Select to expand quoteAndyR said..
good review SurfNiels.
I am looking to purchase the mana and put it onto my Elite 100 flex shaft. This shaft is stiff and I like that.
everything else Ive had before was flexy and I wasn't a fan.
curent blade is the 95 Elite Ho'Oloa.
am keen to drop down to the 84 mana though have reserves if dropping down to that will be to small.
Just shows everyone is different I have used most of the different combinations of shafts and blades in the Ke Nalu range, I don't like the Elite 100 flex shaft at all and even find the 90 to stiff for my liking, my favourite is the xtuff (s) and I even use the one with most flex the xtuff occasionally mainly for surfing though.
I have a 95 Kohini but prefer and almost always use the 84 Konihi for racing.
I will be putting my order in for the 82 Mana and if I was to get another shaft it would be the xtuff (s) again.
I am no lightweight either at 90kg and reasonably fit but my 54yo shoulders like the flex.
got mine yesterday--while i was out surfing!
might give it a shot on friday
will report back
blade looks small, but so does the konihi 84
Got mine yesterday and tried it out for a short paddle. Has zero flutter. Pulls really straight. Very clean entry and exit. The catch is nice and does not slip. Have a new 100 flex shaft. Wish I had gone a bit softer though. Makes me realize the xTuff(s) had more flex than I thought. Might switch it over. I did not really notice lesser resistance from the smaller blade. Seemed to have no effect on my cadence. Not sure if any effect on my average speed over distance. Disclaimer: I have the paddle cut down two inches from my regular height to let my wife try it out and see if she likes it. If so, I will probably give it to her. Honestly, no wow factor for me like when I recently tried the QB v drive. Will be interesting to try at my regular length and see if I feel any difference.
Thanks for the candid review Rideordie. Interesting comment, re: the V-drive. I just got the 91 V-drive, and yes, its pretty awesome. Super solid catch, and power given the size. Its now my main everyday paddle. It feels as planted as my Molokai w/ Xtuff-s shaft.. But is easier to pull through the rest of the stroke.. I feel like Im catching as much water but then i can pull faster to the exit.. I was thinking of ordering a Mana blade, but I think ill wait to get some more long term feedback...
My Mana 90 is coming next week.
The QB paddles are $700 here so not really an option anyway.
I know this is a kinda off topic but are the original Wiki, Maliko and Molokai, getting phased out or something, as they are only available in the xTuf range??? Or is this more that they are much better in the surf so the stronger xTuf is a better option?
The reason I ask is I have an old Wiki 84 (old graphics) which I really like but every now and then think I would like a larger blade. I am probably 90% surf so not really sure the Mana or Konihi would be the go (maybe they could work). I do really like the graphics on the Mana.
Any suggestions on either the Hoóloa or maybe the xTuf Maliko
Select to expand quotetiggerferret said...
I know this is a kinda off topic but are the original Wiki, Maliko and Molokai, getting phased out or something, as they are only available in the xTuf range??? Or is this more that they are much better in the surf so the stronger xTuf is a better option?
The reason I ask is I have an old Wiki 84 (old graphics) which I really like but every now and then think I would like a larger blade. I am probably 90% surf so not really sure the Mana or Konihi would be the go (maybe they could work). I do really like the graphics on the Mana.
Any suggestions on either the Hoóloa or maybe the xTuf Maliko
We made the decision in Australia to phase out the Elite Wiki, Maliko and Molokai blafes as the new xTuf blades are comparable in weight but stronger. They are exactly the same shape / size as the equivalent Elite blades.
If you want a full carbon surf blade, the Ho'oloa is the go. The Ho'oloa has a higher aspect ratio than the equivalent sized xTuf blade. The narrower width gives less yaw and is just nicer to paddle with IMO.
The Mana and Konihi are best suited to racing and downwinders.
We've got some really cool info on the Ke Nalu Australia website to help people select the most appropriate blade and shaft. It's a simple 4 step process.....check it out.
Select to expand quotetiggerferret said...
I know this is a kinda off topic but are the original Wiki, Maliko and Molokai, getting phased out or something, as they are only available in the xTuf range??? Or is this more that they are much better in the surf so the stronger xTuf is a better option?
The reason I ask is I have an old Wiki 84 (old graphics) which I really like but every now and then think I would like a larger blade. I am probably 90% surf so not really sure the Mana or Konihi would be the go (maybe they could work). I do really like the graphics on the Mana.
Any suggestions on either the Hoóloa or maybe the xTuf Maliko
If you want an original maliko or Molokai elite blade I'm pretty sure Briskites still has one or two in stock if you give them a call will send one over to you no worries.
disagree--sold my hooloa immediately after trying the konihi. and i only surf. love the konihis on the wave--no issue with bracing or touching the face
my new mana is not remarkably different than my konihi--im reticent to comment til i get a better comparative feel--first take is that it seems to take hold well when i first dip the blade fully forward--and when i pull it seems to hold solid and steadier-- i found that my stroke was better, more forward, as a result
Boundeast, seems like we had the same initial impression. I think it may take some time to better distinguish between Konihi and Manana. Difference between Maliko and Konihi was huge, but not this one. Konihi feels like it slips a bit to me. No feeling of slippage with Mana. Plus nice entry and exit. Konihi must be careful on cross bow turn. Sink it too much and paddle wants to rip out of you hands. Much softer with Mana. Mana much more quiet. No gurgling if blade not set perfectly. Easier to set blade. In power phase, the Mana feels like a 95. Expected it to be softer in power phase due to smaller size, but not so. Lack of flutter was remarkable. Seems to be very forgiving and self- correcting. Will be interesting to see average speed comparisons over short and long distance. Let's get Helmy to crank out about 30 km on each!!
Is it just the picture? Because the 90 looks huge compared to the 82.
$385 for the blade only.
That's the best thing about Kenalu upgrade the blade onto existing shaft and you have a whole new setup
Select to expand quoteAndyR said...
Is it just the picture? Because the 90 looks huge compared to the 82
I think it's the 82 that looks tiny next to the 90 
Blade specs are on the Ke Nalu Australia website
My Mana 90 just arrived. Beautiful finish. Looks like a Kohini 84 with a an inch longer blade. Until you look at the side.
Select to expand quoteSo its been a while since I reviewed anything at all, but I have just tried the new KeNalu Mana 90 blade and in a single word its a WOW. So lets get some things out of the way in the first instance, I am not sponsored by KeNalu or by anyone else (however all offers will be considered :))
I have been using KeNalu products for the last 3 years and do have a slight man crush on there simplicity and strength.The Mana is an evolution on the previous blade and the slight changes are a leap in usability. So from my old eyes, the biggest changes are a slight increase in the scoop in the blade and the winglets seem slightly smaller. The blade also seems slightly more upright in it shape. I was using a 95 Kohini previously and all I have to go on is the visual comparison between the two.
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On the water, the Mana loads up so nicely, you can feel an increase in the power as it pulls through the water. It seems to release much more nicely then the Kohini as well (and I thought the Kohini released really nicely so this is a big call). The power during the stroke is nice and constant and it is really really easy to get the blade buried right down. The other thing I noticed was that the level of fatigue that I experienced was significantly less than I felt with my previous blade.
I reckon KeNalu have nailed this product, it is a great step forward for the brand and once again if you are a user of the KeNalu range you know that a replacement of the blade is easy and relatively cheap as its only that one part that is being replaced. KeNalu also offer a lifetime warranty on breakage that cant be matched by anyone else.
So if you are in the market for a new toy and want a quality product that is equal to anything else on the market then look no further. I understand that these will be available in a heap of stores in the next few weeks and if the crew arent frothing to get hold of them and bothering their store owners then I dont know what the world is coming to.
Select to expand quotetightlines said...
I'm in W.A. (Wait Awhile) 
It's well on its way mate
Cool, I actually got a txt from Aus Post on Friday arvo saying that there was a package to pick up but I couldn't make it before closing and they were not open on Saturday.
So I will check today, hopefully that's what it is but I did purchase a couple of things online.
Hi greg. After reading your post re the mana im interested in knowing if the mana 90 feels as big in the water as the konihi 95 or smaller.
I was previously considering a konihi 84 which felt good but perhaps a little small. Seeing the mana 82 is smaller than the konihi 84, i am now thinking i should move to the mana 90 but do not want to go to a blade with as big a feel in the water as the konihi 95
To me, and I am a hack paddler. It felt as powerful as the 95 but nicer if that makes sense. Sort of like the next version where the kinks are worked out.
I agree, it feels closer to the Konihi 95 then to the Konihi 84. Discloser, I am not a big guy at 6 feet and 165 lbs but fit.
I have been looking at the Mana 90 for a long distance paddle that can be used with a lower cadence than the Konihi 84 without a disproportionate speed loss.
Select to expand quoteDeano72 said..tightlines said...
I'm in W.A. (Wait Awhile)
It's well on its way mate
Yep didn't have to wait long at all, mine arrived today Dean, cheers, I am glueing it up ATM and will give it a test tomorrow.
I went the 82 but at 90kg I am starting to wonder wether the 90 might have been a better choice, I much preferred the 84 Konihi over the 95 though so I am sure the little Mana will suit me.
Just got my Mana 82. Replaced my 84 Ho'olua.
Awesome paddle Strong initial catch no flutter at all. Feels like a much larger blade.
I own, and have demo'd several high aspect paddles and prefer this to a Kialoa. Feels similar to a QB 81 Trifecta that,I demo'd, but prefer my XTuf stiff to the tapered oval.
Now if Lane makes a 75..Surf City!!
soon as i fall completely in love with my mana......
surfing waist/chest glass at dawn, nice rocky bottom peaks in RI USA
there are like 3 or 4 people out--empty compared to often
dbag flailing around on a 10' plus board is nearby--nbd--flailing around is fine in itself
so i am paddling out, standing, and dbag goes for a wave
the peak is strictly a right
seems totally routine to me--i paddle for the white leaving him the face to his right--at the last minute the guy turns left into the white, headed straight toward me--i kick my board away and dive, hoping to be deep enough to not get injured by his log/tank, paddle and arms ahead of me for fear of diving into a rock--dbag's board misses me, but his fin catches my paddle and snaps the shaft--i guess i was lucky that was the only damage, and that there was none to me
i ask dbag wtf that was about and he says "I'm goofy, so I tend to go left"--i unloaded on the guy: "i dont care if there's a focking school of great whites on the face, if i paddle to the white to give you the face, youre a focking dbag if you turn left into the white and run me down---and if you cant surf a focking right, find a focking left somewhere focking else"
whatever--ive ordered a new xtuf shaft, and may un-hot-glue a konihi and use that shaft in the interim
bottom line the mana is simply superb--all i felt at first has continued to feel better and better
Just an FYI for the New Zealand Viewers on here, Ke Nalu paddles back in stock in all good retailers in NZ
Cheers
Dan
Select to expand quotetightlines said..
Yep didn't have to wait long at all, mine arrived today Dean, cheers, I am glueing it up ATM and will give it a test tomorrow.
I went the 82 but at 90kg I am starting to wonder wether the 90 might have been a better choice, I much preferred the 84 Konihi over the 95 though so I am sure the little Mana will suit me.
How are you finding the 82 mate, still think it has been the better choice over the 90?
Scott.
I couldn't resist and ended up getting a 90 as well. 
If I had to choose one I'm not sure which one I would go.
I did a 24km downwinder today using the 90 and was really happy with it, I'm going to have to keep alternating to see which one ends up my favourite.
I have a suspicion it may actually end up being the 90.
I am 6' and 167 lbs. Very average/slow paddler. The Mana 82 works a lot better for me in flat and open water while the Mana 90 rocks for down-winders.
Open/Flat
Downwind
