dihedral (werner nitro) or no dihedral (kialoa methane)?

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[linter]

i have a werner spanker and for something different thought i might try a smaller bladed paddle.  everyone loves the methane, so that's been my first choice.

but then a former methane owner brought to my attention the fact that, unlike the werners (both spanker and nitro), the methane has no dihedral.

my question is: am i going to miss it?  i'd welcome input, especially from those who have used both styles.

thanks!  and, btw, this paddle will be for surf-use only, if that makes a diff.

[motopilot]

I used to have C4's for a while.  Then switched to Kialoa's last jan ('08).  Did not have any problems with the switch.  I find when I lend my paddle out people notice it right away (within the first couple of strokes) but once they get used to it no problems whatsoever.  I just lent my Kialoa Shaka Pu'u to a guy who is just learning to SUP and he loved the paddle. 

I myself will not give up my methane.  I use it for surf mostly, but almost cruising ,etc.  I an not a racer but for cruising it works great.

[DW]

my question is: am i going to miss it?  i'd welcome input, especially from those who have used both styles.

You will notice the difference more if switching back and forth between paddles with and without dihedral.

If you stick with one style, then you become one with the paddle, regardless of style.

What you might notice more than the flat blade is the narrow oval shaft. That is my favorite feature of the Kialoa paddle.

Just be aware of the power difference between flat and dihedral blades and adjust accordingly when picking one.

I think it would help to know what you are looking for different from what you use now.

[tumbledry]

quickblade also makes a carbon/fiberglass paddle w/a 8.25" dihedral blade. people that ive spoken to say they love their qb paddle.

[Weasels wake]

Or in-between,,,,,,,,  the Werner Carve, love it!  Cheaper too!

[stoneaxe]

I like the dihedrals. One of the best things for me was getting to test all the paddles at the showcase last year. But I think its what you get used to. I also think I can enjoy a broader range of paddles now that my skills have progressed some.

[DavidJohn]

My friend Jonathan (who bought the 14' Penetrator) loved his Werner spanker and one day bought a Kialoa Methane just for use the surf.

He now uses his Methane all the time for everything.. He told me the other day that he went back to his Spanker because a friend borrowed his Methane and couldn't believe the difference.

He and I love the faster paddling rate that these smaller paddles let you do..and he had no problem going to the flat face of the Kialao after using the Werner

btw.. Here's a pic that I took yesterday testing out the new Naish paddle.. It had no dihedral but didn't flutter or wander.. but it likes to be paddled slower.. Some people like these big blades.. I'm not one unless I'm just cruising.

DJ



Here's a pic showing the new Naish paddle next to my Kialoa Shaka Pu'u.

[linter]

my question is: am i going to miss it?  i'd welcome input, especially from those who have used both styles.

I think it would help to know what you are looking for different from what you use now.

i've noticed with the spanker that when i first start paddling, the get up and go feels pretty sluggish.  i'm not an especially powerful paddler, so i figure that, coupled with the larger blade face, is what's making me feel bogged down.  does that make sense?

[stoneaxe]

All I know is that I'm glad for the size of my spanker when it comes to moving my bulk.... . I certainly don't find it sluggish. I throw mine around all over. But there is a big difference between us size wise. You might find the smaller higher cadence better.

[mjedude]

I have both a Spanker and a Nitro. Used the Spanker for surfing for 6 months then switched to a Nitro, for me, the Nitro hands down better for surfing than the Spanker.

[DW]

i've noticed with the spanker that when i first start paddling, the get up and go feels pretty sluggish.  i'm not an especially powerful paddler, so i figure that, coupled with the larger blade face, is what's making me feel bogged down.  does that make sense?

Yes, it makes sense. A smaller paddle and lighter paddle, both, can make your stroke feel "energized".

Going too small all at once, can feel like you lost all power. But then you adapt and become one with the paddle again, regardless of what you buy.

A compromise blade design is the QB. The light dihedral gives it more power in a small blade, while still feeling like it has some dihedral affect. It might also be the lightest. Although it costs a little more than the rest.

[rkdjones]

I am using a home-made paddle with a flat face based on a bent-shaft canoe paddle.  I cut down a blade to try to match the surface area of a Spanker (about 100 sq.in).  I used the Spanker with a rental board last year and just felt that it required less force to move it through the water at a given cadence.  Now, I know there are a lot more factors to consider but I was wondering about the dihedral face.

Do dihedral blades require less force than flat, meaning a dihedral needs to be bigger to deliver the same force and motive power as a flat blade?

[stoneaxe]

Do dihedral blades require less force than flat, meaning a dihedral needs to be bigger to deliver the same force and motive power as a flat blade?

Yes...that portion of the blade that is being used to direct flow and reduce flutter also reduces the area presented as resistance to the water.

[stoneaxe]

I wonder if there is a correlation between size/strength and how big you like your blade. I need to use a smaller paddle for a longer time to get a better feel for it but like DW said...when I have tried smaller it felt like I had no power. The reason I like the spanker is that when I plant it and PULL....it stays put and I move.

[gkona]

I've never tried the werner paddles but I have a methane and I love it!