As we’ve come to expect, KDW provides a compelling case for his designs, this time on the paddle front - sounds like a significant advancement:
Wondering what users are finding on the water…
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Coming from a SUP racing background and dealing with chronic shoulder problems (due to a mountain biking accident), I have always had issues with stiff and strong paddles. In the last few years, I’ve been using an Infinity paddle with a flexible shaft, which allowed me to paddle without pain.
I’ve done a few sessions with the Blade Pro so far, and I’m extremely happy with this paddle. It has the smoothest catch I’ve ever felt, delivers a good amount of power, and is still super easy on the shoulders. Although the shaft is a bit stiff, the stroke is so smooth that I don’t feel any stress on my body. I highly recommend this paddle, another piece of art from Kane De Wilde.
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On a scale of “PPC adjustable paddle” to “Quick blade Stingray one-piece paddle”, how narrow is the shaft? I love the feel of the Stingray shaft but the blade is far too small for my hefty frame.
I’m also coming from a SUP racing background, and have like different 5 paddles (stingray, BOTE, ZRE race paddle, KT) and the KT is my favorite. As dk78 said, smoothest catch I’ve ever felt. No flutter on power phase with a nice release. Construction should make it far more durable than other paddles as well.
They do make a Small (87 in2), Medium (95), Large (105) blade, I’m on the small and prefer higher cadence to grunt (for reference I’m over 40 yo and 75kg, my shoulder thanks me).
Highly recommend this paddle.
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Opinion of a guy who isn’t a paddler and only used it once for 5 minutes. (But does know how to sup foilsurf and understands proper technique from seeing it coached a lot)
You know how you push your foil board in flat water and it comes up out of the water? To me, that’s what this paddle does. When you drive down into the water on the catch, the foil of the blade is pushing “forward” making sure you don’t pull back to early. It helps to ensure you get a good catch.
What was more interesting to me is the thickness of the blade. I’m wondering if that makes it more robust for accidental foil strikes. It’s not a paper thin blade. Hopefully this means bonking your rail with it is nicer to your board too.
I did not immediately flatwater paddle up on it. In fact, I went back to my paddle because it was what I’m used to and I was trying to learn something new. It did intrigue me though and I liked it.
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I’d be concerned about rail strikes with the wide blade.
What size, M or L?
The shaft has a diameter of 29 mm. I think the Stingray is narrower. It also has a great grip and is not slippery at all.
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I use the Small. It has very good power while allowing high-cadence strokes effortlessly.
I ordered the M. Im 180lbs at 5’7" “big back” is what my kid calls me.
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Any advise for sizing? I’m 5-11, 175#, 52 yo and currently using a Quick Blade V-Drive 91. I love the v-drive for its light weight and flex as I have some shoulder issues from 35 years of kayaking. The KT small is 87 and the medium is a 95. My v-drive lands exactly in the middle. I bet I’d be happy with either one but if anyone has some advise, I’m all ears. Thanks!
The 87 is easy on the shoulders and offers good power. I’m 80 kg and I love it.
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