Just wondering is there is anyone with knowledge/experience using different kenalu blades that may be able to guide me?
So for 5 yrs now I've had the Kenalu elite 100 shaft combined with Maliko blade (95sq inch).
Im 175cm and 75kg, I have a fanatic flat water 14ft board and paddle 4km the times a week.
I have obviously developed some strength and endurance over time and I have found that maintaining a high cadence which keeps the board planning is the most efficient technique. I like to go as hard and as fast as I can. I stop for a quick recovery at 2km, at which I turn around and head back down River.
The problem is, that i find near the end of the 3k i can't maintain the high cadence. As I begin to slow the peace I find the board comes off the plane inbetween strokes and I can tell there is a little bow wave on each stroke and the board is pushing water as is tries to get back on the plane.
Now, after recently checking the Kenalu sight I see that according to the chart (which wasn't around 5 years ago) that the Maliko paddle is probably way too big for my weight range.
So, for my size and the type of paddling I do. Do I go the Mana 82 or the Konihi 84?
Also, what about getting a shaft with a little more flex? Elite 90 or Xtuff 70? Will it make my paddling experience a little more pleasant? Or will I be sacrificing to much drive?
Cheers in advance.
I have been using KeNalu paddles for a few years now and have tried just about every size/model blade and shaft.
I am just under 90kg and 55yo and do most of the races, Doctor, King of the Cut, Flatwater 20, Black Blade sprint etc, I had settled on the 84 Konihi and xtuff S last year because I found that combo pretty easy on my shoulders which can sometimes give me grief in the longer races when using bigger blades or stiffer shafts.
I did try the 90 elite shaft with a 95 Maliko and it just wasn't for me.
I recently picked up an 82 Mana and am loving it.
I do wonder if I may be able to go the 90 Mana and for someone younger that may be a better choice.
However I think you would absolutely love the 82 Mana, Xtuff S combo.
Cheers mate, just the advice/ experience i was after.
I think you might be spot on with that recommendation.
I probably should have added a disclaimer (so I will now) that I do have an association with KeNalu, purely as a paddler though, no financial connection.
And you did ask specifically about them.
Im a 52 year old 86 kg paddler. I used a kenalu elite 95 blade with an xtuf shaft for a few years. Had a few niggling shoulder issues manly aches and tightness.
I changed it for an xtuf 84 wiki and xtuf s shaft about 6 months ago and have not had a problem since.
The smaller blade helps alot with higher cadence paddling and the xtuf shaft is very forgiving on old shoulder joints.....
I'm going from the 95 ho'ola blade to the 90 mana, I'm 83kg
I've had smaller blades in past but feel I don't have the cadence to see its advantages. Downside to a bigger blade is fatigue on shoulders to most people.
Maybe try more flex shaft?
Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm no spring chicken either, being 44yrs.
Funny thing is, despite using the elite 100 (no flex) and the Maliko (95sq. Inch catch) My shoulders are fine and when I start to fatigue during my 4k paddle, it's not my shoulders giving out. I guess most of my power comes from my torso.
I'm thinking by going to a smaller paddle, and the Mana with a great catch and release, then maybe even a xtuff 70, I'm going to be in for a real treat.
May be able to paddle for much longer with higher cadence. Yahoo!
Select to expand quoteKNXSUP said..
Just wondering is there is anyone with knowledge/experience using different kenalu blades that may be able to guide me?
So for 5 yrs now I've had the Kenalu elite 100 shaft combined with Maliko blade (95sq inch).
Im 175cm and 75kg, I have a fanatic flat water 14ft board and paddle 4km the times a week.
I have obviously developed some strength and endurance over time and I have found that maintaining a high cadence which keeps the board planning is the most efficient technique. I like to go as hard and as fast as I can. I stop for a quick recovery at 2km, at which I turn around and head back down River.
The problem is, that i find near the end of the 3k i can't maintain the high cadence. As I begin to slow the peace I find the board comes off the plane inbetween strokes and I can tell there is a little bow wave on each stroke and the board is pushing water as is tries to get back on the plane.
Now, after recently checking the Kenalu sight I see that according to the chart (which wasn't around 5 years ago) that the Maliko paddle is probably way too big for my weight range.
So, for my size and the type of paddling I do. Do I go the Mana 82 or the Konihi 84?
Also, what about getting a shaft with a little more flex? Elite 90 or Xtuff 70? Will it make my paddling experience a little more pleasant? Or will I be sacrificing to much drive?
Cheers in advance.
I'm 70kg and like you used to have a 95 QB paddle with stiff shaft and found it hard work to maintain a high cadence. Recently switched to a Mana 82 with XTuff flex shaft and absolutely love it. Easier on body, higher cadence now and no sacrifice in speed IMO.
i have tried numerous of the kenalu blades
i loved my konihi 84 (i am 6'2", 90 kgs)--bought a spare, even
then i got sucked into buying the mana at the early-bird/gotta-pay-in-advance-and-wait-a-few-months discount--and bought the mana
didnt think the difference would even be noticeable---well it is and the man is the best blade i have ever tried---some dope ran over and broke my shaft, and i reverted to the konihi while awaiting a replacement shaft to put with the mana---the mana rules totally---i was surpirsed at the effect of what seem to be very subtle tweaks
and ya 100 is too big, certainly for quick sprint/bursts around the lineup
So do you think the 82 Mana is the go, coming down from a 95 Maliko? Im guessing the Mana 90 will probably feel too similar, in that it holds more water even though it's smaller, so it will feel more like a larger Blade?
Cheers
I too just changed from the 84konihi to 82mana. Must admit also when i unwrapped it my initial thought was i probably wasted my money buying virtually the same blade. Oh well can't have too many ke nalus...so wrong! Such a different feel absolutely love it. SMOOOOTH as. Less fatigue and so forgiving on the joints. Awesome all round paddle
