review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle

[LM]

Lane, I got my new paddle today.  Everything looks right and I am about to assemble it.  The shaft has a sticker on it that says 70C, but no other label.  I ordered an xTuf(s) shaft.  Can you confirm that this is the correct shaft?  Might help to have a more descriptive label on it. I looked on the emailed receipt and website, but saw nothing about 70 C.   

I see this has been answered correctly by everyone so far, we really do need to get better labeling for the shafts. I'm glad you like your paddle 

[old bosun]

Here's a dumb question... how does the ergoT handle mount, flat side forward or aft?

[Henrik F]

Here's a dumb question... how does the ergoT handle mount, flat side forward or aft?

Flat side forward!

Henrik F

[old bosun]

Thanks Henrik!

[TN_SUP]

Ouch! Starboard Rep dissed the KeNalu paddle by stating that there are NO quality paddles that allow you to switch blades with a hot glue gun. Starboard R&D explains the new 2013 paddle systems

[jdmotes]

 What I got out of it is they are going to use the same basic assembly method. They opt for steam over the use of a heat gun/blow dryer but still utilizing hot glue to assemble the components. I just didn't pick up on the 'dis'...       Paddle on;  JD

[pdxmike]

He did say, "I don't know any other quality paddle manufacturer that offers that service", meaning being able to swap out paddle components.  The guy who said it is "Brian from Blue Chip"--don't know whether he's a dealer, rep or what.  Maybe he's aware of Ke Nalu, maybe not. But the other guy is from Starboard, and the video is from Starboard, and Starboard called it "Starboard R&D explains the new 2013 paddle systems".   

And it could actually be a Ke Nalu paddle, with the Starboard logo photoshopped onto it because their own paddle wasn't quite ready, but they had a deadline for getting the video out. 

[lucabrasi]

 I just didn't pick up on the 'dis'...      

It's in there...pretty blatant....or am I just biased? About 1:30 to 1:50.
I doubt they invented it.
I think I will leave my trap shut.
I don't care for the car tire analogy myself. Sounds rather clumsy and not slick.

  And it could actually be a Ke Nalu paddle, with the Starboard logo photoshopped onto it because their own paddle wasn't quite ready, but they had a deadline for getting the video out. 

[SaltH2Opaddler]

I have the chance to pick up a used Elite Maliko at an unreal price. Is there anyway besides a sticker(has none) to figure out what flex shaft it might be?

The current owner bought it used and has no idea. He prefers to kayak and thus the sale of the paddle.

[DelMarSurfer]

 I tried the paddle and am not that impressed. It seams a lot of hype for a paddle with no pedigree. I  don't see any elite racers raving about them.  Sponsor or not the good stuff is always used. ie SIC with other logos. I guess it is in the eye of the beholder but I think a few Zoners are drinking the cool aid.  Its not the holy grail to sup. DMS

[Strand Leper]

To each his own DMS.  But you sure are laying down some heavy smack for post number 7. Which make and model paddle are you currently using, for which disciplines... And what do you prefer about your current paddle as compared to the Ke Naku?

Which Ke Nalu did you try?  Size blade and type of shaft...

Which discipline did you try it for?

How long?

From whom did you demo it?

Your feedback will be helpful in evaluating your opinion.

SL

[supdiscobay]

What I got out of it is they are going to use the same basic assembly method. They opt for steam over the use of a heat gun/blow dryer but still utilizing hot glue to assemble the components. I just didn't pick up on the 'dis'...       Paddle on;  JD

Funny how the Starboard website says to use a heat gun. 

As to the "dis", anyone involved in this sport surely knows about the component nature of Ke Nalu.  It saved me from having to buy 3 paddles.

[Mana Karma]

I have mixed feelings about my Ke Nalu (Maliko Elite, shaft?... flexy).

Pros: Catch feels so much smoother than anything else I've tried, and the overall feel of the paddle in general is very, very nice.  I think using the paddle has improved my stoke, because, as others say, the paddle will not reward a poor stroke....

That being said,

Cons: I paddle often and have a good stroke (no, not perfect... but better than many).  I can go faster with any elite/race paddle than with the Ke Nalu. 

Still serves a good purpose for me to use for training and fun, and maybe will come around to using it or trying the Wiki for racing... might make the perfect surf paddle, but haven't got around to cutting for that

[crtraveler]

I tried the paddle and am not that impressed. It seams a lot of hype for a paddle with no pedigree. I  don't see any elite racers raving about them.  Sponsor or not the good stuff is always used. ie SIC with other logos. I guess it is in the eye of the beholder but I think a few Zoners are drinking the cool aid.  Its not the holy grail to sup. DMS

To each his own DMS.  But you sure are laying down some heavy smack for post number 7. Which make and model paddle are you currently using, for which disciplines... And what do you prefer about your current paddle as compared to the Ke Nalu?

Which Ke Nalu did you try?  Size blade and type of shaft...

Which discipline did you try it for?

How long?

From whom did you demo it?

Your feedback will be helpful in evaluating your opinion.

SL

I agree w/ SL...I think you need to provide additional details to validate your opinions (that is, if you want the comments to be taken seriously)...  if not, no worries.

[TN_SUP]

Speaking for myself, it took me about 6 months with the Wiki before finally reaching the same top speeds I could with my Werner. Now my Werner seems clumsy and its for sale. Definitely a transition period with Kenalu.