I just got a session in with a new Ke Nalu Mana 82 with Xtuf shaft. I'm coming from a Hippo Stick Size it adjustable length paddle with a larger ~87 blade if I read the specs right. I'm 5'11 85kg and I cut the paddle to 74". With my old paddle, my left elbow would hurt during every session, I tried not squeezing tight and everything other tip I could find but still same pain. Searching this forum I saw that folks were recommending a smaller blade for shoulder/elbow issues, so I splurged and ordered the Mana. Holy cow this thing is amazing, it is so light and easy to flick around, to my astonishment, I had zero pain in my elbow after a 3.5 hour session, I'm so thrilled! My buddy and I swapped paddles and now he's ruined, says his old paddle feels like a club by comparison. He's gonna order one too and he's way more disciplined about gear purchases than I am. I thought the ergo handle was too small, but felt fine in the water and I like how the flat side helps me orient which way I'm holding it. The sharkskin texture on shaft is great too. Not trying to bag on the Hippo Stick cause I'm guessing one of their high end paddles with a smaller blade could have felt similarly awesome, and I think my elbow issue may have been due to a combination of the paddle blade characteristics and my sloppy form.
I have two Ke Nalu paddles with the XTuff S shafts. One Milko95 one Konihi. And a third 100 flex shaft with a Mana 90 blade. The soft delivery of the XTuff shaft is great! The Mana is my favorite of the three blades. All three of my paddles have the extended ergo T handles for easy length adjustments. Great choice on the 82 and the XTuff!!
