There's as many opinions on paddle blades as there are paddles. Every kayaking and paddling magazine had articles on paddle blade design over the past few years ...with no conclusions whatsoever.

Derik Hutchinson endorses a flat symetrical blade _ to avoid any confusion when rolling. Nigel Foster tested a spoon blade about 6 months ago in Sea Kayaker and generally found it tricky to roll with.

Cupped blades grab more water than a flat blade of equal size. Unless you're a racer, stay away from a spoon blade. A-symetrical blades are supposed to avoid flutter and any twist on the shaft. I don't get any twist or flutter on any paddle.

Try some commercial paddles and come up with your own conclusions - which are as good as any one's.