Anyone have experience with quality adjustable paddles? I have an as yet new but unused Falcon carbon 14' race board, and with dodgy shoulders would prefer to buy an adjustable paddle to refine length.

I have 2x Ke Nalu paddles, both with the extension handles and adjusting collars. I can highly recommend this way of doing it.

Thanks, I'd heard they were really good paddles.

I have one of these and it's the best that I've used.. kialoa.com/collections/all

The new Naish would also be worth checking out.

DJ

The Pupu David? Seem cheap! what is quality like? I suppose they are a little heavier being fibre glass? When you say best you have used, do you mean best of the adjustables or best full stop? Thanks.

My QB adjustable has been an excellent paddle.

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DaveBasher said..

The Pupu David? Seem cheap! what is quality like? I suppose they are a little heavier being fibre glass? When you say best you have used, do you mean best of the adjustables or best full stop? Thanks.

Not the best full stop because you can't beat a good light weight fixed paddle..
Compared to other adjustables in the past like the Werner with its holes and spring pins this collarless Kialoa system is awesome.. The Naish adjustable is also very good but having the locking mechanism in the handle is pretty clever and the Naish one always seems to be right where my lower hand is .. The other good thing bout the Kialoa and Naish is the big range of adjustability.. Much more than other adjustables in the past.

DJ

Thanks David- sounds like the Pupu (unfortunate name....) is the go.
Dave

The Ke Nalu adjustable clamp system is a retrofit to any Ke Nalu paddle.
It's super easy to adjust and an extremely secure fixing to the handle.....absolutely no sloppiness, creaking or groaning in the connection.
The clamp adds negligible weight to the paddle.....from memory it weights around 15-20 grams.
Top end paddle with easy adjustment

I use the Werner 3pc nitro adjustable length paddle. Snaps into 3bits big enough for a suitcase and you can adjust the length while you're out the back, no tools needed. Best to order it via the US though - its an extra $250 here for some reason.

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DavidJohn said..

The Naish adjustable is also very good but having the locking mechanism in the handle is pretty clever and the Naish one always seems to be right where my lower hand is .. The other good thing bout the Kialoa and Naish is the big range of adjustability.. Much more than other adjustables in the past.

DJ

I've got a 2013 Naish Makani 8.5" adjustable as well as the 2014 9" version. The locking collar on the 2014 one is higher up so that it doesn't sit near your bottom hand like the 2013 one does. I like the 2014 one a lot.

Saw a new Fanatic adjustable today... Wow!

DJ

Our new anti-twist Vario is pretty awesome. You'll be surprised how much you get into changing your paddle height during a session, no lining up required, perfectly straight every time.

Here's a quick vid on the Makani. My personal favourite Vario Paddle from Naish.



JB

That new anti twist feature for keeping the handle always lined up with the blade has gotta be the best thing since sliced bread..

That's always been my biggest gripe with adjustable's.

DJ

JB

I was wondering on your thoughts comparing the Makini and the Maholo vario paddles?

I am looking for a good adjustable paddle and think I will pick one of these two. I paddle surf about 80% of the time on a Starby 8.5 pro. The rest of my paddling is cruising one a Starby drive with a dog or kid perched on the nose. My weight is 65kgs.

Nice vid's you are posting. Keep em coming.