The Camano is mentioned many times in the forums, but there aren’t any reviews in the review section. I did a search through all the forums and the Camano is mentioned several times in total, but only about once or twice in each thread. A little consolidated info would be appreciated.
The main impression I came away with is that they’re a pretty good paddle, but over priced and have more flutter than some other, often less expensive paddles, especially on sculling strokes strong power strokes. How are they for low angle all day cruising? I am considering using one for low angle cruising on day trips. How durable are the different layups?
I encourage Camano users to write up some reviews both in the review section and here. Please mention the particular construction of your Camano. Please compare it with other low angle paddles you’ve used.
How much do you think a Camano should really sell for in your layup?
Thanks.
Go back and look under…
"Werner Paddle" (of all places) many Camanos are reviewed there..
One of the first great paddles and many of us still have and use the old blue/white..
Good and tough
I had a FG Werner San Juan for about 2000 miles. It is the predecessor/big brother to the Camano, which is 85% its size. It hit rocks (and a bridge) and was paddled hard. Except for one small cosmetic ding on an edge (from that bridge) and a slight color change from all those hours in tannin stained waters it was still like new.
Great paddles.
Agree with grayhawk… they’re all lumpd
2gether under Werner.
I have a thin weave (30 ounce) fiberglass Werner Shuna 215cm high angle paddle, a Werner bent shaft all carbon 220cm Camano, and an Aquabound 230cm AMT Expedition low angle. I will bring them alll sometime when we paddle a lake so you can try them all.
Oops, I’m blushing.
I was looking for Werner Camano, not Werner Paddles, since several other Werner models had their own review file.
Still, the most recent review is a year old and the others are at least three years old, so new or updated reviews are still welcome.
Thanks again everyone.
Sometimes I wonder…
…whenever I pull my old FG Camano out (mostly at night because of the white blades) why I spent so much money on my newer paddles…
I am very tempted to try a new carbon one.
Reviews… You don’t see many new reviews on 5 to 10YO cars… it’s just old hat and there are so many Camanos out there most people have had a chance to try someone else’s…
Camano carbon, bent-shaft
The Camano is my paddle of choice. I am reluctant to write a review because this paddle is the only one I have ever used extensively. Every once in a while on group paddles someone will ask to trade with me so they can try mine. In these brief encounters, none lasting for more than perhaps 2 hours tops, I have not tried a paddle that works better or even as well for me than my Camano. Several others have decided to purchase Camano paddles after trying mine, with most opting for the carbon version.
The bent shaft is somewhat more controversial. In my observation, experienced paddlers who are used to straight shaft paddles tend to find the bent shaft awkward. Inexperienced paddlers tend to like the bent shaft better. Everyone in my circle seems to be generally in agreement that if the bent shaft is comfortable for you, it is the better choice because there is less chance for elbow problems with this configuration. New paddlers take note.
Regards,
Bill
Reviews
For a few years they’ve had a variable-feather joint that may not be covered in many of the reviews, but it works fine, I have no complaints and don’t remember reading of any.
For straight-shaft the carbon is only 2oz lighter than the FG according to them, so unless you really want the black paddle blades that seems like a pretty minor weight benefit. For the bent shaft there is a more significant weight difference between the two.
Mike
mhackett, grayhawk, etc.
I must agree with all your points. The 2 ounces difference does not, indeed, sound like much at all. If you read a kayaking book -- and I am not saying I necessarily agree with this-- they'll say " two ounces, 2000 strokes in an afternoon, paddle a day a week all year = 13 thousand pounds more arm use with the heavier paddle. (that is accurate, I did it on a calculator). Anyhow, the price difference is not overwheleming.. they're all expensive. The bent shaft FG is about $275, and the bent shaft all carbon is $400 -- each cheaper when on sale.
I think, of all the paddles I tried, and there have been, oh, I don;t know, maybe three or four... :), the Camano is by far the most comfortable and appropriate. I like the bent shaft.
Bottom line: Grayhawk, you deserve the new paddle you have been jones'in for. Go for it.
Plus Sea Kayaker Magazine paddle of the year 2005, Readers Choice, too.
By the way, I have the variable feather latest model and it is super duper.. very firm ferrule and fit, and all angles from 0-60 in both directions. I did play with the feather several times in the wind this past weekend, and it is very easy to use and no rattle... the two pieces join in a starburst pattern, so cannot wear or slide. You have to see one to know what I mean.
Also, I wear size 7 gloves and have the small hand version, not the standard girth, and love that too. The hand size is ideal, and even has a teardrop shaped configuration for ergonomic grip. Yeas!
Bent, color
I think the weight difference with the bent shaft could easily make the extra $ worth it, yes.
My decision for the straight shaft variations came down to visibility, although there is argument on how much paddles contribute to kayaker visibility, I decided that just in case they actually did, the lighter-colored blades would do so more than the black ones.
I imagine the black ones would have been a more fashionable match for my white/white boat with black trim though.
And then there’s that other consideration, that the expensive ones might be more apt to walk away when you weren’t looking.
Mike
New Paddle?
Great Idea maybe.
Since I bought my FG Camano I bought an Epic Wing (sold and now Greyak has it maybe we can get Brazil to buy it*L*) a bent carbon Kaliste. a carbon Little Dipper, A GP (should sell).
So I guess I should go full circle and get that black Camano with the new ferrule... LOL
There's a 220 down the road that I pick up everytime I go into the shop...
Just weighed my old blue/white and it is exactly 30ozs. Not worth buying a new one for 2ozs.
Is worth buying for 6.5 tons (13k lbs)?
Yeah, but…
My Kalliste bent is 25.4oz… If I just use that once a week for 3.28hrs. and my Camano the rest of the time it will only be an additional 138lbs 9oz. average for the year… 
Point well taken. Ditch paddle?
And if you paddle with only your hands, cupped like flesh-spoons, you could deduct 30 ounces per stroke, or about 2.75 tons every single afternoon of paddling.
Thanks for the feedback.
Anyone else.
I think of the Camano as the industry
standard for touring paddles … sturdy construction, o.k weight but a little confusing when compared with all the other models on a weight for cost scale. Performance could be enhanced but Werner is pretty stoic in keeping that same basic shape throughout its entire line. Does not work well for higher angle strokes.
That’s right, you know you’re good
when all other paddles out there use the Werner Camano as the comparison point. It’s been around for years and I believe it still outsells all other high end paddles just because of what it is…a damn good paddle.