I have the opportunity to purchase a used Werner Kalliste CF Core - 8 to 10 years old with minimal use (like once or twice) by an older couple. In the $150-$200 range depending on what I am to negotiate.
Or purchase a new Camano in the $200 range after use of a gift card…so close to the same out of pocket. Kalliste is lighter for sure.
The Kalliste is a standard shaft, I would get a small shaft Camano - being a female with smaller hands, this might be an advantage…that said, I have used a standard shaft for 10 plus years with a Carlise fiberglass paddle.
Great price on the Kalliste…
If the length is OK I would go with it.
You will enjoy it on every paddle.
When I was a guide I would hand mine to people asking to be towed. Their eyes would light up and take off paddling on their own again. I HATED towing!
I have a Kalliste and a Camano. The Kalliste paddles much better. I carry the Camano as a spare in remote places. I advise buying both of the Kallistes. Keep the second one for a spare or sell it on Craigslist for a bit of profit.
Ended up buying both Kallistes for $175 each. too good of a deal to pass up. While they had been used a few times, there was still sticky residue where the price tag was and they still had the hanging tags. Can’t wait to try them out next week
I would go for the new Camano, but unless you have used a Camano, it might take a little time to get used to it. As you might know, it is designed as a low angle paddle. That is my preference after years of trying everything else.
