PaddleDog52, you’re surely right and absolutely correct when comparing entry level paddles to a performance paddle. Comparing the 650 cm2 (?) CD Celtic to the 750 cm2 (?) CF Celtic is a good example for compare paddles with a different blade area. I was thinking more along the lines of upgrading to a “lighter paddle with a better blade design”, such as comparing your Ikelos (710 cm2) and your Corryvreckan (721 cm2). I’m curious about your opinion between them, since the fiberglass model has a larger (11 cm2) blade than the Ikelos. That’s similar to comparing the fiberglass Camano which has a larger (7 cm2) blade than the Kalliste.
Many paddlers don’t know what to expect from spending more on a paddle (which is another topic on the forum). I went from an all fiberglass Carlisle, to a hybrid Aqua Sting Ray (587 cm2), then a carbon/fiberglass Werner Camano (650 cm2), and to an all carbon Werner Kalliste (643 cm2) then the same model but 10 cm longer, which I use presently. The price range was $120, $139, $250 and $450. They’re all respectable paddles (a few unmentioned paddles are standing sentinal in the tomato garden).
The difference between the first and current paddle is incremental between each step, but worlds apart from first to last. The Camano (650 cm2) is a mid level touring paddle, and the Kalliste (643 cm2) is the performance version. My logs list the boat and paddle used on each trip. Its was hard to decide which is better until using each for a number of consecutive trips. That’s when the superior paddle becomes obvious.
I tested them at all out effort for 30 seconds, with at least two minutes between sets, alternating between each paddle. After three sets. The GPS showed a consistent maximum speed difference of .3 mph favoring the Kalliste. The main difference between the two was at maximun speed, where I could feel the onset of flutter and turbulence flowing around the Camano blade; none was noticed with the Kalliste. It’s much harder to compare over a longer course and get consistent comparable results. While the difference of a .3 mph spike lasting 1 or 2 seconds is significant, it can’t be extrapolated to efforts such as a 10 mile trip. It does show that the Kalliste can be pushed harder.
The suprise was that the larger area of the Camano (albeit only 7 cm2) didn’t give it an advantage; I expected at least equal. I believe the difference is due to blade efficiency, especially at low angle where the blade slices the water, rather than tip first as in high angle. That shovel handle style connection between the shaft and the blade is a killer. Compare the cross sections:
While the Camano’s shortcomings were only felt when approaching peak effort, I’d expect its performance could be closer to the Kalliste at cruising speeds. Maybe a .15 mph difference, but I’m comfortable claiming a more conservative .1 mph while comparing those two paddles.
Over distance, the Camano’s higher overall weight would be a big factor, because the paddle is held away from the chest and swinging thousands of times per hour. Swing weight is an even bigger factor. The light weight of the carbon blades compared to the fiberglass makes a massive difference, which gives the Kalliste an edge for comfort and energy efficiency. The difference between them is $200, or the price of a Sting Ray, a bottle of decent whiskey and a case of cheap beer. Fact is, I already have them and two Kalliste paddles.
Incidentally, I compared the two Kallistes that are 10 cm different in length. There isn’t any significant speed difference between them that I can detect. I do prefer the longer shaft, because it offers wider hand placement that lets me use muscle groups differently, the paddle can be shifted comfortable to one side for short duration, enables a wider sweep stroke, allows a lower my more comfortable lower paddle stroke, and lets me open the chest to improve breathing.
As with larger blade area, a longer paddle isn’t the answer for everybody. Taking this back to the post about waxing for speed, I believe an easy way to increase speed is to invest in the next level of paddle. Hope this helps at least one paddler getting into the kayaking movement.
So for more glide the real answer is not what most want to hear a new hull.
