To be truthful, we received the paddles after me being not sure of the quality after reading of delamination issues of the Bamboo overlay. I was reassured by Nixy CS after contact. We recieved the paddles and I was pleasantly surprised.. After a single use the Bamboo started to delaminate. The carbon 88(12K) had some looseness issues in the joint between the blade section and the middle shaft section but I purchased it as a travel paddle and a spare. After contacting Nixy CS they OK'd a return which they paid shipping. The new paddles arrived and we returned the others. After some use ,all seems to be well. I am very happy with my paddle so far(as is the wife with her Bamboo), and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again...Thank you Nixy!