Looking at getting a carbon paddle and notice the naish paddles come in a 8.0 , 8.5, 9.0. A few questions I have are the Kaholo vs the makani paddles worth the extra money as well as how do the 2pc adjustables hold up against the 1pc. Also when would you use a 8.0 vs a 8.5 vs a 9.0 or is there a set size for a persons weight and use. Just looking for something that's a good all arounder paddle but more geared towards surf. If you have any of these paddles and or can recommend something reliable and light that would be great. Just wanting to ditch my aluminum/plastic paddle and go with something lighter with less load on my right rotator cuff in my shoulder from a injury several months back. Thank you!

IMO.. the Makani 8.0 fixed..

If you have shoulder problems I'd recommend against the Kaholo. My shoulder problems got worse after using that paddle, way too stiff. It is now sitting in the corner of my garage unused.

The Makani adjustable is nice and flexible but I snapped a couple of them within a few weeks of each other (no experience with the fixed). Grab yourself a Kenalu with Xtuff shaft. No more shoulder problems for me after making the switch.

I suppose I could answer this one too ..as I have three paddles. I have the Kaholo 8.5 vario makani fixed 8.5 and the new wave 8.0 which I decided to buy last week ..due to the fact that I've been doing alot of wave SUPing of late ..
The makani 8.0 will be the one for you.. it is very flexy compare to the Kaholo .and easy on the joints .even at a 8.5 .mine is still good
the new wave is similar to the Makani ..as Naish wanted to have the flex for the waves ..I brought the vario .8.0 .i like to extend the. Paddle when its rough . Makes me stand up right more, less falling in.
All three paddles are very tough ..when on my 14' I usually grab my Kaholo .great rigid feel .
love them all.love your photo.

Well thanks to a close friend of mines that does Fiberglass and builds paddles, SUPs, canoes and boats on the side I was able to get a home made custom built prototype 1pc 12k carbon paddle from him that has close specs to the makani 8.0. It's his custom cruise/flat water spec. I just hope it has the flex like the makani. According to him it should. It's too pretty to use. Lol I asked him how much to build me a full 12k carbon "mana" replica and he looked at me and said I would be looking at a 3k price tag minimal. Haha would be nice tho. Let's see how it does today.

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Rbreezy said...
Well thanks to a close friend of mines that does Fiberglass and builds paddles, SUPs, canoes and boats on the side I was able to get a home made custom built prototype 1pc 12k carbon paddle from him that has close specs to the makani 8.0. It's his custom cruise/flat water spec. I just hope it has the flex like the makani. According to him it should. It's too pretty to use. Lol I asked him how much to build me a full 12k carbon "mana" replica and he looked at me and said I would be looking at a 3k price tag minimal. Haha would be nice tho. Let's see how it does today.

Looks awesome!! Full carbon Mana replica would be nice...need to win Lotto though!

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JoffaDan said...
If you have shoulder problems I'd recommend against the Kaholo. My shoulder problems got worse after using that paddle, way too stiff. It is now sitting in the corner of my garage unused.

The Makani adjustable is nice and flexible but I snapped a couple of them within a few weeks of each other (no experience with the fixed). Grab yourself a Kenalu with Xtuff shaft. No more shoulder problems for me after making the switch.

Cool I ordered one last week

You won't be disappointed Loz!
RBreezy, custom paddle looks pretty slick!

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Loz79 said..

JoffaDan said...
If you have shoulder problems I'd recommend against the Kaholo. My shoulder problems got worse after using that paddle, way too stiff. It is now sitting in the corner of my garage unused.

The Makani adjustable is nice and flexible but I snapped a couple of them within a few weeks of each other (no experience with the fixed). Grab yourself a Kenalu with Xtuff shaft. No more shoulder problems for me after making the switch.

Cool I ordered one last week

I also got a Kenalu xTuf with the Maliko-size blade. Haven't assembled as yet, but will report once done. Stepping up from a Naish Makani Vario - it's a great paddle, but I wanted a fixed-length paddle, and the Makani will be a back-up/my other half's paddle once she gets a board herself. I have found, though, that the clamp on the Makani has started to loosen off a little - it'll move from a length of 81 down to 79 or so after a bit of paddling. Tried tightening up the screws etc. but didn't really help. Not a massive deal, just a little frustrating - #FirstWorldProblem

Roscoe, a couple of small washers on the clamp screw/s of your Makani will help with tightening.

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JoffaDan said...
Roscoe, a couple of small washers on the clamp screw/s of your Makani will help with tightening.

Cheers Joffa. I'll give it a burl