Tailored to you – Ke Nalu xTuf
84 and Konihi 84 paddles
w w w. s u p d i re c t . c o . u k
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of owning your own
bespoke toy to get those juices flowing. Whether it be board,
paddle or other bit of SUP kit, if you know it’s a custom shape
then it’ll feel that extra bit special. Ke Nalu achieve this with
their unique fitting and fixtures system.
w w w. k e n a l u . c o . u k
We used a Fatstick adjustable carbon/bamboo last year and
thought it was pretty good for a mid-price paddle. The brand’s
new range of adjustable carbon sweepers, with improved
weights, better adjustment system and overall higher quality
feel has come on leaps and bounds for 2015.
The blade is pretty wide, and as such displaces large volumes
of water. This is great when in the surf and riding smaller
boards where forward thrust is key. The incremental
adjustments of the shaft extension allows your stick to be
tuned for various conditions and SUP environments while the
ergonomic handle fits snuggly to paddlers’ palms.
All Ke Nalu’s components are pre-dipped in glue which makes
assembling a doddle. All you need is a hair dryer, a hacksaw,
black electrical tape and sand paper. This system means you can
own multiple Ke Nalu components and swap bits out, tailoring
your equipment for each paddle session and conditions on the
day. The only slight downside is the time element, however, we
can’t fault the total control paddlers will have over his/her engine.
Shaft stiffness is on the moderate side and as such will appeal
to stand up paddlers who aren’t looking for a full on grunt
machine. The slight degree of flex also lends itself to paddlers
who don’t wish to exert themselves too much but still want a
carbon paddle.
We were sent two types: an xTuf 84 with xTuf shaft and Ergo T
handle which is surf specific and a Konihi 84 with xTuf(S) shaft
with Ergo handle – great for downwind/race SUP.
There’s a minimal dihedral running into the back third of the
blade and this helps with minimising blade flutter during the
pull part of the stroke. Durability of the Fatstick paddle is pretty
good – although you’ll still need to take a degree of care if
clunking it against rocks, shingle or other hard obstacles.
Ke Nalu offer some of the lightest (and toughest) paddles around
and these two babies are no different. The wider blade (xTuf 84)
was our personal favourite, although the Konihi 84 is still a
winner – it just came down to personal style and preference.
CONCLUSION
Both paddles offer a stiff shaft and are super-efficient
through the water. The lightweight and low swing ensure
effective paddling across all disciplines and the more
effort you exert the more reward you get. Blade design
ensures no flutter as you pull through the brine and the
two handles are equally pleasant to grip. Again, it just
comes down to personal preference and which one you
fancy.
If you’re looking for a well-priced mid-range carbon paddle then
Fatstick might have the sweeper for you. A nifty adjustment system
allows for incremental fine tuning of shaft length while the wide
blade shovels impressive volumes of water. A good option for those
with multiple users who require different paddle lengths with a
moderately stiff flex that’ll suit all except those looking for
maximum efficiency. Can also be ordered with narrower blade.
Price: £149
CONCLUSION
Info: www.supdirect.co.uk/fat stick-shop/4584165157/
oak-wood-carbon-paddle/8347800
Ke Nalu’s range of paddles and bespoke feeling system of
mix and matching blades, shafts and handles make it
possible to fine tune your paddling needs to conditions, style
and experience across a whole range of SUP environments.
Feeling more like custom sweepers they’re stiff, efficient,
lightweight (some of the lightest on the market) and highly
durable. The Konihi 84 is a cracking race/downwind weapon
while the xTuf 84 is great in surf (although we also used this
on the flat as well) –
especially
anywhere
with reef or
rocks where
durability
are also factors.
Price: xTuf: £230,
xTuf 84: £230,
Elite Konihi: £330
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s h e d : p a d d l e s
Coming in three separate pieces – blade, shaft and handle – it’s
possible to chop and change thereby finding your perfect set
up. Paddles are such a personal thing and this way of doing
things is a great way of tailoring your ‘stick’.
g
k ie t a r
Stickin’ it in –
Fatstick adjustable oak wood
carbon paddle