one better than other or similar for all water, Hulu does look thin any damage regards to this or rather having to cotton wool the hulu

I'm needed two new paddles, I'm tempted to get one of these in adjustable shaft , but seems pointless to do so in such a high end paddle , but I read somewhere a few racers and down winders use the adjustable as it can be well... adjusted on the fly if conditions change

both nice paddle and will do a great job.
sup paddle is a preference thing to which brand.
if you can, best to buy two paddle, fix and adjustable.

I have both paddles. Both are great. But I use the v-drive exclusively now. It is hugely popular on the international racing circuit, and I can see why. I use v-drives for surfing, downwinding, and racing. Basically, everything except shallow rocky rivers etc where I use a plastic-bladed paddle.

Don't worry about the Hulu being a thin blade though - it's very tough nevertheless. The Kialoa paddles are plenty durable, as are the paddles from the other paddle-specific brands such as KeNalu and ZRE etc: If all you make is paddles, you wouldn't be in business very long if you made ones that break easily.

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Area10 said..
I have both paddles. Both are great. But I use the v-drive exclusively now. It is hugely popular on the international racing circuit, and I can see why. I use v-drives for surfing, downwinding, and racing. Basically, everything except shallow rocky rivers etc where I use a plastic-bladed paddle.

Don't worry about the Hulu being a thin blade though - it's very tough nevertheless. The Kialoa paddles are plenty durable, as are the paddles from the other paddle-specific brands such as KeNalu and ZRE etc: If all you make is paddles, you wouldn't be in business very long if you made ones that break easily.

Thanks, I see the v drive has different sizes also and a hybrid construction vs full carbon, as with my kialoa I guess full carbon is preferred in the v drive

Well, it just depends how much money you want to spend. The full carbon v-drives (especially with the truly excellent oval tapered shaft) is pretty expensive. And although obviously most of the elite paddlers would use the most expensive versions, I've seen some of the world's top racers occasionally using the cheaper vector net versions.

You can use the Quickblade chart to decide what size blade to use. If in doubt between two sizes, go the smaller of the two sizes you are considering.

You would probably go a blade size smaller in the v drive than a kialoa since the v drive "catch" is very solid.

Thanks, I decided on the Hulu small, purely based on its full carbon and a very good price offer

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Area10 said..
Well, it just depends how much money you want to spend. The full carbon v-drives (especially with the truly excellent oval tapered shaft) is pretty expensive. And although obviously most of the elite paddlers would use the most expensive versions, I've seen some of the world's top racers occasionally using the cheaper vector net versions.

You can use the Quickblade chart to decide what size blade to use. If in doubt between two sizes, go the smaller of the two sizes you are considering.

You would probably go a blade size smaller in the v drive than a kialoa since the v drive "catch" is very solid.

Do you go 7 or 8 above ? I'm confortable with either but 8 might be better

That qb chart is wrong or not consistent I went to check both paddles

one at 163 and one at 173 it's a inch difference on the same calculation

Is just a guide, start with long shaft then cut it down as required.

So keep it at 8 which does seem to be the most popular

Any others at 8 or ... just finalising

Well, try it at 8 and if it's too short then cut another inch off it! If you hot glue and tape the handle on rather than use epoxy glue then you can change lengths at will.

No-one can tell you *exactly* what length is right for you. You'll have to experiment and find out for yourself. Each body is different, each board is a different thickness, and each paddling style is different. So keep your options open until you've got a bit more experience.

Yep, understand that, but from what your saying 8 is a bit long regardless if it's the starting point

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Foam said..
Yep, understand that, but from what your saying 8 is a bit long regardless if it's the starting point

Ok well if you are determined to risk cutting it too short for you, then by all means go ahead.

Otherwise, do what everyone else does and eg. start at 9" overhead, try it, and then if it's too long cut it down an inch, try it again, and if it's too long cut another inch off etc and keep going until it feels right.

Many people have their paddle 8" overhead (or longer). A friend of mine cut his kialoa at 9" overhead regrets not having it longer.

But some people have paddles that are their height or even smaller.

I'll say it one more time only: no-one can tell you exactly what is right for you. You just have to experiment for yourself. The Quickblade charts are a useful guide but that's all. It's your responsibility to choose the right length for you.

Why not borrow an adjustable paddle and find out what is right for you?

Thanks but I'm only referring to 14 ft boards, I have my surf paddles at head high but never had a 14 before

So basicly , to not make a screw up 8 is the safest bet I guess as you mention this is where most on 14 ft boards are sitting at.

There is no safe bet. Only guesses, unless you try it out for yourself.

8" might not be right for you.
7" might not be right for you.
9" might not be right for you.

I now have my paddle at 6", that I use with my 14ft boards.

i used to use one that was 13"
overhead.

My friend uses one that's about 10" overhead on his 14s.

But another friend uses his surf paddle on his 14, which is around head high.

So stop guessing and start trying. There is no sure solution.

Or else stop asking and make a guess. If it's too short then you can always sell your paddle and start again, or cut it down to use as a surf paddle.

You can't make a complex situation simpler than it can ever be.