Description

The Lima Tiki Tech Lite is part of Starboard’s performance paddle line (Lima), optimized for racers, distance paddlers, and serious flatwater use. The “Tiki Tech Lite” version is designed to deliver high performance while being more durable and cost-effective than the ultra-premium “Prepreg” or full carbon blades. It strikes a balance — good stiffness, good responsiveness, but with enhanced durability and a somewhat friendlier price point.

Construction & Materials

1. Blade (“Tiki Tech Lite”) Construction

   • The blade uses Tiki Tech Lite materials: this includes a protective top sheet covering artwork & finish, UD (unidirectional) carbon stringer running from the neck to the top of the blade for reflex and strength.

   • There is filament rail infusion (biaxial glass fiber) along the rails up to the neck to boost durability and resistance to impacts.

   • Reinforcement at the blade neck (where blade meets shaft) is extended, because that area sees a lot of stress.

2. Shaft Construction

   • Carbon shaft (various diameter / flex / piece configurations) matched to the blade design. The shaft is made from carbon fiber layers, wound or laminated, with resin infusion to ensure strength and stiffness.

   • Shaft diameters common in this paddle include 26 mm round or 29 mm round depending on model and size.

3. Handle / Grip

   • The paddle uses a Super Handle design: flat top, wide grip to create leverage, improve comfort, and allow more efficient strokes. Helps especially in side winds or when you want control in less-than-ideal conditions.

   • Adjustable clamp systems (“Tiki Clamp”, “Super Smooth Clamp”) in multi-piece shaft versions to ensure secure, precise alignment and minimal play.

Blade Shape, Geometry & Design Features

• Twin Ribs Shape: The blade is shaped with twin ribs (CNC-core twin ribs). These ribs reduce the core volume (approx ~15%) but significantly add stiffness; they help the blade resist deformation under load and help maintain a clean shape during the catch phase.

• Concave Power Face: The drive side of the blade has a concave face, which guides water flow, reduces wobbling or flutter, helps the blade maintain alignment in the water, and improves efficiency of power transfer.

• Blade Angle: The blade neck is angled (~10°) so that the blade enters and works in the water in a more effective orientation, making the “power phase” more efficient.

• Profile: Narrower and flatter profile compared to bulky blades; allows paddler to pull blade close to the board’s rail, helping with stroke efficiency, cleaner recovery, better tracking.

Sizes, Flex, Shaft Types & Configurations

• Flex options: Common flex levels include S35 (stiffer) and F40 (medium stiffness). These give choices to match paddler’s strength / weight / stroke style.

• Shaft types: There are fixed shaft versions and adjustable shaft versions (2-piece, sometimes 3-piece). Adjustable versions are useful for sharing among paddlers, transporting, or tuning length.

• Shaft diameters: 26 mm round, 29 mm round are common. Also “skinny” oval or hybrid shapes on some models (though the Lite version tends to stick with round shafts more often).

• Blade sizes: M, L, XL, etc. Each size has its blade length, width, area specification. For example:

  • L size: blade length ~21.1″ / 53.7 cm, blade width ~6.7″ / 16.9 cm, area ~88 in² / 567 cm² in some configurations.

  • M size: blade length ~20.9″ / 53.3 cm, width ~6.3″ / 16 cm, area ~83 in² / 534 cm².

• Total length: Adjustable paddles extend to approx 223 cm (or ~88 in), minimum adjustable lengths around 163 cm (or ~64-65 in), depending on size and configuration.

• Weight: Not always specified precisely for each configuration, but being “Lite”, the paddle aims to keep weight down; cross-references suggest weights in the ~600-650 g range for midsize versions.

Performance & Feel

• Direct Catch & Dragon Fly Through Water: Thanks to the ribs, concave face, and stiff blade/shaft combo, the paddle offers a very positive “catch” — i.e. the moment you drive into the water, you feel solid resistance, minimal twist or energy loss. That allows efficient strokes and helps the board accelerate cleanly.

• Efficiency Over Long Distance: For distance or touring paddling, the Lite version helps reduce fatigue by balancing stiffness with lighter weight, and by reducing drag and energy wasted in blade wobble.

• Suitable in Many Conditions: The shape allows use in flatwater, sprints, surfing, & wave-assisted strokes. The paddle can handle sidewinds well (due to the handle + improved grip + good blade control).

• Adjustability and Versatility: Being available in adjustable versions means you can adapt the paddle length to wind, board size, or share with someone else.

In summary, the Starboard Lima Tiki Tech Lite Paddle is a performance-oriented SUP paddle that blends responsiveness, efficiency, and durability. By using a “Lite” construction of the Tiki Tech means you get many of the high-end features — UD carbon stringer, concave face, twin ribs, strong blade/rail reinforcements — but with fewer of the ultra-premium extras, and in a lighter, more cost-effective form. If you select the right flex, blade size, and shaft configuration, it’s a solid paddle that will serve in racing, touring, and general performance SUP work.