Wiki vs Mana vs Konihi vs Ho’oloa

[spirit4earth]

Will the experts on Ke Nalu blades give me a rundown on the differences between these blades?  I can’t find details on the website.  Thanks!

[spirit4earth]

I did find some explanations, and it sounds like the Mana might be good.  Not the Wiki, as I like a fast cadence but not a super-fast cadence.  Maybe one of the high aspect blades?

[JEG]

Will the experts on Ke Nalu blades give me a rundown on the differences between these blades?  I can’t find details on the website.  Thanks!

what are you intended to do on this paddle, is it for touring, racing or surfing and whats you height and weight?

[spirit4earth]

Touring mainly.  Height is ~5’4”, weight is 145ish.

[stoneaxe]

I haven't tried the Mana or Ho'oloa but I love the Konihi for distance.

[spirit4earth]

I haven't tried the Mana or Ho'oloa but I love the Konihi for distance.

Did you find that you needed a longer shaft for the Konihi?

[stoneaxe]

Shaft length will depend on the paddler and technique. The Konihi is a narrower taller blade. You also want/need to bury it completely. You definitely don't want to have the shaft too short. Great blade...I can't make it flutter even if I try. I still like my Maliko for surf but I won't use anything else for distance. Hopefully some other will chime in. I've heard good things about the other blades.

[burchas]

...I can't make it flutter even if I try.

Same thing applies for the Mana, very stable, you can't mess up your stroke even if you try so that's good for high cadence.
The main difference for me between the 2 is that the Mana feels softer and smoother at the catch. with the Konihi I felt it has
more initial bite, bothered my shoulders.

Thumbs up for the Mana.

[APPST_Paddle]

I'm curious too, I have a 95 sq in. Ho'oloa and I was going to start racing and use it. Although, with racing/training and a ton of strokes I'm thinking I would be better served with a smaller blade.

Just curious - everyone says to go with a small blade in the surf for high rep, wouldn't a larger paddle blade make sense as you are trying to aggressively speed up/sprint to catch a wave?

[Luc Benac]

The main difference for me between the 2 is that the Mana feels softer and smoother at the catch. with the Konihi I felt it has
more initial bite, bothered my shoulders.

This might be more the case for the Konihi 95 which felt like a big hard shoulder killer catch compared to the Mana 90 which is way smoother.
I have found the catch on the Mana 82 to be more obvious than on the Konihi 84.

For me the main difference between the two is that it is easier to maintain a good technique with the Mana 82 than with the Konihi 84 over a long period of time.
I have always found that the first 5-7 km are possibly tiny bit faster with the K84 but speed deteriorate with fatigue and loss of focus.
When the Mana 82 is planted it does feel like you are working for it and there is a very positive feedback that you are pulling yourself.
I find the Mana 82 easier to use in rough water than the K84

Thumbs up for the Mana.

Yes

[Quickbeam]

Hey Luc,

I remember a post from some time ago when you said you used to get a sore neck, and that this improved with the KeNalu paddle. I find I also sometimes get a sore neck after paddling. So if I was to get a KeNalu with the Mana 82, which shaft and handle would you recommend?

And when you got your KeNalu, do you just order from the U.S. off their website?

Thanks.

[Quickbeam]

O.K., I just took another look at the KeNalu website and I like the looks of the "Ergo" handle, if it fits a smaller hand???

Still have no idea which shaft would be best though.

And finally, when you order the paddle, does it just come in a standard length and then you have to cut it down yourself?

Thanks.

[Luc Benac]

Hey Luc,

I remember a post from some time ago when you said you used to get a sore neck, and that this improved with the KeNalu paddle. I find I also sometimes get a sore neck after paddling. So if I was to get a KeNalu with the Mana 82, which shaft and handle would you recommend?

And when you got your KeNalu, do you just order from the U.S. off their website?

Thanks.

Xtuf(S) most definitely.
I order from Lee Brittain the Canadian distributor directly (tell him I told you :-) ) lee@jimmylewis.ca
I have used all three handle.
Ergo-T, I hate the sharp angle on one side that is hard on the hand after 10km
Classic T, has been my go to handle for DW as it gives a good sense of where the blade is
Ergo, is now what I settle on as I find it better for really putting the weight down on the top of the shaft

[Luc Benac]

O.K., I just took another look at the KeNalu website and I like the looks of the "Ergo" handle, if it fits a smaller hand???

Still have no idea which shaft would be best though.

And finally, when you order the paddle, does it just come in a standard length and then you have to cut it down yourself?

Thanks.

Yes the Ergo is better for a larger/longer hand
The shaft comes in 63" length and needs to be cut down with a smooth saw.
I have a few 100Flex and 90Flex shafts if you want to try these as they are lighter than the  Xtuf(s).

[spirit4earth]

It sounds like the Mana 82 might be a little more forgiving of imperfect technique, and easier on the shoulders.  I think I’d be happy with either blade, though.