Bending BranchesReviews of bendingbranches.com

I called looking for a specific paddle. I was informed that it'd be $52 shipping. I was baffled as I was buying a $300 paddle. I was advised to buy a different paddle that came with free shipping, however, there was a miscommunication on the color. When it came, it was absolutely NOT what I expected. I emailed asking for an exchange and didn't hear back. So I called. I was assured someone would get back to me, they didn't. So I ordered from another vendor instead. They got back to me a day later and made me pay for the shipping to return it back. It only cost me $24.50 to ship it back to them....yet they were willing to charge me $52 for an initial order. They didn't seem to want to right size me, but rather just sell me a paddle regardless of my needs. They make a great product, but their antiquated policy and inflated shipping costs make them difficult to deal with.

Customer Care Second To None. Ten years ago I purchased a set of Aquabound Manta Ray TLC Carbon paddles when I first started Sea Kayaking in Cornwall, England. Recently whilst out paddling the plastic ferrule snapped. I contacted Aquabound who responded immediately. I have been corresponding with Rick Raffesberger over the past week who has provided first class customer service. The paddles I purchased a decade ago are no longer made. Rick and I have come to very satisfactory agreement whereby I will be receiving a new set of paddles with the improved Posi-lok ferrule system. To put icing on the cake Rick has agreed to swap my Manta Rays for Eagle Rays which will suit my paddling style better, now that I've got older and picked up a few shoulder injuries. Pushing my luck I went for the cherry on top. I explained to Rick that I could probably salvage the broken paddles for use by others. The shafts were not broken, only the plastic ferrule. If I were to remove the broken ferrule and insert a new one I will have created a set of fixed angle paddles. Rick has provided the cherry. Megan, Harry and Archie have done much to cement Anglo American relations but Rick Raffesberger comes a very close second in my humble opinion. Thank you Rick for making my customer journey as enjoyable as those I make in my sea kayak. Have fun Ewan