Hi I am looking for a new carbon adjustable paddle and looking for advice on what are good options.
Looking at the Naish Makani as I like the handle and wondered if the edge protection was any good? My last fanatic bamboo paddle split on the edge everywhere.
Also had a look at the kialoa insanity as the adjustment looks good but the handle doesn't look as nice to hold.
Paddle is mostly for small wave surfing.
Thanks
I have a Naish Makani 8.5 adjustable paddle and I don't have much to compare it to but I do like it. When I paddle with my better half I let her take it since it's the nicer of our two paddles and the last time we were out she used it to push off a barnacle covered rock before she ran her board into it. I thought the paddle would be in rough shape after that but I was surprised to see it was barely scratched. I taped the blade edge with electrical tape though.
I had a Werner Nitro S that I really liked. I've ordered a Werner Trance 85 that I think will be even better.
Naish ..8.0 Kaholo ..tuff light and a piece of art ..$$ not cheap ..but worth it.. 
Noticed naish makani variable was recommended. I own two, one an older model, the other a newer model. In my opinion they are both flawed. The older model twists, and the new model collapses with too much force. I personally will not be buying another makani.
Select to expand quotegogogo said..
Noticed naish makani variable was recommended. I own two, one an older model, the other a newer model. In my opinion they are both flawed. The older model twists, and the new model collapses with too much force. I personally will not be buying another makani.
I've got an adjustable Makani. I fixed the slipping issue (which wasn't a big deal) by sticking some clear selleys duct tape down the outer faces of the extension (i.e. not in the slots). This gives the clamp something to bite/grip into. Has been solid as a rock ever since and no slippage. Highly recommend it.
I snapped two Makani extensions but the upgraded extension (assume is on new paddles) appears plenty strong enough and I'm leaning on it heaps surfing and its doing fine.
Thanks for the tip to fix the makani slipping issues. I'll definitely try that. However, doesn't give me confidence that Naish properly tests the paddles though, as those are two pretty obvious flaws. I also heard lots of stories of makani paddles snapping on people after they switched to the black + yellow design, and was warned off from buying them from a shop owner who had been dealing with angry customers. I'm personally reluctant to give them the benefit of the doubt of working out the kinks, for the 3rd time. (fool me once, fool me twice, thrice, I'm a fool)
Having said that, I'm still using the old school white design 8.5 makani paddle as it has a much larger surface area than the black redesign.
The Kaholo vario has been rock solid never slips .I now have a LE wave it bends in the right places .it's a pleasure to use in the waves ,sooo forgiving .love the new blade shape ..it releases out of the water nice ..and very easy to do quick turns ...effortless....I use the Kaholo on my 14'
Its a very rigid paddle...I can't believe how strong it is ..it was worth the extra cash ...100% carbon ..except the plastic clamp .and stainless bolts.
