Did you actually try those, or is that just looking at the ad copy for the different products? There are a lot of different products out there. My guess is that many are thought up in the marketing department.

Just from looking at the ad copy and speaking to a car detailing guy.

though some of the higher-tech products like Liquid Ice (Norton) and Finesse-It (3M) actually break down to finer grits as they are worked.

These appear to be about 3 times the cost, but that's fine if they actually do what I need.

I think some of the 'Ultimate' products may be too fine to do the initial job for you, but there's no harm in trying them....I have a (small) shelf full of different rubbing and polishing compounds from my hobbies (luthier stuff as well as the fiberglass and paint jobs).

I was thinking for $9 it was worth trying...

I know paddles are expensive. I try not to abuse mine, but it is a tool, so I don't get too concerned about scratches. But if I saw the whole surface getting hazy, I'd look at shining it up a bit. (..if it didn't have the big white paint stripes on the blades.. :-) )

https://ibb.co/f2sx9c
https://ibb.co/gTC5Uc

I break lots of whitewater paddles a year, but I take pretty good care of my wings. Occasionally I will hit a log (or if I'm not paying attention paddle into branches which is where most of my scratches came from).

BTW a lot of us stick SOLAS refective tape on the paddle blades. Anything except waving those 'invisible' black blades in the air.
'White' or other bright colour blades are useful if trying to locate a swimmer (with waving paddle) in the water and very useful if using the paddle to signal folks when doing surf landings. (Experienced paddler on shore, signalling go-wait with paddle.)

Makes sense.

Thanks