I own a 205cm straight-shaft Shuna and my husband has a 210 bent-shaft Ikelos. Until this past week when I spent 4-7 hours each day on the water in Alaska, I had primarily used my Shuna and didn't much care for the Ikelos bent shaft. I liked the power it gave me, but had problems with my braces and strokes due to the design (bent). However, after my week in Alaska, I'm totally sold on the Ikelos. I was in a single, plastic, rotomold Necky Eskia kayak (16 ft) trying to keep up with three fiberglass, Skookumchuk kayaks. The Ikelos gave me the maximum power I needed to (almost) keep up with the rest of the group. The bent shaft saved my forearms from certain doom. Last year I did a similar trip with a huge 230cm aquabound plastic/metal paddle. Never again. The Shuna is a great entry level paddle, but I'll take the Ikelos over it any day. I also tried a friend's 220cm bent shaft Werner Athenos. The Athenoswas easier on my shoulders (I'm 5'2" and 122 lbs), but it didn't kick butt like the Ikelos. The only thing that would have been nicer is a smaller shaft diameter (I wear a size XS or S paddling glove).

I used my Ikelos paddle twice so far and I really like it a lot. Its lighter and it makes it a lot easier paddling long distance and faster.

For the outdoor inclined there are materials more precious than platinum and gold. Carbon Fiber, known for its strength and light weight, is a diamond to most of us reading this site.

This paddle weights close to nothing. You will truly be surprised at how fast you can swing this paddle. It is very well balanced and has no blade flex in a hard stroke.

As far as bent Vs. straight, I have found my stroke to be more powerful in the first half with a bent shaft and weaker in the later part. This fact was a bonus to my wrists not hurting after a week on the water.

The only negative I can think of, and this is me truly nit-picking, is that the black shaft gets hotter than an all wood paddle.

Make sure you go to Werner's website to get the right length for your height a boat. If you are a small women (or just have small hands) ask if they can order you a small diameter shaft. Your hands won't get as tired trying to hold onto the thing.

Bottom line, you get what you pay for and this is top of the line without going totally custom.

Great paddle – very, very light
I don't know about durability yet, although seems ok. It’s not quite as positive on the pull as some paddles but the weight makes up for it. Very powerful.