More flex passes less energy to the water, but it easier on the body.
Weight, does +/- 100grs really make much difference?
What about the blade? Most web sites don't list blade size or shape, but there's a lot of difference in shape, groves, etc... what makes a "good" shape?
Surely the blade size, shape and material will make the pole material and flex irrelevant.
Is there much difference between blades?
This page and video go over the different materials, blade sizes and shapes, shaft shape and flex, length, fixed vs. adjustable, etc:
www.blueplanetsurf.com/service/best-sup-paddle/
What the Blue Planet guys offer is great advice.
One of the biggest single performance changes you can make is your paddle.
There are lots of theories on blade size, shaft stiffness, length amongst others.
The bottom line is what feels best. Understand what you like about your current paddle and what you don't. Make a list then write a list from what you're looking for in a paddle.
A powerful paddle blade will want to transfer that power through the shaft to your hands and shoulders, so shaft stiffness is a big factor. Some people like a larger blade and softer shaft, whilst others like a stiffer shaft and smaller paddle blade size.
The best paddles will feel 'right'. The less you have to think about your paddle when paddling, the better the fit it is for you.
Smaller blades on a stiffer shafts is the way to go IMO.. 
Very big blades suck.. Very flexy shafts suck.. Well that's what I think.. 
@blueplanetsurf thanks for the article/video, it was good.
Reason for the post is bcos i saw an article a while back on some web page I can't find now that showed a carbon blade that looked like a 3 sided pyramid pushed in to it... the article went on to say how it was a "game changer" in blade design.
Your Kai Zen Paddle looks really nice... but pricey with delivery.
Hi FlySurfer,
Our Australian distributor is getting a shipment of the new Kai Zen V2 paddles in this month, so you should be able to get it through a local Australian Blue Planet dealer or at
www.blueplanetsup.com.au/
without having to pay international shipping fees.
