Author Topic: Werner Trance 85 vs Kenalu Mana 82  (Read 3850 times)

10generation

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Werner Trance 85 vs Kenalu Mana 82
« on: May 18, 2018, 03:14:23 PM »
I have a Werner trance 95 and want to go to a smaller paddle. Also like the easy adjustability of the length.  I've heard great things about the Mana 82 and am wondering if the difference between them is a little or a lot?  Also Kenalu does not appear to have the same easy adjustability.

Thanks

burchas

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Re: Werner Trance 85 vs Kenalu Mana 82
« Reply #1 on: May 18, 2018, 06:09:49 PM »
The difference was noticeable for me. The Mana feels a lot more smooth than the Trance.
I'd have to say though that the drop in size is too marginal imo. If you want to pickup
your cadence considerably, a 75sqi blade makes more sense. It worked for me.

I'd take a look at ZRE Power Surge in that size, very powerful but will feel familiar.
yet a lot easier due to blade narrower outline.

You should ask Quickbeam here in the forum, I think he was on the Trance 85 before going
with the ZRE (for different reasons though) so he can give you his experience. I think he has
an adjustable one now as well so you will be able to play with length to match conditions.

in progress...

Quickbeam

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Re: Werner Trance 85 vs Kenalu Mana 82
« Reply #2 on: May 18, 2018, 06:26:49 PM »
Hi 10generation,

Burchas is correct. I have the Trance 85 and also have a couple of ZRE paddles in 75 sq. inch. I  like the Trance, but much prefer my ZRE. It’s just such a smooth comfortable paddle to use.

I’ve also had previous Werner adjustable paddles and again, while they are good paddles, I don’t particularly like their adjustment mechanism. I believe they adjust in either 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” increments. And you don’t have any choice but to either jump up or go down by that much in the adjustment. That’s a pretty big jump at any one time. With the ZRE adjustable, they use the adjustment lever, and you can adjust by as much or as little as you like. It is a much better system.

I hardly ever use my adjustable any more. I’ve got the length of my paddle dialed in to where I like it so I just don’t use the adjustable, but if I was choosing it would be the ZRE all the way.
Infinity Blackfish 12’ 6” x 23”
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 24”
Infinity Whiplash 12' 6" x 24 1/2"
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 26”
Bark Competitor 12’ 6” x 29”
Red Paddle Explorer (Inflatable) 13' 2" x 30
Starboard Airline (Inflatable) 12’ 6” x 27

Luc Benac

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Re: Werner Trance 85 vs Kenalu Mana 82
« Reply #3 on: May 18, 2018, 06:29:38 PM »
Well with the Kenalu and the long ergo handle you can adjust your length with a hairdryer or heatgun and dial in your favourite length with no weigth or stifness penalty.
Sunova Allwater 14'x25.5" 303L Viento 520
Sunova Torpedo 14'x27" 286L Salish 500
Naish Nalu 11'4" x 30" 180L Andaman 520
Sunova Steeze 10' x 31" 150L
Blackfish Paddles

Quickbeam

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Re: Werner Trance 85 vs Kenalu Mana 82
« Reply #4 on: May 18, 2018, 06:37:21 PM »
The only disadvantage to that Luc, is that you can’t do it on the water. When I was using the adjustable, I would quite often adjust while out on the water to be able to immediately compare different lengths.

I like the idea of hot glue and in fact just finished hot glueing the handle on a new ZRE paddle. I also like the idea of being able to interchange parts that I believe KeNalu pioneered.

But if I want an adjustable, I would want the option of being able to adjust while I’m actually using the paddle.
Infinity Blackfish 12’ 6” x 23”
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 24”
Infinity Whiplash 12' 6" x 24 1/2"
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 26”
Bark Competitor 12’ 6” x 29”
Red Paddle Explorer (Inflatable) 13' 2" x 30
Starboard Airline (Inflatable) 12’ 6” x 27

Luc Benac

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Re: Werner Trance 85 vs Kenalu Mana 82
« Reply #5 on: May 18, 2018, 06:45:47 PM »
True and fair. I have noticed that with adjustment you need to try them fro a while and in diverse conditions before you really know. What feels brilliant one day, feels weird another day....
Sunova Allwater 14'x25.5" 303L Viento 520
Sunova Torpedo 14'x27" 286L Salish 500
Naish Nalu 11'4" x 30" 180L Andaman 520
Sunova Steeze 10' x 31" 150L
Blackfish Paddles

Quickbeam

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Re: Werner Trance 85 vs Kenalu Mana 82
« Reply #6 on: May 18, 2018, 06:58:58 PM »
Agreed. It took me a very long time until I finally got the length dialed in to what felt most comfortable.
Infinity Blackfish 12’ 6” x 23”
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 24”
Infinity Whiplash 12' 6" x 24 1/2"
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 26”
Bark Competitor 12’ 6” x 29”
Red Paddle Explorer (Inflatable) 13' 2" x 30
Starboard Airline (Inflatable) 12’ 6” x 27

PonoBill

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Re: Werner Trance 85 vs Kenalu Mana 82
« Reply #7 on: May 18, 2018, 08:59:33 PM »
KeNalu offers an optional adjustment piece. It's a nicely designed and inexpensive (ten bucks) clamp that hot glues (of course) to the top of the shaft. It adjusts with a standard fin wrench. Then you can use any of the extended handles as an adjustable. It's a pretty simple and elegant solution, intended to be temporary because once you know the lengths you like you can just take it off and go back to glue adjustment for the rare changes.

Elegant, simple, doesn't compromise the nature of the paddle. People overlook it because it isn't emphasized--Ke Nalu doesn't make an "adjustable paddle". It's a paddle that can have an adjustment device added--or removed when you get serious. https://kenalu.com/collections/paddle-components/products/adjustable-part

Tell me that's not just fucking brilliant. Those little touches make me very impressed with where Lane has taken the company. He's not the best marketer on the planet, but he's a hell of a designer.
« Last Edit: May 18, 2018, 09:10:39 PM by PonoBill »
Foote 10'4X34", SIC 17.5 V1 hollow and an EPS one in Hood River. Foote 9'0" x 31", L41 8'8", 18' Speedboard, etc. etc.

LM

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Re: Werner Trance 85 vs Kenalu Mana 82
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2018, 02:47:25 AM »
We actually do have other adjustable options (& still the adjustable part too). I just never really liked them that much so didn't put them "front stage". That's going to change though, we're adding another adjustable shaft to the line up, should be here by June. It has a groove down the handle section of the shaft so it won't twist when you're adjusting on the fly and will be marked with inch increments so you can keep track of where you are. It'll look like this:
 

Quickbeam

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Re: Werner Trance 85 vs Kenalu Mana 82
« Reply #9 on: May 24, 2018, 07:29:13 PM »
I’ve also had previous Werner adjustable paddles and again, while they are good paddles, I don’t particularly like their adjustment mechanism. I believe they adjust in either 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” increments. And you don’t have any choice but to either jump up or go down by that much in the adjustment. That’s a pretty big jump at any one time.

Hi 10generation. Looks like I misspoke in my response above. I was just on the Werner website (http://www.wernerpaddles.com/paddles/stand-up) and it looks like Werner have now gone to a lever lock adjustment system for their adjustable paddles. Much, much better adjustment system in my opinion. I still like the ZRE paddle better, but I'm glad to see Werner finally changed their adjustment mechanism.
Infinity Blackfish 12’ 6” x 23”
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 24”
Infinity Whiplash 12' 6" x 24 1/2"
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 26”
Bark Competitor 12’ 6” x 29”
Red Paddle Explorer (Inflatable) 13' 2" x 30
Starboard Airline (Inflatable) 12’ 6” x 27

 


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