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Werner Camano Review

This award-winning kayak paddle is designed for those looking for a lightweight and high-performance option
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Werner Camano Review (Delta kayaks are available in longer models, such as the 15GT, which has additional storage capacity and sports a skeg...)
Delta kayaks are available in longer models, such as the 15GT, which has additional storage capacity and sports a skeg for extra tracking support
Credit: Sara James
Price:  $335 List
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Manufacturer:   Werner Paddles
By Sara James ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Aug 1, 2023
83
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 16
  • Performance - 30% 7.5
  • Ease of Adjustment - 20% 8.0
  • Locking Mechanism Security - 20% 9.0
  • Weight - 20% 9.0
  • Quality of Construction - 10% 8.5

Our Verdict

For lightweight performance, the Werner Camano came out on top thanks to its feathery feel and high-quality blade design. If you're on the prowl for something to give you smooth, effortless strokes, this might be your match. The fiberglass laminate blades help this paddle stand apart from the crowd. Not only do they look good, but they perform on par with the best. We also love the Smart View adjustable system used on the Camano and prefer it to the snap button on many budget options. This paddle doesn't come cheap, but if you can afford it, we don't think you'll be disappointed. See it rated versus the competition in our review of kayak paddles.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Secure locking mechanism
High-performance blades
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Blades prone to wear if not treated well
Locking mechanism can get sticky
Editor's Note: This review was updated on August 1, 2023, after retesting the Camano.

Compare to Similar Products

 
werner camano
This Product
Werner Camano
Awards Top Pick Award
Excellent Ultralight Performance
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Kayak Paddle
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for your Buck
Best Buy Award
Best on a Tight Budget
Best Buy Award
High Value and Bomber Construction
Price $335 List
$335.00 at REI
$229.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$129.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$75 List
$79.95 at REI
$99.99 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
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Bottom Line This a solid option for those looking for a high-performance touring paddle that won't weigh you downThis is a top contender for overall scores due to its lightweight feel, unwavering ferrule Posi-Lok system, and carbon-reinforced bladesPremium features without the shiny finish or heavy price tag, this is a great paddleA durable paddle at an affordable price pointThis is a robust and affordable paddle that can deliver powerful strokes
Rating Categories Werner Camano Aqua-Bound Sting Ra... Werner Skagit FG Bending Branches Wh... Carlisle Magic Plus
Performance (30%)
7.5
8.5
6.0
4.5
5.5
Ease of Adjustment (20%)
8.0
9.5
8.0
6.0
6.0
Locking Mechanism Security (20%)
9.0
9.5
9.0
6.0
5.0
Weight (20%)
9.0
8.2
6.8
6.0
4.2
Quality of Construction (10%)
8.5
9.0
8.0
6.5
8.0
Specs Werner Camano Aqua-Bound Sting Ra... Werner Skagit FG Bending Branches Wh... Carlisle Magic Plus
Measured Weight 27.2 oz 30.1 oz 34.7 oz 37.0 oz 44.5 oz
Shaft Material Fiberglass Carbon Carbon blend Aluminum Fiberglass
Shaft Shape Round Round Round Round, oval Round
Blade Material Fiberglass laminate abX Carbon reinforced nylon Fiberglass reinforced nylon Polypropylene Fiberglass reinforced polypropylene
Blade Shape Dihedral, asymmetrical Dihedral, asymmetrical Dihedral, asymmetrical Dihedral, asymmetrical Asymmetrical
Adjustment Style Smart view adjustable Posi-Lok ferrule system Smart view adjustable Push button w/ basic ferrule Push button
Blade Offset Settings 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 L and R L60, 0, R60 L60, 0, R60
Length Options 220 to 260cm in 10cm increments 200 to 260cm in 5cm increments 220 to 250cm in 10cm increments 210 to 240cm in 10cm increments 220, 230, 240cm
Length Tested 230cm 230cm 230cm 230cm 230cm
Style Low-angle Low-angle Low-angle Low-angle Low-angle

Our Analysis and Test Results

Constructed from fiberglass laminated blades on a carbon blend shaft, the 230cm two-piece Werner Camano with Smart View Ferrule weighs just 27.2 ounces (771 grams). Focusing just on producing paddles, Werner has a well-established history of making well-designed, premium-quality products, and the Camano lives up to its prestigious family name. This paddle was a high performer in all our testing metrics.

Performance Comparison


werner camano - due its high performance and lightweight, this paddle proved to be a...
Due its high performance and lightweight, this paddle proved to be a popular choice when winds picked up and the lake became choppy.
Credit: Sara James

Performance


The fiberglass laminate blades of the Camano are responsive, and the slightly concave shape of the dihedral blades helps maintain stability during each stroke, reducing flutter and allowing for precise control.

This design also ensures efficient power transfer, resulting in less fatigue and more enjoyable paddling experiences.


The lightweight construction of the Camano enhances its performance further. This paddle is crafted using fiberglass, which offers a balance between strength and weight. The reduced weight allows for quicker strokes and less strain on the paddler, making it suitable for longer trips or more demanding kayaking conditions.

werner camano - the fiberglass blades on the werner camano offer the perfect balance...
The fiberglass blades on the Werner Camano offer the perfect balance between strength and weight.
Credit: Sara James

After very long-term and extensive use in abusive environments, you can expect laminate paddles to show some minor wear, equating to a minuscule reduction in performance. That said, this is unlikely to be of noticeable concern to most users.

werner camano - we were happy to have this paddle in our hands during our multi-day...
We were happy to have this paddle in our hands during our multi-day kayak tours.
Credit: Sara James

Ease of Adjustment


The Werner Smart View Ferrule offers a straightforward adjustment process. Identifying and selecting the correct blade angle to suit your kayaking needs is easy, thanks to the Smart View portal. The hardest part is locating the subtle button to kick off the process. Unlike the typical protruding button on snap button systems, the Smart View has a button that lays smooth and flat with the shaft. It takes a quick look to locate this, but overall it results in a much more comfortable shaft.


The adjustment process is designed to be user-friendly, allowing paddlers to make changes on the water without additional tools or complicated procedures. This feature is particularly convenient when conditions change or when different paddlers with varying preferences share the same paddle. This system benefits from basic maintenance or the occasional help of a second pair of hands, as it can get a bit sticky after paddling in salty or silty environments. As with anything, basic care to keep things clean after adventuring will help protect your — not cheap — investment.

The male connection point of the Werner shaft is prone to drying out...
The male connection point of the Werner shaft is prone to drying out and can become stiff to adjust if not maintained properly.
Testers found the Smart View adjustable system was very clear to use.
Testers found the Smart View adjustable system was very clear to use.

Locking Mechanism Security


The Smart View Ferrule adjustment on the Camano helps make the paddle feel secure. Regardless of how you pull, twist, or shake this paddle, there is very little movement between the two halves.


In this metric, the Werner Camano significantly outperformed all the paddles that use a snap button system. Once the paddle is locked, it maintains a solid connection, reducing any unwanted movement or wobbling while in use. Although the Camano's Ferrule beats many other models, it wasn't our outright favorite, as we found some others that felt just that bit more solid and were easier to use with cold hands.

werner camano - due to its efficient blade design and lightweight fiberglass blade...
Due to its efficient blade design and lightweight fiberglass blade construction, the Camano makes smooth relaxed strokes easy.
Credit: Sara James

Weight


Weighing just 771 grams or 27.2 ounces, the Camano is one of the lighter paddles we tested for this review. This can be attributed to the carbon shaft and fiberglass blades.


The weight distribution of this paddle gives it a light-feeling swing weight. Novices and experts alike noticed this weight difference and were especially grateful for the lighter paddle when heading out for longer distances. If you already like to go for longer paddles or are working toward that as a goal, you'll appreciate shaving those extra ounces off.

werner camano - this sleek blade design delivered a smooth entry and exit point for...
This sleek blade design delivered a smooth entry and exit point for the paddle.
Credit: Sara James

Quality of Construction


The Smart View adjustable system will require some care and attention if you want it to work effectively over time. A regular rinse should be sufficient, as the primary concern is the build-up of grit and sand in the locking mechanism.


The fiberglass laminate of the paddle blades is robust, but it is prone to damage if exposed to repeated abrasion or experiences a blunt-force impact. For example, if you frequently throw your paddle in the back of a truck under a kayak, you may notice the blade wearing down from the friction created as it slides around. This paddle would benefit from a user that takes care of their gear.

Werner is well known for its history of high-quality paddle construction, as they have solely focused on this for over 50 years. Their manufacturing techniques ensure consistent quality across their lineup, and each paddle is crafted to meet the company's high standards.

werner camano - those looking for a high-intensity work out will enjoy having this...
Those looking for a high-intensity work out will enjoy having this lightweight paddle in their hands.
Credit: Sara James

Should You Buy the Werner Camano?


The Camano is an excellent investment for someone looking to get into long-distance ventures. Overall, this paddle's performance is characterized by its efficient and stable stroke, lightweight construction, adjustable feathering, and durability. The materials of the Camano are the lightest on the market; therefore, the blades are more fragile. This is worth noting because, at its price point, you will want to treat it with care.

werner camano - you don't want to be worrying about your paddle when you are out...
You don't want to be worrying about your paddle when you are out kayaking.
Credit: Eric Gillespie

What Other Kayak Paddles Should You Consider?


If you want to have the lightest version of this paddle, consider the Werner Camano CF, which uses carbon fiber instead of fiberglass to reinforce the injection-molded nylon blades. This provides a lighter, more durable paddle — but it will also cost you more. Those considering the Camano but willing to compromise weight for durability and cost may want to consider the Werner Skagit FG, another paddle from the Werner family that utilizes the same blade design and high-quality shaft. The additional weight comes from the polypropylene blades, which are heavier but more durable. This will also save you quite a bit of cash. If you want to cut costs even more, check out the Bending Branches Whisper.

werner camano - the werner camano is one of the lightest paddles we tested.
The Werner Camano is one of the lightest paddles we tested.
Credit: Sara James

Sara James