You won't regret this paddle. First, props to YOLO's customer service for contacting me to confirm the length of the paddle (it was very helpful).
I bought this for a 100k race and it was well worth it. There ended up being 40-50 mph wind gusts that I had to go against for multiple long stretches, and I don't think my old paddle would've handled it well.
I ended up placing 1st and this padde helped tremendously..very pleased!