The Camano outpaddles the competition
Written: May 02 '06 (Updated May 02 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very low swing weight, wonderful degree of adjustment, and well-built
Cons: A tad expensive at $250, but well worth the cost, given its features.
The Bottom Line: The Camano is a well-designed paddle that reduces fatigue and helps you maximize your kayaking enjoyment.
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| webguy's Full Review: Werner Camano Premium Touring Kayak Paddle |
This being the first kayak paddle review on Epinions, one would naturally ask whether such a review is worth the effort. After all, when one shops for a kayak, the paddle is usually treated as a secondary necessity to propel the kayak. Isn't your kayak experience mostly determined by the performance characteristics of the boat you choose?
I thought as much until I lost my last kayak paddle to a ferocious winter storm, forcing me to go paddle shopping. As someone who kayaks almost every day, even I seldom put much importance on my paddle; it merely pushed my kayak along. However, as I began to kayak more frequently, sometimes twice a day, arm fatigue prompted me to consider a new kayak paddle. Then, as if on cue, a gale-force storm blew my paddle out to sea, thus beginning my journey and this review.
Since we were also shopping for a new kayak, it was a perfect time to try out paddles and kayaks together. My last kayak paddle was a heavy aluminum model which I guessed contributed to my arm fatigue. So for my demo, I chose between the Aqua-Bound carbon fiber Stingray and the fiberglass Werner Camano. In terms of weight, the Stingray is 2.5 ounces lighter to the Camano’s 30 oz. But since my last paddle was probably 40 ounces or more, both paddles felt very light and easy to use. Weight aside, there were significant differences that made the choice easy for me.
Once in the water, the Camano actually felt lighter, despite weighing 2.5 ounces more than the Stingray. This is due to less “swing weight,” in the Camano’s blade, allowing the kayaker to complete strokes with less fatigue. It’s a striking difference to my old paddle, although it forced me to improve my paddling technique, versus lazily letting a heavier paddle’s momentum do some of the work. With lighter paddles, flutter also becomes an issue, resulting in an inconsistent, awkward stroke under power. The last thing I want is to fight my paddle, and the Camano scored far better in this regard, possibly due to its longer, asymmetrical blade shape.
Finally, there’s one extra feature to the Camano that I cannot rate too highly: their “adjustable ferrule system”. Instead of having just one pitch offset, this paddle allows the kayaker to choose between ten 15 degree increments with ease. No other kayak paddle offers this innovative feature. As I often kayak in strong winds, I can now fine-tune the pitch to cut through wind most efficiently. Owing to the Camano’s less swing weight and degree of adjustment, my final decision was easy. And after three weeks of paddling, the Werner Camano has significantly reduced my fatigue, bringing my kayaking experience to a new level. It’s no surprise this paddle won a 2005 Reader’s Choice award from Kayaker Magazine. If you’re looking for a new paddle, find a dealer that lets you demo the Camano on the water. You just may find a new freedom in your paddling.
Some specifications for the Werner Camano (230 cm).
Blade length x width: 52 x 16cm
Blade surface area: 650 sq. cm
Feather range: 75 degrees left or right, in 15 degree increments
Weight: 850g/30 oz.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
webguy
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Member: Kurt S.
Location: California coast
Reviews written: 37
Trusted by: 47 members
About Me:
I'm an avid kayaker, biker and hiker.
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