Hippostick or Ke Nalu: who makes better paddles for surfing?

[zacksc]

I have been looking at paddles to use for SUP surfing. Two that kind of stand out to me are the Hippostick blur, designed specifically for surfing, and Ke Nalu. Any thoughts on how they compare? Shaft flexibility is important to me to limit shoulder strain. Also, light weight.

[APPST_Paddle]

I have both, they are similar in terms of weight. The KeNalu advantage is the modularity of swapping out parts. 

Far as which one is better, it's really hard because paddles are more individualized. I would say in terms of design/build quality/weight they are pretty similar.

[Dwight (DW)]

take a look at Black Project.

[eastbound]

kenalu mana 82 with xtuf shaft (not the "s" shaft, which os stiffer)

just right for me with bad shoulders--only surf tho, so no idea for other use

i occasionally try others, and it reinforces how much i like this exact config

never tried a hippostick, tho

[zacksc]

Thanks for the replies.
With the Ke Nalu, if I started out with a length of 78" for the paddle, would I later be able to unglue it and reduce the length to 77.5"?  Is that something you can do? Can you reduce it by small amounts until it feels dialed in and just right? Can you also buy something if you decide you want it longer again?

For the Ke Nalu, if you reduce the length, what are the difficult steps?  Is it difficult to cut it straight? Is it difficult to cut just a small amount, like 1/2"? Is the unglueing or gluing back together tricky? How do you make sure it doesn't leak?

[zacksc]

Dwight:  I looked at Black Project. Looks good. How is the flex in the shaft on the surge?

[stoneaxe]

I put this in your other thread too. Cutting is easy....masking tape and a hacksaw. Get the extended ergo-T handle...cut the shaft once to the absolute shortest you would use....adjust the handle as necessary.

[PonoBill]

Zack (feels funny to type that, it's our dog's name and I don't think he's on the zone) the KeNalu paddles are designed to be hot glued, so it's easy to take it apart and change length or even change out components with just a heat gun or hair dryer.  As Bob said, you can cut the carbon easily with a hacksaw. Those of us who have done it a zillion times forget that everyone doesn't know how to do it. As Bob said, you wrap the shaft with tape where you want to cut. Mark the cut spot. I like to lay on a few wraps of tape right at the cut line because if you do it carefully it automatically gives you a level and continuous cut line and makes a good guide for the blade. Cut with light strokes, don't force it. Then sand the edge. You can leave the tape in place for the hot gluing and it serves to keep any excess glue off the shaft.

Black project makes gorgeous paddles but if you're worried about your shoulders I don't think there's a more forgiving shaft than KeNalu xTuf. The right mix of initial give and stiffness, and as eastbound said, two levels, xTuf and xTuf(s). I prefer the xTuf(S), which gives enough to protect your shoulder but then stiffens up as it stacks. The xTuf does the same thing, but flexes more initially.

[Luc Benac]

I use both Mana (Kenalu) and Hydro (Black Project) shafts hot glued to Xtuf(S) shafts. Best combination to preserve shoulders without having a noodle in your hands.

[zacksc]

Thanks Stone and Bill.
So is there a trade-off with regard to getting the extended ergo T handle instead of the regular handle? Is it heavier or does it change the flex profile?

[zacksc]

I use both Mana (Kenalu) and Hydro (Black Project) shafts hot glued to Xtuf(S) shafts. Best combination to preserve shoulders without having a noodle in your hands.

Thanks Luc.
I am not sure what you mean about a Hydro shaft hot glued to an Xtuf shaft. What you suggest sounds really good for me (for shoulder protection), but what parts are you suggesting I get and how are they arranged?

[zacksc]

Oh, I see maybe. Is the Hydro a blade from Black Project? Is it perhaps even better than the Mana (KeNalu) for me?  I am thinking about an 82 sq inch area, but maybe I should consider going even smaller? I weigh 160 lbs.

[Luc Benac]

Yes i meant Mana and Hydro blades on Kenalu shafts.

[zacksc]

Yes i meant Mana and Hydro blades on Kenalu shafts.

So are they totally compatible?
Also, the blade I see on the Black Project site is a Surge. Is that related to what you suggest?

[PonoBill]

Thanks Stone and Bill.
So is there a trade-off with regard to getting the extended ergo T handle instead of the regular handle? Is it heavier or does it change the flex profile?

Nope, there's no significant weight difference and of course even if there was it's at the handle where it doesn't matter much--you cont have to swing it.  No downside other than a bit more money. I don't know what they're charging for it these days.