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

[JEG]

Havent try the hippostick yet.
I had both kenalu and blackproject and both are nice paddle. The Blackproject shaft is stiff unless you the 78sq blade which comes with skinny shaft but might be to small for some ppl. The advantage of kenalu is you can have multiple flex shaft option with any blade.

[zacksc]

Thanks Bill. It is $50, which seems reasonable. Seems like a good option for me since I am uncertain about paddle length. What would you recommend in terms of blade size and shaft? I am thinking maybe the Mana 77"" and the xTuf handle (small blade, flexible handle), or maybe I should go a bit bigger, like 82"". What do you think??

(I weigh 160 lbs and I am about 5'11".  I am almost 70 years old.)

[Luc Benac]

I am 6' and use both Mana 82  and Hydro (85 and 77) a smidgen over 78"
I am digging the Hydro 77 sqi for flat water and the Mana 82 sqi for down-winding. Also considering going down to 71 sqi.
As technique changes, the Mana 82 is a super powerful paddle so it should really serve you well.

[zacksc]

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

You are so right! Thanks a lot!
Here is what I posted somewhere else:
    I ended up getting a Ke Nalu and I have to say it is an awesome paddle. Much much better that anything I have used in the past. Not to name names, but I have had a lot of paddles. Originally I was thinking that I would not get a Ke Nalu, because I did not want to mess with hot glue. Then a few people mentioned how great Ke Nalu paddles are. I am glad I took the plunge. The feel of the blade is beyond awesome. (Manu 82 sq inch). The xTuf shaft feels just right to me. Not too flexible at all and I glad I did not get the xTufS, which is stiffer. The handle is nice. The overall feel of the paddle is really beyond what I thought possible. I felt like I was surfing a smaller board than I actually was, because the paddle just makes everything feel nimble and responsive.
    I really appreciate all the people who pushed me toward Ke Nalu. I feel pretty confident that it is a lot better than the V-drive or really any other paddle, including the hippostick. Learning how to hot glue is totally worth it.

[eastbound]

nice!

and youve reminded me i need to put my zre up for sale on classified.....

[stoneaxe]

Enjoy. Hot glue is da bomb....I don't understand doing it any other way.

[supnsurf]

Where and what kind of hot glue do you get ? Thanks

[mrbig]

Amber (yellow) True Value or Ace. Strongest!