Hey - just after some feedback on a new Naish 2015 Makani paddle i purchased, feedback was that i don't need to tape/protect the blade as it won't damage my board (used in surf).
my SUP is rail taped, had it for a year and not a mark on it (touch wood) and i want to keep it that way and i don't want to find out too late, after my SUP has chips on the rail, that i would have been better off putting the tape/blade protector on the paddle.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Cheers Leanne
I would recomend using tape on your paddle blade.. Either electrical tape and replace it every few months or the new RSPro paddle blade tape and it should last the life of the paddle.
ok thanks DJ - i googled and saw the electrical tape but the blade tape sounds like a better option.
cheers
Tape it ..
It will make scratches...if not taped ....red electrical tape looks nice with the makani . 
Thumbs up for DJ's electrical tape method. I replaced mine last weekend after six months. It only takes 5 minutes. One advantage over RS Pro is that you can run it all the way up the blade onto the shaft, providing more protection. It's also cheap as chips - a roll of tape will last a paddling lifetime.
Something worth noting is that if you have RSPro rail tape on your board and electrical tape on your paddle, the rail tape seems to chews through the tape in no time.
Still waiting for RSPro to come out with a longer paddle design, until then I will persist with the Nitto 
Thanks for all the feedback
bought some electrical tape today and will try that!
Select to expand quoteJoffaDan said...
Something worth noting is that if you have RSPro rail tape on your board and electrical tape on your paddle, the rail tape seems to chews through the tape in no time.
Still waiting for RSPro to come out with a longer paddle design, until then I will persist with the Nitto
Yes. I've stopped using RSPro for this reason. I use 3M vehicle door edge protector tape (like helicopter tape) on my blades and RSPro even manages to chew that, which is normally pretty bombproof. I wish RSPro would produce some rail protector that was smooth. It's like a cheese-grater as it is. If I didn't tape my blades it would be the blade itself that was getting grated, reducing it's life. I'm surprised there hasn't been more discussion about this.
The problem isn't the rail protector or the paddle it the board, people need to start demanding boards be better made that don't chip from a simple paddle strike or a board that does not have paint on it in the first place to chip off. What is the pint in having a board or paddle that looks good in the shop if when you get it you have to cover it with tape ect before you use it just to keep it from chipping and why should you have to put insulation tape or one of those blade protectors on your paddle that destroy all performance and make it look like a p.o.s just to make up for it! My last week of ding repair has been dealing with these paint issues so forgive me for the little rant feel better now
very true charlieuk
even worse when I bought my first SUP I didn't know about rail tape, chipped straight away, was repaired for free, but you could see the repairs.
friends did exactly the same thing - helps if shops let newbies know 
, or as you recommended make better boards
Yes, I also agree Charlie.
The only way this situation is going to improve is if people return boards that chip, and/or we publicly name and shame the worst offenders on forums like this.
So I'd like to start by offering up a 2014 year Naish Nalu 10-6. The decals on the rails rubbed straight off, and the board chips at the slightest touch, all over. And the deck pad faded with only minor exposure (we don't get that much sun in the UK). Lovely design, but woefully bad finish. It is clear that this is not a one-off because so many have reported Naishes of the same era as having a problem. It's a shame because the early Naishes (eg. 2009-12) were very chip-resistant. So it is clear that they know how to do it.
If brands can't create a finish that is chip-resistant, then they should factory-fit rail tape, rather than expect us to spend a small fortune on it. It is debateable whether a board can be said to be fit for purpose if it chips under normal paddling conditions.
Ok, that's my little rant over, too.
Select to expand quoteJoffaDan said...
Still waiting for RSPro to come out with a longer paddle design, until then I will persist with the Nitto
A longer blade edge protector is on the way from RSPRO
Select to expand quoteJoffaDan said...
Happy days, when do you expect to have them? 
Around a month away from Oz.
DJ put me on to Nitto electrical tape a few years ago and it works a treat! You do have to replace it every couple of months but it definitely does the job.
Does RSPro blade tape survive repeated contact with RSPro rail saver? Thin helicopter tape doesn't, it roughs up.
Area 10, the RSPro blade tape survives reasonably well after contract with the RSPro rail saver. I've been using them for around six months and do a lot of surfing where there is regular contact. My blade tape has some small cuts but nothing too major at this stage. I anticipate I'll get a couple of years out of the blade tape before I need to replace it at my rate of usage - surfing at least three times a week.
Rail saver pro is on my Kialoa Menthane. Electrical tape is on my Naish Makani. Both work great. RSPro seems very durable but I wish they made it about 6 inches longer. I think DJ made a good point in another post somewhere that white electrical tape is better than black as the black can mark your board. Looks cool too!
Deano, will you also be selling the RSPRO paddle grip? Freight cost from Europe is prohibitive.
