Lendal Varilock Problems

[Darksideup]

Anyone had any problems with Lendal Varilock system? I am looking to purchase a set and would value the opinion from anyone who has had any experience of said shaft. I intend to use them for day touring and a little surfing. Just a little woried how strong and long lasting this form of joint is. I do need a two piece for transport and like the idea of being able to adjust both length and feather.

[MikeB]

The Padlok joint concept itself is superb and as strong as a one-parter imco. They do benefit from a little routine maintainence - take the button apart and use Coppaslip on the grub screw threads which will prevent it seizing.

I have found, as have a number of people in the group I paddle with, that the full Varilok joints have a tendancy to move a little - which can be hassle if that movement puts the button in a place you can't reach it! Other than perhaps checking the tightness once it's been used a little, I cant see what else to do - perhaps the assembly slackens with temp changes? That said, I've always been able to sort it out eventually. The integrity of the shaft isn't compromised though.

You'll still be able to separate the paddle of course as it'll have a normal Padlok button and hole joint as well.

Mike.

[Owen]

I've been using a paddle with a varilock joint for the past couple of years with no problems. Once I'd set it up how I like it I haven't changed the position of the button since. So if you find the preset padlock position comfortable save your money and buy one with this joint.

[Darksideup]

Thanks for that MikeB. If the button moves to a place you can't reach, how do you manage to get it free again? I presume that you can get it loose and the length adjustment isn't just knackered!

[MikeB]

Thanks for that MikeB. If the button moves to a place you can't reach, how do you manage to get it free again? I presume that you can get it loose and the length adjustment isn't just knackered!

No - I've always managed, somehow, to get it to a place where I can get at the button. The three examples I can quote are as follows:

1/ I took my own set to the Hebridies two years back and set it as per my normal setting - over two weeks, the wretched thing managed to move inwards (shortening itself), with the button disappearing under the bit between the slots. Eventually, it got to the point where the button was visible so it was then just a matter of resetting it and keeping an eye on it! It needs to be tighter than you have to tighten the "normal" Paddlok button in its function securing the two parts together, if that makes any sense?

2 / A December trip (so very cold) saw a friend's (Mike F) Varilok allowing the two halves to rotate to the point where paddling was (shall we say) "amusing" as the feather moved! Trying to sort that on the water was even more amusing - so we didn't. Thank goodness for spare paddles! Later, in the relative warmth of the bothy we were in, two burly blokes managed to get the Varilok to seperate. Reset, it was fine the next day.

3 / Another chap I paddle with (Dave) reports he has the same problem as I do sometimes - that of the shaft moving inwards (although in his case, it doesn't rotate as Mike F's did) As he just uses the shortest setting anyway, it's not an issue for him.

My initial guess was that the cold was allowing the shaft to contract - but that theory seems to be discounted if you consider that carbon fibre is supposed to be stable and in the somewhat warmer bothy hadn't tightened again. My Varilok is second-hand, and was a dealers demo model. That said, it was in excellent condition when I got it, with no evident wear. The other chaps one is, as far as I know, fairly new - so wear isnt an issue. I can only assume that the slots are allowing a little too much flex at that point.

Whatever you do, dont lube the male / female joint though. Even squirting lube into the button if the grub screw needs lubing is a bad thing! Incidentally, there are instructions on the Lendal site as to how to remove and strip the button for servicing.

I paddle with Owen and can confirm he's had no problems with his. Personally, I cant really see the point of the full Varilok except in helping someone find the correct length and feather in the first place. It is useful of course to have such a flexible paddle as a spare set (if you can justify the expense) so that it can be set right or left handed, vary the feather and length etc, so that other folk can use it if necessary.

Personally, I'd follow Owen's advice. Just get a two or four parter and dont bother with the full Varilok. If you really want to be able to alter the feather on the fly, just get Switchlok. I remain unconvinced that the few cms length adjustment makes all that much difference in reality. In the old days when Lendal were in Prestwick, you used to be able to specify the precise length and feather when you ordered - with the current situation I'm not sure if this is still the case. I think the standard feather is 60 degrees - my main paddle certainly is - its a four parter with Paddlok and was off-the-shelf stock - when compared to the Varilok set at 60.

(On the subject of servicing the button, I can attest to the validity of the advice they give about the use of a small plastic bag! Dont' ask me how I know - - - )

If you've not seen it - here's the link to the systems, including servicing instructions - http://www.lendal.com/index.php?option= ... Itemid=225

Its a superb system, notwithstanding the niggles I've mentioned. I've also had Epics which, while excellent paddles, used a clumsy locking collar set up. Werners adjustable feather system seems slightly clumsy too, and there are known issues with the joint refusing to come apart. Their straightforward two-part / button joint isnt as neat as the Lendal one imco. Cant speak about others.

It'll be great when the "new" Lendal gets back into production - - -

Mike.

[GrahamKing]

I've been very pleased with the varilok system: the paddles have given excellent service and have only jammed once, when I let salt water dry in the joint for several days running without taking it apart. Solved with hot water.
The great advantage of the length adjustment is that it gives you a few centimetres with which to "change gear": short for early-season-unfit, heavy loads, and headwinds; long for fit, light, and surfing downwind.

[Darksideup]

Thanks for all of the great feedback guys. At the moment I have two cheap paddles, a 215 and a 220 cm, my idea was that I would not have to choose the length I wanted as I could have both in one paddle. Maybe I should make a decision for once and just pick a length and stick to it ( did I just start this sentence with "Maybe", very decisive). I can change the feather on my curent paddles from 60 to 90 degrees which I use sometimes depending on wind conditions and I like this feature. I will have to try and get down to Ferry Nab and make my final decision. Thanks for all of your help again guys, you have probably convinced me to go with Switchlock and forget the Varilock system, get fitter and use a 220cm paddle all of the time.