We know this will look like we’re stacking the deck here, but we haven’t had a bad comment about Ke Nalu Stand Up Paddles–ever. I’m sure it will happen, but you can look for yourself at the thread “Review of the Ke Nalu Stand Up Paddle” on the Stand Up Zone . Page through the 260+ posts and see if you find something that is anything but wildly enthusiastic.

Here are some of the comments we think will be the most useful. I’ve edited a bit for relevance and clarity:

Tom
Peahi Status
Location: Ocean Beach (San Diego), CA
Posts: 870
review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« on: September 27, 2011, 12:33:03 PM »

I have had the privilege of being the first to buy a Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle, and used it yesterday in both flat water and in the surf. Bottom line is it does everything Bill says it will do and I am very please. I took it out in dead calm water on my 14 foot race board and it seemed very fast. My GPS’s batteries went dead after about 5 minutes, but I‘d guess I paddled about 2+ miles at a fairly brisk pace. I seemed less fatigued than I would have been with my other paddle.

I then took it out for about an hour in some waist to shoulder high wind swell and it worked very good. I have to adjust to a narrower shaft and a different type handle, but all and all, it really seems great.

 

capobeachboy
Sunset Status
Location: Capistrano Beach USA
Posts: 319
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #38 on: October 14, 2011, 05:14:22 PM »

I am really, really digging the KeNalu paddle. I’ve been going back to some of my other paddles now & then just for reference but the lightweight, functionality & versatility of this paddle have me spoiled. I’m not using a GPS but my reach and stroke feel great thanks to a clean entry and zero flutter. I’m looking forward to some winter racing to see how it goes and hopefully improve on some of my old times. I was thinking of trying out an 8″ blade for racing but the pull on the 8.5″ feels about the same as my Nitro which is a little over 7″ so I can understand your comments about it being too quick. Thanks again!

 

headmount
Peahi Status
Location: Paia
Posts: 985
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle

I guess I’m the first one to take one on a Maliko run…. this afternoon. It was a pretty good gliding day. I have the 9″ and it was fantastic but like Bill posted, you do get penalized for going back too far… so that’s actually good.  Blown away on the fast cadence. Feels as fast as my QB 93. Smooth and powerful. Light, soo light the shaft seems to fly forward with a flick of the wrist. Great texture on the shaft, no need to add any grip. Definite WOW factor and a difference I didn’t imagine would occur. Great downwinding blade.

 

Six Feet and Glassy
Sunset Status
Posts: 264
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #57 on: October 27, 2011, 10:44:55 PM »

Finally got the Ke Nalu in the water today. Conditions were kinda terrible – onshore light trades – but I went anyway.

Some info: My last distance paddle was a QB 90 Kanaha (not the Elite, so a little heavier). With the fingertip method, the Ke Nalu is two inches longer than the QB.

First impression was the weight. Light light light. The light weight allows a quick recovery, as PB mentioned.

The paddle feels smooth and quiet. I know. I know. When I first read that on other posts, I thought, “Sounds like advertising gibberish.” But really, no shite, it is Smooth and Quiet, meaning it enters the water with less disturbance, grabs without wobble (even with a light grip), and it releases without much disturbance or splashing.

The smaller shaft feels great and seems to allow a stronger pull with a lighter grip. But I do have small hands. I usually use tape on the shaft but the texture on this Ke Nalu has me rethinking that. It felt pretty good with only some slip when wet today (we surfed some manini waves too – fun on a 14′!).

It all really is noticeable. And I’m not that good a paddler!

 

Rogue Wave
Malibu Status
Posts: 81
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #68 on: November 02, 2011, 03:12:38 PM »

I’ve been fondling my new Ke Nalu paddle (Maliko 9″ with Flex100 shaft, Ergo handle) for a week and it finally warmed up enough to try it. It’s tough to put into words how blown away I was with it !

The lightness is the first thing you notice, but it’s not the only thing that sets these paddles apart. The smoothness all the way from catch to release is simply outstanding. It’s like the difference between driving a Jeep and a Cadillac.

The catch is super-clean and a couple times I wasn’t sure it even entered the water — no sound whatsoever, and not a hint of a splash. The pull is smooth — no wobble at all unless you deliberately try to induce it but you’d have to do it intentionally. If you hold the handle with even a slight amount of pressure, there is zero, and I mean zero wobble.

The release is totally predictable and doesn’t stick to the water like other blades with concave shapes — it just pops out easily and cleanly and jumps forward.

And finally, the transition is effortless because of the light weight. Crossing sides is extra easy because of the lightness and it’s simple to line your hands up again because it just seems to fall into place.

I love the sharkskin texture of the shaft, and I really like the narrowness of the shaft (even with size 10 hands). i think I can paddle much longer without getting nearly as tired as with a conventional paddle.

Bill has a real winner on his hands and once the word gets out, he’s going to have a hard time keeping up with the orders!

 

juandoe
Sunset Status
Posts: 369
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #69 on: November 02, 2011, 08:25:21 PM »

I would like to echo everything Rogue Wave said. This paddle is a significant advance. For me, the biggest difference is in the catch. Once it goes in, it is planted. I had been using a qb elite 100 in and went for the 9 in wide maliko which should be equivalent in surface area. The Maliko paddles MUCH larger than the elite. Weights and stiffness are comparable.

The water entry is something you just need to try. It goes in smoothly and is instantly engaged. With the quickblade, I felt that I almost had to cock the handle forward to get the blade vertical to engage the water. I have actually been thinking I was overreaching as the “cocking” move would pull me off balance.

I just got to try the 8 in today. Same story. I had some pretty stiff headwinds and appreciated the slightly smaller blade.

The extended handle is a great feature which shouldn’t be overlooked. Infinite adjustability.

PS. I have tried (and still have) Werners (spankers, Fuse bent shaft, carve, Fuse 3pc), C4 (Pohaku, carbon kevlar race), qb elites in varous sizes, a Powerex.

 

stoneaxe
Cortez Bank Status
Location: Somewhere in Cape Cod Bay…:)
Posts: 4320
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #74 on: November 06, 2011, 12:22:42 AM »

Installed the handles on 3 Ke Nalus today The hot glue worked like a charm with my wife’s blow drier. I installed 3 handles in under 10 mins. When you push the ferrule in it leaves a bead of glue around the connection. Let it start to harden (kind of rubbery) and use your finger to smooth it and remove excess. Leaves a nice smooth finish. One handle I noticed was a little crooked after it had hardened and a minute with the hair dryer softened it enough to twist.

Did a test today of all three sizes back to back and my current paddle as a benchmark. Very bumpy micro period NE wind swell from knee to chest high, onshore gusty winds around 15 kts with lots of chop. Kind of fitting that I test them under these conditions. I require a lot more use of a paddle than most people and it was conditions like these that I used as my balance workout when I 1st started to SUP.

I went out with my current paddle 1st just to set the benchmark and get the feel in my head. I’m very comfortable with it, great paddle.

The 1st Ke Nalu I tried was the 9″ Molokai. I tend to like larger blades (current is 110 sq. in) and with the Molokai at 105 I figured it would likely be the paddle of chose for me. I couldn’t believe how hard it grabs water. First really hard pull I almost came off the board. There’s no comparison to other blades at 105 sq in. I’d say it feels more like 120 or even more. Very smooth though. After about 15 mins i got used to it and had adjusted my stroke a little (shorter) but it still feels very aggressive. Crazy pull into a wave.

I jumped right to the 8″ Wiki next. I’ve tried other paddles with smaller blades. I haven’t found any that gave me enough grab. So I was shocked when the 8″ felt so good. It’s so light and paddles so easy. I consciously really shortened my stroke. I tend to use a long stroke because I’ve always felt the need for balance reasons. Now I found myself using a very short Tahitian style stroke, high cadence, and liking it. I can also throw this thing around so easily it hardly feels like anything is there. But again the blade feels much bigger than it is. Under today’s conditions I think it was my favorite of the 3. They’re all ridiculously light but being able to move the Wiki around so easily gave it the edge today. I might also be biased because of the 3 its grab felt most similar to my current paddle (despite being 26 sq. in smaller)

The 8.5 Maliko felt like you might expect, in the middle of the two.

All of them paddle remarkably smooth and grab far above their face size. I’m going to have to do a lot more testing in various conditions to know which I’ll use on a given day. My gut tells me that I’ll likely end up with a 9″ for surf and an 8″ for racing and downwind but it might just be the 8.5″ with two handles, regular for surf and extended for racing. The fact that the handles can be swapped so easily is great..

The last test was to paddle with my current paddle again. This is a blade that I’ve really liked for a long time. This is when you really notice just how different the Ke Nalus are. I still don’t understand just what the hell you did Bill but holy shit these are awesome. You’ve really nailed this.

One thing I noticed that I didn’t like. The shark skin texture on the shaft provides a very aggressive grip with gloves on, too much for me. I pulled off the gloves for a bit and loved the feel though so i don’t think I want to remove the texture.. I think I’ll try some cloth gloves over the rubber and see how that effects grip. Ideally hands will slide but grip when you want it. I got used to it as the day progressed but I’ll need to look at ways to make it feel better when wearing gloves.

 

Time for SUPper
Waikiki Status
Location: Atlanta/Macon, GA
Posts: 13
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #88 on: November 09, 2011, 03:22:30 PM »

Finally got a chance to use my Wiki… love it. The blade enters the water so smoothly with very little effort. It makes me feel like I’m much better than I probably am. All that talk of the thing popping out of the water at the end of your stroke isn’t BS either. It’s like magic (or excellent design). The ero-T is the best of both worlds; comfortable to hold but with great control of the paddle angle. Finally, I love the textured shaft. I can extend a couple more inches with just my fingertips holding on with no risk of slipping.

Kudos for designing a near-perfect paddle.

Southbay
Rincon Status
Location: Hermosa Beach
Posts: 209
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #89 on: November 10, 2011, 11:48:54 AM »

This is no joke. I seriously bought it because I wanted to support Bill and the forum. I won’t repeat everything that everyone else has said ie. SO smooth, crazy catch etc. I love this paddle. In fact I gave it to my cousin to try, during my one session with the paddle so far, and he seemed to love it. Then, he grabbed his paddle back and said, “this feels terrible now, how can I get one?”. Crazy hype, NO, great paddle yes.

 

Tom
Peahi Status
Location: Ocean Beach (San Diego), CA
Posts: 870
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #98 on: November 12, 2011, 11:36:33 AM »

Well, I’ve had the paddle for a month and a half (seven pages ago) and gotta say I still love it. I’ve mostly been using it for surfing and I can catch waves much easier and don’t have sore shoulder muscles after a long session. I’ve also used it with my race board and it is definitely faster than my old paddle. I used it at my surf length, but have ordered the handle extension.

Too me, its pretty impressive that someone can come up with an improved paddle. When you think about it, a paddle has to be one of the first tools ever invented.

 

Strand Leper
Cortez Bank Status
Location: Dana Point
Posts: 2142
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #100 on: November 12, 2011, 07:59:06 PM »

Not to pile on… but I had the Molokai (the big one) out on my step up board (8’3″ by 27″) in 4-6 foot crazy stormy combo swell, swirling winds, shifting to a strong SE wind. I was alternating between two reefs about 700 yards apart. Did a five hour session. For the last bit of the session, I was going to switch back to my old surf paddle… (to compare), but there were some bombies and I didn’t want to miss any by running back up the beach to switch.

As I suspected last week… the horsepower on this bigger board is perfectly matched with the bigger blade. Last week paddling my collab was a little bit like dropping the Diablo 12 into a Gallardo… (or maybe even an Elise)… just too many ponies for the frame… (the higher revving Wiki should pare nicely with the collab!)…

Great, cool, yada yada yada… but here is what I really noticed, my paddling form on this board was magical using this paddle … I was even doing that little hip shift that Robert from Blue Planet talks about in his videos (Stone mentioned it above I think… thanks for reminding me Stone)… There were some insane offshore gusts and the drive from the big boy really helped. I think I want to try to use a bit longer of a paddle because the entry is just so smooth, and you really can’t paddle past your feet… stoked about the available extension.

I did a FIVE hour session. My muscles are tired as they should be… especially considering the last hour was in a 10-15 MPH SE wind… but no joint soreness. I expected joint soreness from pulling on that big blade for five hours.

 

Takeo
Sunset Status
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 251
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #103 on: November 13, 2011, 11:45:02 PM »

Took my Wiki out for a paddle in the rain and chop today on my Bullet. Left the stock length at 82″ which is 15″ overhead for me. I wanted to see if the longer reach and stiff shaft would work well with the smaller blade. Because the blade is smaller, I can dig deep into the clean water for a awesome plant.

Paddle is with 100 shaft which is super light and little to no flex. The sharkskin takes some getting use to. I was doing alright but I can see how it would stick and grab for those who do a lot of sliding of hands during switch. The shaft reminds me of the QB Elite shaft but a bit more grip. I loved the smaller diameter shaft. I switched paddles with a friend who had a QB Kanaha, the QB Kanaha shaft felt fat and bulky–weird ’cause this is what I’ve been using for a couple years.

From the first stroke, the 8″ paddle was super quiet upon entry, talk about clean! I was surprised with the amount of catch for such a small and light paddle. I’ve used a QB 8.3 Kanaha before, the 8.0 Wiki had more catch. There didn’t feel like a lot of slip and I easily got the Bullet up to speed in less than ideal, choppy conditions.

There was no flutter whatsoever! Which meant more energy saved for paddling. Keeping a fast cadence hasn’t been this easy before. After each stroke, I hit the recovery phase and the paddle is snapping back into the water with a quiet and clean entry. The swing weight is crazy, feels like swinging nothing!

Now I’m curious how the 8.5 would feel. On much calmer conditions, shorter sprints, or downwind, I’d probably want a slightly bigger blade, but I bet the 8.0 could do it!

 

Strand Leper
Cortez Bank Status
Location: Dana Point
Posts: 2142
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #122 on: November 20, 2011, 07:07:56 PM »

Long day. Fun day Used old surf and pono paddle. Never using old surf paddle again. It felt imprecise, heavy, and …blunt. The pono paddle really pops out on the flip, grabs, is lighter than light and feels precise. Sorry for the analysis disguised as gossamer. It was fun though. Paddled down to my spot on my 8’3, with the tip of the blade of my old paddle under my toes, shaft forward. Let’s say it was a challenge.

Then, after surfing for a few hours, grabbed my Corran downwinders and played in the stiffer than stiff Sw wind for a few hours. Used my distance paddle for one lap, then the pono paddle for the next lap. Need to get the extend grip as I just couldn’t plant the pono paddle far enough in front for a true comparison. My non pono distance paddle is the new QB dimpled one…

A suggestion in cutting your pono paddle… Cut it longer than you think you will want it. The paddle just slips into the water and with pulling it out at your feet, you want to make sure you are engaging well at the initial part of your stroke.

Not having any muscle fatigue issues, but that is because using the pono paddle really forces you to concentrate on your form.

 

paddledaddy
Sunset Status
Posts: 410
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #123 on: November 21, 2011, 01:55:48 PM »

Forgive me for not reading the 9 pages prior to this, but I just want to jump in and say I tried out my new paddle for the first time yesterday. I already own both the QB elite racer and the Kialoa Toro so I was able to compare them side by side in exactly the same length. The short answer is that my new favorite race paddle is the KeNalu. I will be selling the other two on the forum here if anyone is interested.

 

upwinder
Rincon Status
Posts: 126
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #124 on: November 21, 2011, 04:17:06 PM »

I’ve had about 3 hours on the water with my new 8 1/2″ Ke Nalu Maliko paddle and I reckon it’s a sweet, sweet thing. I don’t think I have the length dialled yet but it’s definitely going to be my paddle of choice for flat water training/distance/racing and high cadence running. Entry and exit are super easy and it tracks dead straight with zero flutter so you don’t even have to think about that. Unlike some other reports I reckon I’ve found it a bit more forgiving than my other paddles (full-carbon Starboard Enduro 550 & an 8″ Bamboo Fanatic). The ergo-T handle comes to hand very nicely and allows for a relaxed grip. The narrow shaft is a nice surprise too, it sits nicely in the hook of my fingers allowing a relaxed lower hand and a bit more reach. Nice flex even with the 100% Carbon shaft. The grippiness and tracking also make it easy to choke down on the paddle Baxter-style for hard charges. I agree with the Leper that running it a bit longer rather than shorter could be the go.

I don’t think I’d want to go down to the Wiki (I’m 6’2 & 265) and for now I think I prefer a bit more grunt than the 8 1/2″ brings for shoving my 14 footer around when the water’s lumpy so I won’t be tossing my other paddles just yet (at least until I try the Molokai? Wink )

 

AGK
Waikiki Status
Posts: 8
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #144 on: November 27, 2011, 10:49:24 AM »

A quick report from another happy KeNalu paddle user. After a couple of years of using a Werner Nitro (3-piece version) I now have about a dozen days on the medium-sized KeNalu.

The only objective data I have is that I have recorded the 2 fastest (non-wind-aided) runs ever on a 7/10 mile sprint near my house out of about 50 runs over a couple of years — 3-6% faster than the previous record.

More importantly, subjectively the paddle is just more fun and seems to encourage more energetic paddling. The light weight is great and I like the small diameter. People have written about how clean the catch is, and while I don’t claim to understand the science behind it I can confirm this. I tried the Werner the other day in small surf, and it seemed to really stick on the catch (like the water was much denser) compared to the KeNalu.

I have no regrets about the purchase – if anything happened to this one, I would buy another.

 

1medic
Waikiki Status
Location: Santa Cruz, Ca
Posts: 22
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #151 on: November 27, 2011, 07:07:16 PM »

I first bought a Molokai and was blown away by the performance. I have recently purchased a Maliko and again was blown away. I use them for both distance and surf paddling. I’ve found performance improvements in every area with your paddles. I have used Kialoa, QuickBlade, Riveria and Werner paddles. All of them are now for sale. Oh, and the paddle bags, great job! Anyone considering a Ke Nalu paddle just pull the trigger. You won’t regret it.

 

Beasho
Waikiki Status
Posts: 24
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #155 on: November 29, 2011, 12:18:54 AM » Reply with quote

Attached is a side by side comparison of the Kialoa Methane vs. Kenalu Maliko.

Theoretically they have the same paddle area, but upon direct inspection the Maliko is slightly smaller (visually) than the Methane overall. But, the paddle width is lower on the Maliko than the more teardrop shaped Methane.

You can see the Maliko is 60 grams less than the Methane. The Maliko was also cut 5 inches LONGER (79″) than this Methane (74″) and I purchased the Extended Handle, to provide added adjustment, but probably added another 20 grams to the Maliko.

I compared the shaft only weights of the Methane (7” cut off 2 years ago) and Maliko (cut recently) and found that the Methane weighed 4.53 grams per inch whereas the Maliko was 3.53 grams per inch each with the exact same outside diameter. This suggests less material in the Maliko. Hopefully just enough. Anything more than breaking strength is ultimately a waste of mass.

I only have 2 sessions on the paddle but can report that I lent it to a friend (who handed me his Kialoa Methane). He immediately recognized the lower weight and the “larger paddle area.” This was not technically correct but whatever the reason (Bill?) it just grabs better. The Methane, with reflective tape and paddle guard felt like a dog.

For now I am using a paddle that is 5” longer than what I was formerly used to. 11” overhead for 100% surf. It seems to work. Whatever the physics a 12% reduction in swing weight is enormous. When baseball players swing for the fences they take the weight off. I suggest you do the same and put your energy into the surf rather than swinging the club like a caveman.

weldernot
Waikiki Status
Posts: 11
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #188 on: December 17, 2011, 11:18:11 AM »

Here is my Ke Nalu paddle review.

Ke Nalu Maliko 8.5” x 16” blade with 95 square inch surface area, listed as 494g, 83.5”, 100 flex carbon shaft
Paddler: 5’4” 140lb, experienced whitewater kayaker, some whitewater canoeing, 1 year SUP flat water and some park and play whitewater SUP
Primary SUP: C4 subvector 9’3” iSUP
Primary comparison paddle: Werner Carve, 7.3” x 19” blade with 101 square inch surface area, listed at 866g, 74-78” adjustable (set at 78” during comparison paddling)
Comparison locations and conditions: flat water small lake and indoor pool

Paddle handles: I haven’t developed a handle preference for either the Ke Nalu ergo-T or the Werner Carve. They are definitely different feels, and I like them both. Both feel very comfortable, and both give good tactile feedback and control over paddle orientation.
Paddle shaft texture: I really, really like the Ke Nalu slightly textured shaft. I don’t find the texture directly noticeable, but yet my shaft hand doesn’t slip when the Ke Nalu shaft is either wet or dry. I have noticed some hand slipping with the Werner Carve shaft, especially when wet. Additionally, while I like the simplicity and ease of use of the length adjustment system on the Werner Carve, I very much dislike the feel when my hand “catches” or rubs over the holes in the paddle shaft that are present as part of the length adjustment. I have used paddle wax and tape for obtaining a better grip on my whitewater kayak paddle shaft (bent shaft Werner Double Diamond), and I much prefer the texture on the Ke Nalu. I tend to get friction blisters from tape and find that wax wears off quicker than I like (plus you must then remember it and reapply it for your next paddling).

Paddle shaft diameter: The smaller Ke Nalu shaft diameter feels fine to me and so does the larger diameter Werner shaft. I haven’t noticed any feeling of gripping either shaft more tightly or of either shaft feeling too large or too small.
Paddle lengths: I’m really glad Pono Bill has the paddle lengths write up on the Ke Nalu website. I haven’t yet cut my Ke Nalu down, and I believe it is currently a bit longer than I will eventually want for flat water paddling. However, after reading about different methods of deciding on the appropriate paddle length and paddling with the uncut Ke Nalu, I have definitely decided that the 8-10 inches over paddler height isn’t right for me for flat water paddling. I have gone from using my Werner Carve set at 74” to using it maximally extended (78”) and wishing that I could try it a bit longer (for flat water). I have found that some of the difficulty I had experienced regarding getting a clean catch (lack of splash, fully immersed blade) with the Carve was fixed by going to a longer length setting.

Paddling forward catch: I feel like I’m getting a cleaner (less splash, fully immersed blade) catch with the Ke Nalu paddle much more easily than I achieve with the Werner Carve. The blade shapes, especially the blade heights, are different, and the paddles are not the same length: Ke Nalu currently 83.5” and Carve currently 78”.

Paddling forward acceleration: I often feel like I’m pulling more aggressively or exerting more force with the Carve. I can’t tell if there is any difference in board acceleration per stroke or in ease of maintaining board speed.

Paddling forward recovery: I find an increased paddle length a bit trickier to get cleanly removed from the water and find that I’m allowing each paddle to get past my feet. Part of this may simply be that all of my prior paddling was with the Werner Carve adjusted to 74”.

Bracing, sculling braces and sculling draws, and in water recoveries: The Ke Nalu slices so very smoothly through the water and feels much better (quieter, easier motion, less turbulence generation) to me than the Carve when doing any paddle moving across the surface in a sculling brace, any sculling draws, and any in water recoveries (slicing the blade from the end of force application of one stroke to the beginning of force application of another stroke). While messing about doing pivot turns in the pool, I experienced one back side brace with the Ke Nalu paddle that kept me on the board when I am quite sure that I would have been in the water if it had been the Carve in my hands. This could simply be the difference in length (lever arm), but I don’t think so. I think the blade shape and smoothness on the water played a major role.

Swing weight: Holding both paddles, I could tell that the Ke Nalu was lighter than the Carve, but not so much that it made much difference when just holding them. As reported by others and as expected from my other experiences in paddling with altering swing weight, switching from the Ke Nalu back to the Carve felt like going from a paddle to a club – very unpleasantly heavy  pretty strong desire to only paddle with the Ke Nalu.

Overall: I am a big fan light paddles and of light swing weights for paddles. The Ke Nalu is light and has a light swing weight, and I really like that. I also really like the Ke Nalu shaft texture and the smoothness of the blade when slicing through the water or bracing. I definitely prefer using the Ke Nalu rather than the Carve for flat water paddling. The hot glue is very easy to deal with, and I plan to cut my Ke Nalu down a bit in the future and to start messing with the adjustable length extended ergo-T handle.

 

DavidJohn
Cortez Bank Status
Location: Melbourne Australia
Posts: 3398
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #199 on: December 18, 2011, 07:58:09 PM »

What type of paddle does Santa use?

DJ

river
Peahi Status
Location: Hood River, OR. USA Planet Earth
Posts: 691
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #246 on: January 06, 2012, 11:06:45 AM »

Just wanted to pop in here and say I’m Loving both of my Kenalu blades. The small one “8″ Wiki for training and “deep water” whitewater and the Med”8.5″ Maliko for strength conditioning and racing. I will be putting them to the test at the Miami SUP Race and the Cold Stroke Classic in NC. Having the heat gun adjustment is actually really cool and I have changed my length 3 times now because I’m really picky about finding the perfect length per the board I’m paddling.

Liquid Lifestyles Productions & supinstruction.com owner/operator
-”Ultimate Guide to SUP” & “SUP Fitness with Nikki Gregg” DVD Production
Professional SUP Athlete
-2011 Santa Cruz King of the Beach Champion
-2011 Silver Blade Regatta 200m: 2nd overall (Olympic Training Center)

upwinder
Rincon Status
Posts: 126
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #251 on: January 07, 2012, 01:59:51 AM » Reply with quote

Have to say I’m liking these paddles more and More. Did a 20km flat water run with my maliko this morning, just focussing on keeping the catch & recovery smooth and quiet and letting the blade do the work. No hand pain, no shoulder pain, no elbow pain, no anything pain, even got the glide 17 back on the car with ease Grin. My previous paddles would have me reaching for the ibuprofen after a session like that.

 

ODJ
Sunset Status
Location: San Diego
Posts: 409
Re: review of the Ke Nalu (Pono Bill) paddle
« Reply #257 on: January 08, 2012, 07:24:12 PM »

Used the paddle today for the first time, and instead of listing all the rings i like about it (because it would be a long post) I’ll list what i don’t like about it…

…nothing at all. paddle is really nice and damn near perfect for me.

shaft felt a bit narrow compared to my Kialoa, but doesn’t seem to be an issue, ergo T-handle is the best thing since i need to lengthen the paddle after today, and I have that invaluable option to do so on a carbon paddle.

At first I thought the paddle would be too small, but for me, in my reconditioned state, I think it’s perfect. Went out today to concentrate on technique and reach, and the only time i got some flutter was when i was reaching out far just after putting the paddle in the water, but this was due to three things. first, i need to extend the shaft maybe 2 inches for next session, and at times i could have been reading too far ahead, and most importantly what i noticed is i was pulling too hard on the entry, and if i just relaxed a bit more on the entry and let the paddle start doing the work then sort of ‘go with the flow’ so to speak and ‘assist’ the paddle instead.

even though the paddle was 12″ inches overhead (will go to 14″ tomorrow) i got no shoulder pain. when i used a surf tech paddle that i had cut 12 inches overhead i got a lot of shoulder pain in the past. now my technique may have improved since then as well, but i feel my lats, obliques and intercostals more worked than my shoulders and biceps.

 

Strand Leper
Cortez Bank Status
Location: Dana Point
Posts: 2142
Re: Quickblade or ke nalu
« Reply #2 on: January 08, 2012, 10:35:34 PM »

I have chimed in on this on other threads, and don’t want to sound like a sycophant (too late perhaps) but the Ke Nalu is a game changer.

I have used both. I don’t race. I paddle distance and surf. Much more surf than distance, but that is changing.

I used a QB 110 Kanaha as my go to paddle. Had the elite race model (dimpled) in 110 as well. I was a HUGE QB fan. Still am. The Ke Nalu paddles are just better. Lighter, more precise, no flutter, and it kicks your a** if you keep it in past your feet. Paddled the 8.5 and the QB elite race 110 side by side… no comparison.

Similarly, paddled the 110 Kanaha and the 9.5 side by side. No comparison. Ke Nalu by a mile.

I like the KN so much that Denis from San Diego just got my “used four times” QB elite for 200 bucks. Anybody wanna buy a Peahi? I will also be selling a well used Kanaha soon (as soon as I order my new Molokai… gotta have a backup paddle).

 

juandoe
Sunset Status
Posts: 369
Re: Quickblade or ke nalu
« Reply #5 on: January 09, 2012, 08:14:34 AM »

+1 on everything the Leper said. I own both as well as Werners, c4, powerex. Not even close. Never bought a Kialoa but my brother hates his now that he has a KeNalu. I would be interested to hear the reasons for the guys voting QB.

 

ODJ
Sunset Status
Location: San Diego
Posts: 409
Re: Quickblade or ke nalu
« Reply #6 on: Today at 09:48:17 AM »

I have never paddled a QB, but have owned a Werner Nitro, Kialoa Methane, kialoa Shaka Pu’u, a carbon fiber Surftech paddle, and now have a Ke Nalu.

I still use my Kialoa Methane in the surf, and have no plans on replacing it, simply for the fact that it works and its for surfing, so for me it’s not as critical as a race paddle.

The Ke Nalu is my race paddle, and have to agree with what everyone else has said. Again I have never used the QB paddles, but for me it would be a no brainer just based on the fact that this is a REALLY nice all-carbon fiber paddle that is the lightest on the market AND is (or can be with the t-handle option) adjustable, without any buttons, clips, locking mechanisms, etc. The design is so simple it’s genius. I have a Maliko, and the blade is just perfect and is very smooth. For me the deciding factor would be if you like the shaft diameter and handle, and since they made several handle options it comes down to the shaft. it is much narrower than the Werner shaft, and even narrower than the Kialoa shaft, and a different shape than the Kialoa shaft, so for me that would be the deciding factor, but if you read through the massive Ke Nalu review thread pretty much everyone loves this paddle, and with all the reviews I am sure there is a fair share of people who own this paddle with giant hands that are ham-fisted, and then others with smaller hands. The bottom line is, you really can’t go wrong with the Ke Nalu. It’s VERY high quality, performs wonderfully, and is adjustable with no extraneous parts.

 

pdxmike
Teahupoo Status
Posts: 1684
Re: Quickblade or ke nalu
« Reply #3 on: January 08, 2012, 11:01:49 PM »

My QB Kanaha 100 adjustable: great
Ke Nalu medium blade, shaft too short for me that I borrowed for a few minutes: better

Only had it for a few minutes but it was clearly better than my QB, even though the shaft was a few inches short for me.

 

upwinder
Rincon Status
Posts: 126
Re: Ke Nalu Maliko
« Reply #11 on: January 02, 2012, 11:37:13 PM »

The thing I like most about these paddles is the instant feedback. They tell me straight away if I’m doing something really weird and are eerily quiet when I’m getting it right. Oddly perhaps, I think I find the bigger Maliko a bit more forgiving than the Wiki. Sure they were originally intended for more skilled paddlers than me but I reckon mine are teaching me a thing or two about stance, reach, timing etc. It’s all good

 

H2OSweeper
Waikiki Status
Re: Ke Nalu Maliko
« Reply #7 on: January 01, 2012, 08:22:15 PM »

“He who hesitates is lost!
If you are thinking about the Ke Nalu just pull the trigger! You won’t regret it! My Maliko has been a complete game changer! Undoubtedly the best $ I spent in 2011! After a year using a C4 comp I finally shed the chains. More waves = more stoke! Decode the matrix, buy a Ke Nalu!