Has anyone tried a Makana Alii double bend? Is it worth getting? I seen an ad in Pacific paddler w/ either Raven or Manny using it paddling 1man.
Submitted by keahikekai on Fri, 03/07/2008 - 8:00pm
Has anyone tried a Makana Alii double bend? Is it worth getting? I seen an ad in Pacific paddler w/ either Raven or Manny using it paddling 1man.
Submitted by keahikekai on Fri, 03/07/2008 - 8:00pm
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If manny and raven are using it then then hell, you best be buying at least 3 of them. Dude, imagine how much faster you'll be. What boat do they paddle?
#1 Fri, 03/07/2008 - 9:48pm
Seriously what are the benefits/downfalls of a double bend?
#2 Fri, 03/07/2008 - 10:22pm
How'sit, I'm an older, mere mortal, paddler, but I absolutely love my double bend Makana. Order the double bend with the scoop. She goes.
#3 Sat, 03/08/2008 - 5:02pm
Hows about this, what are the supposed advantages/disadvantages of these paddles. Im not the smartest stick in the pile but I think Manny seems to know a thing or 2 about paddling so id be curious why a paddler of that caliber would choose a paddle like this. Or for what conditions?
#4 Sat, 03/08/2008 - 5:28pm
manny uses it because he likes it
#5 Sat, 03/08/2008 - 6:37pm
The double bend was started by Gillipie for his wife’s wrist would get sore so the bend would help. I also heard it takes from the speed.
whatever floats your boat. I guess
#6 Sun, 03/09/2008 - 7:58am
That
s right , Brad Gillespie was making the double bent paddles back in the late 70s. They never really caught on in a big way.#7 Sun, 03/09/2008 - 8:14am
I also heard that Les started making them for the Tahitians. We all seen what they can do with them. Sure didn't take away from their speed.
#8 Sun, 03/09/2008 - 10:05am
I must have heard wrong,then again they could beat most with a ----- stir stick.
#9 Sun, 03/09/2008 - 11:46am
I have it and I just love it.....its da best thing for short arms!!!! I didn't want the scoop and mine works just fine. Its awesome...if you can get it....go for it.
#10 Wed, 03/12/2008 - 7:47am
jmc, is yours for 1 man or 6 man? Yeah, getting it is a whole other story.
#11 Wed, 03/12/2008 - 5:16pm
How'sit,
I use mine for strictly for OC1. I 've been told that there might be issues with some guys using the double bend and others using straight shafts in OC6. In practicing for the Keahiakahoe Con3 long course race, my OC2 partner and I tried different variations with both type paddles. It was pretty obvious that the double bend was quicker out of the water then the straight shaft. We ended up using the straight shafts, just 'cause we're old and don't know any better. We had fun and Tammy Ho's food wuz killaz. How many races has anyone been to, where fried whole Akule was part of the buffet?
#12 Thu, 03/13/2008 - 6:56am
KGB is correct. Les said unless everybody in the six man uses the double bend....it wouldn't work. I use mine strictly for OC-1. Its easier to sit straight up and push to catch the bumps. Leverage and visual is better too.
#13 Thu, 03/13/2008 - 8:31am
I'm with jmc - i really like the leverage it gives me. Feel like I get a better kick. Mind you i'm not the most experienced or proficient one-manner, but there is a definite difference! It just feels good :)
#14 Thu, 03/13/2008 - 3:12pm
I have a whacky shaft and it just seems so much more logical to have all your fingers engaged when you extend in the catch where you are in a really powerful position, unless your wrist is torqued you are just holding with two fingers...the solidity of the grip (or lack there of) reflexes to the big muscles and will limit how hard you can pull. I had an kialoa axle II in 51 and got a kialoa whacky in 52 with the lanikai blade...what a difference! While still slow, I was able to cut over a minute off my 2.5 mile lap around naples (no current or wind in there) Well if the double bend was great, they would be in the hands of a lot more people. If it yeilded an advantage it would be used. So why not? I have no idea, maybe after I am around a little longer I will get it. I
#15 Fri, 03/14/2008 - 12:08am
The Lanikai blade is much larger, which may have played a larger role in your improved time over the short course than the curved handle. If you plan on paddling w/ a team, it would be best not to become accustomed to wacky shaft. Unless you're going to be on Team Wacky. Then it's ok.
#16 Fri, 03/14/2008 - 5:47am
In person the blade doesnt look much bigger but you really feel the difference....grabs the water hard when you start out. Didnt feel more winded but for the first time I felt sore in the lats. With my weird work schedual I dont think I could make team practices even if I was suitable for a team, so its going to be solo wacky.
#17 Fri, 03/14/2008 - 10:42am