Handle: All Ke Nalu handles are 100 percent carbon. Your choice is a matter of taste and experience, but here’s some criteria.

Ergo T: If we were going to standardize on a single handle this would be the guy. It’s comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes, offers the comfort of a Ergo handle and the control of a T.

Ergo: Beautiful and comfortable, anyone used to ergo handles will like this one. We cheated it a little towards the T handle because we can’t stand handles that don’t tell you what your paddle angle is. Best for people with medium to large hands.

Classic T: This is the canoe paddler’s handle. If you grew up using a full T then you’ll be happiest with this. It’s not as comfortable as the Ergo T, but what precision!

Extended Ergo T: The Extended Ergo T is a $50 option or $65 when ordered separately. It’s a bargain at that price for two reasons. First, it’s an expensive part to make, and second, it lets you use one paddle for surfing, racing, and cruising. It also makes measuring your paddle foolproof. Just cut the paddle to your surf length. Install the handle all the way in for surfing, then heat it up and pull it out to try different race and cruise lengths.