For those who don't I usually end the conversation by saying "do you want to race?"

This isn't the appropriate place for the never-ending paddle argument. I only 'stimulated discussion' ( :-) ) after (yet another) recommendation to switch to a Greenland paddle.

I have friends who are fitter than me- they could outrace and outlast me using any paddle I specified! One friend paddles for a few hours on each kayak day paddle with a OC1 (marathon canoe) style single blade paddle, and can blast by me most any time he wants.

Make a list of world-class racers, long-distance expedition paddlers, surfski paddlers, competition kayak surfers and whitewater paddlers using Greenland paddles; it won't be a long one.

Wooden Greenland paddles are a good 'fit' with the diy style. It's fun to paddle a boat I've made, and making the paddle fit right in with that idea. Though people have made some very nice wood diy 'Euro' style paddles, it's pretty tough to match the performance of the top grade carbon blades, if you want a paddle with a bent shaft and a light blade core like a Werner Cyprus. I made a few steps in that direction, and gave up- it's probably a more difficult task than building a kayak.