weight": since one can't really compare two paddles without seeing them side by side, all that remains is to ask for the qualitative opinions their builders have on the factors affecting the final weight ( and strength, too). Hopefully one can thus form a sum of opinions on which factors are more important, and which less.

Also, just following the threads on this BB is a fun way to learn more; when at times the more experienced get an argument up between themselves, one needs no longer to ask oneself, just sit back and enjoy...