QB Elite cause it was the most expensive - so must be good.
QB Big Mama Kalama cause it's big.
Mainly use Big Mama now.
Quickblade Slim Jim, heard a lot of hype around the paddle but could never justify $500+ for a paddle, then, Eastcoast SUP had them at a more reasonable price so decided to bite the bullet and grab one, haven't looked back since! Great Paddle!
I have an Oxbow adjustable and a Fanatic 100% carbon........OK they have a metal ring around the lower shaft so its 99.9% Carbon.
Ke Nalu. Lighter than the QB, can be taken apart for travel if needed and just grip the water without slip.
Hi Paulselec,
I have been using the Quickblade Kanaha Magic 100. Sweet paddle and very light and stiff. It has a great feel, very light for fast recovery and has a real nice springy sort of stiffness which makes it feel quite "energetic" for want of a batter word. Very unusual with the golf ball dimpled face. I also use QB Kanaha AC100 and it's a good all round performance paddle.
Fanatic 100% Carbon Pro is also pretty slick and VERY light weight but not quite as stiff as the QB's. Damn good paddle for the money though! I also recently got to paddle with the new Fanatic Prototype full carbon paddle, that too was REALLY nice.
DM
+1 on the ke Nalu. Light, strong , powerful and no muscle fatigue...
Been using a Kialoa methane for surfing for the last year after using a Kiakaha for a while. Kialoa is very stiff and light but after coming back from Maui and using a starboard Enduro(Not sure which one) with the dihedral blade, I don't think I will buy another paddle without it.
I have a Fanatic Carbon 80. At $280 probably one of the best value paddles around. With an unlimited budget would go for a QB 100 elite.
Ke nalu, love the shaft grip !
super light,
But had for 4 surfs in 2 ft
and then snap!! clean off next to my hand?
took back to shop, 2 weeks no word yet ? :/
I have two KeNalu paddles, the WIKI with 100-flex shaft and ERGO-T extendable handle, and the MALIKO with 90 flex handle and ergo grip. Use the bigger (Maliko) when I need more power and in surf, the WIKI for higher cadence and racing.
I love them. I used to have a Kialoa Methane but just can't go back to it now. It feels heavy and wobbles through the water when put under pressure compared to the KeNalu which seem to just hold steady.