Plastex Bionic Paddle

Does anyone know anything about the Plastex Bionic paddle? I could only find a few thumbnail pics of what looks like a teardrop paddle with ribs. Even the Plastex site couldn`t give any info (although I did notice that at least one Chinese company is already making copies!). Are they trying to keep the images secret until after the Olympics, or is it just a lemon? I presume a smaller paddle with more grip, whilst not making so much difference to overall pull under water, would have less resistance against the wind on recovery?
Owen

Here`s a link to the Chinese manufacturer with some photos of the paddles:
www.alibaba.com/product-gs/446171840/kayak_paddles.html

Hi Owen.

Can't help with much info on the paddle. Aleh Yurenia (BLR) uses one, and he's one of the top 1000mt paddlers at the moment. I believe the have also done a similar design for C1's. Certainly a new and fresh design, looks interesting.

Cheers.

Some info from Plastex - mostly about boat shape rather than the paddles, but still interesting stuff...
www.plastex-composite.com/plastex/biblio...mixed/folder_eng.pdf

My little brother checked them out at a previous world champs and said they were big, ie held alot of water and that the ribs were more like fingers. Stevo is a big boy and he has stuck with his Lettmann, Gut and Jantex paddle so far. I would say that it is no good for ski

The document referenced above lists paddle sizes as L and XL. The XL has a surface area of 871.66cm2!!!