Werner Camano Review

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

Performance

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.