Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: SouthCounty on March 23, 2020, 06:31:38 PM
-
lets see your paddle quiver..... Al 8.0, Al 7.5. Triple G, blur, QB uv 88
-
Quick shot - 3 JL’s, 1 Werner nitro n 1 Focus
-
Werner Rip Stick 89
QB Trifecta 86
Two adjustable Naish Makanis for friends
Laird Pro 85 with tear drop blade
-
Werner Rip Stick 89 - Changed to a Rip Stick 79, which I now prefer, except the handle is a bit small, AND I've found I've lost my grip on the smaller radius shaft (during a few wipeouts) which never happens with larger diameters. If I could have a do-over, I would get the 79 blade with the normal diameter shaft and normal size handle.
QB Trifecta 86 - I kind of custom spec'd this fro QB with the slight taper shaft required in order to have the EVA foam covered handle. I like the paddle. Nothing to complain about.
Two adjustable Naish Makanis for friends - Described as having 8.0" blades. These are gems for being adjustable paddles. They are light, and reasonably small blade size, and with my preferred Tahitian style handle. Nothing disappointing or frustrating about them. I also have a three piece travel version which I have never used and would be happy if someone wanted to buy it. I've schlepped a one piece instead.
Laird Pro 85 with tear drop blade - This fell into my hands by accident and became my favorite paddle (for flatwater). Maybe it's the teardrop shape blade (with no ferrule btw), but it hits the sweet spot of being able to crank through endless strokes without wearing me down. Then I got the Trifecta, so feel obligated to use that fancy paddle, but the Laird is a great paddle.
-
I have three fancy paddles, all great in different ways.
KeNalu Mana 82 - The most idiot-proof. Great catch, works every time, even when you're tired and sloppy. I have the xTuf(s) shaft. The downside--and this is nitpicky--is the blade feels sticky on the exit compared to the others. It wants to stay in the water. Probably doesn't matter much in wild conditions but it does when I'm geeking out on technique. I attribute this to the pronounced scoop.
QB Trifecta Vector net 86 - A quieter exit than the Mana, a softer catch, and easier on my shoulders despite being slightly larger. It's a bit more technical...you have to set the blade more deliberately and focus more. It's perfect mid-stroke, when your power peaks. I do miss the strong catch, which felt so productive, but the GPS says it's just as fast if not faster than the Mana. If I were to buy it again I'd get the all carbon version. This is my go-to paddle.
BP Hydro 84.5 - This is 2 oz lighter than the other paddles, which is noticeable while paddling. Silly light. It has a more solid catch than the Trifecta and is effortless on the exit. The blade angle is 8d instead of 10d on the others, which maybe contributes to the catch feeling so solid. The shaft is the 29mm version and flexes more than the other paddles (I did some deflection testing) but doesn't feel like it on the water. It's a bit harsher on my shoulders than the QB Trifecta, despite the softer shaft. I haven't figured out which is faster. Still getting to know this paddle.
-
Kenalu Ho'oloa 95 with the Xtuff stiff shaft and extendable ergo T handle. - I have had this for a few years and it's a great do everything paddle. River, ocean, lakes. Kenalu remains my favourite for versatility, having the option to interchange multiple different handles, shafts, and blades within minutes with a heat gun. I'm still partial to the xtuff S shaft and really like the grip and feel.
Kenalu Mana 82 - Xtuff stiff shaft, ergo handle. I have just started using the Mana blade and it punches above it's size for catch and drive.
Blackfish Andaman 520 adjustable V1 - Very light for an adjustable and an excellent distance/expedition paddle as a back up, or on it's own. Easy on the shoulders and very comfortable to use. I also lend this to adult paddlers, not kids.
Hala Grafik carbon adjustable/ - Exact same as the Kialoa Isanity rebadged under Hala Gear. I use this paddle on shallower rivers, whitewater etc, and as a lender. It's durable and the lever lock adjustable mechanism is easy to use.
-
Blackfish Paddles Viento 520, Salish 460 & 500, Andaman 500