I purchased the breakdown, lightweight NIXY G4 hybrid carbon fiber paddle for trips. I wanted something that would store smaller than my regular paddle, yet be light. I've used it several times now, testing it out. I'm impressed with it's light weight (much better than the original that came with an inflatable SUP I have for traveling.) When I'm paddling, I tend to switch quickly back and forth. The area at the top of the paddle is well designed to be as flat and smooth as possible. The one change/addition I plan to make is to add an elastic padded cover that I can slide over that top connection, in case I hit it as I switch (because I'm a princess of course). Love this paddle!