Reviews You Can Rely On

Werner Trance 95 Performance Review

The Trance is a breath of fresh air, with good performance and an unbelievably lightweight construction
werner trance 95 performance sup paddle review
Werner Trance 95 Performance
Credit: http://wernerpaddles.com/
Price:  $380 List
Manufacturer:   Werner Trance
By Shey Kiester and Megan Ferney  ⋅  Oct 18, 2019
92
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 14
  • Performance - 30% 8.0
  • Weight - 20% 10.0
  • Ease of Adjustment - 20% 10.0
  • Locking Mechanism - 20% 10.0
  • Aesthetics - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Werner Trance 95 Performance quickly established itself as a top performer. As a result, it's been a long-standing OutdoorGearLab favorite and is our Editors' Choice in this review. The Trance is the lightest paddle in our test, featuring both a carbon shaft and carbon paddle. With a long rectangular blade shape, this model pulled smoothly and efficiently through the water. It also features a pleasant and straightforward adjustment system.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Easy to adjust
High performance
REASONS TO AVOID
Pricey
Blade can flutter

Carbon is slightly less durable than fiberglass and significantly less flexible than aluminum. For a model with a more durable paddle with similar performance, consider the fiberglass option. It offers nearly top-notch performance at a lower price than the Trance. The Trance is pricey, but if you're looking for a high performing paddle, it might just be worth it.

2 or 3-Piece Option
This paddle is available in a 2-piece or 3-piece option. We may link to either one above.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award  Best Buy Award Best Buy Award 
Price $380 List$285 List
$294.95 at Amazon
$199 List$178 List$65 List
$62.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
92
90
86
74
55
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros Lightweight, easy to adjust, high performanceFantastic paddling performance, easy to adjust, stylishEasy to adjust, sleek, great paddle performanceCuts cleanly through water, durable bladeInexpensive, large adjustment range, durable nylon blade
Cons Pricey, blade can flutterPriceyHandle more prone to hotspotsHeavy, looks like a toy, flutters under waterHeavy, top grip feels cheap, shaft bends during power stroke
Bottom Line The Trance is a breath of fresh air, with good performance and an unbelievably lightweight constructionWe think this is one of the best options for most people shopping for a top-tier paddleThis top-tier SUP paddle is designed with female paddlers in mind, offering easy adjustability and excellent paddling performanceThe Vibe has a unique shape that functions as a solid all-around paddle that moves water wellAn affordable and highly adjustable paddle that will stand up to multiple users and rough usage
Rating Categories Werner Trance 95 Pe... Aqua Bound Malta Fi... Kialoa Tiare Fiberg... Werner Vibe Barrel Point Surf A...
Performance (30%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
Weight (20%)
10.0
10.0
7.0
5.0
4.0
Ease of Adjustment (20%)
10.0
10.0
10.0
8.0
5.0
Locking Mechanism (20%)
10.0
9.0
10.0
10.0
6.0
Aesthetics (10%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
4.0
7.0
Specs Werner Trance 95 Pe... Aqua Bound Malta Fi... Kialoa Tiare Fiberg... Werner Vibe Barrel Point Surf A...
Paddle Weight 1.2 lbs 1.2 lbs 1.5 lbs 1.9 lbs 2.2 lbs
Number of Pieces 1-piece (available in 1, 2, or 3) 2-piece 2-piece 2-Piece 2-piece
Shaft Material Carbon 100% Carbon Fiberglass Fiberglass Aluminum
Length Range 70 in - 78 in, 74 in - 82 in, 80 in - 88 in 64 - 74, 70 - 80, 76 - 86 in 66 in - 82 in 68 in - 84 in 65 in - 83 in
Shaft Adjustablility 8 in 10 in 16 in 16 in 18 in
Blade Material Carbon Fiberglass Fiberglass Fibrlite Fiberglass reinforced injected molded nylon Nylon composite
Blade Dimensions 95 sq in 87 sq in 80 sq in 100 sq in 95 sq in
Blade Shape Rectangular Rectangular Teardrop Teardrop Teardrop
Blade Design Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral Dihedral
Offset 10 degrees 10 degrees 10 degrees 10 degrees 10.5 degrees
Compact Size NA 70 in 66 in 34.5 in 65 in
Includes Cover No No No No Yes
Locking Mechanism Handle LeverLock Interior Spring Pin Handle LeverLock Handle LeverLock "TwinPin" Collar Clamp

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Werner Trance 95 is a favorite among most testers, with many commenting that this paddle is the most maneuverable and the most enjoyable for long paddles around the lake. It features very lightweight construction, weighing in at just 1.2 pounds. It's also effortless to adjust.

Performance Comparison


werner trance 95 performance sup paddle review - our testers couldn't get enough of the fast, light and...
Our testers couldn't get enough of the fast, light and high-performance feel that the Trance 95 offers.
Credit: Megan Ferney

Performance


The Trance paddle offers high-quality performance. Its carbon fiber shaft and blade keep this product to be incredibly lightweight, which allows users to slice through the water with little effort. During long paddles, this model's light weight makes a difference. You waste less energy moving the paddle around and can save more for paddling. With a long, rectangular blade shape, this model sheds water incredibly well, allowing users to maneuver easily. This blade is also easier on the user's body, as it allows you to push through the water quickly and with minimal effort.


The Trance does have a slight flutter in the water. It's so minimal that most testers didn't notice it until we asked about it after they expressed their initial impressions. While the blade can be seen slightly fluttering through the water on the stroke, it's harder to feel. For most, it was a non-issue. Our testers were so enamored with the featherweight feel of this paddle that they don't mind its light flutter. Flutter can waste energy, tire you out faster, and can make it harder to maneuver your craft but didn't seem to be much of an issue with the Trance.

werner trance 95 performance sup paddle review - shown here with the werner vibe, kialoa insanity, and bending...
Shown here with the Werner Vibe, Kialoa Insanity, and Bending Branches Balance, the Trance is one of the lightest paddles in our review.
Credit: Megan Ferney

The sleek carbon blade enters the water seamlessly, without any unnecessary splashing, and catches the water well. This sets you up perfectly for a powerful forward pull. The shaft of the Trance is very rigid and efficiently transfers your energy into forward momentum for your paddleboard. It exits the water just as smoothly as it enters and its light weight makes it a breeze to flick forward and get set up for the next paddle stroke. In fact, the Trance is so light that it caught some of our testers off-guard when transferring it from hand to hand, causing them to almost toss the paddle to the side if they were accustomed to a heavier paddle.

Weight


Our testers were amazed the first time they held this paddle. A carbon shaft and blade ensure that the Trance is the lightest paddle in our review. Even other, fully carbon paddles couldn't compare.


Reviewers consistently commented that the Trance felt incredibly light in hand, which made paddling easier, less tiring, and more enjoyable. This is the number one reason testers chose the Trance as their favorite paddle. One commented that it felt like holding a piece of paper. Of course, featherweight gear often comes with high price tags, and this paddle is no exception.

werner trance 95 performance sup paddle review - the leverlock adjustment system is straightforward.
The LeverLock adjustment system is straightforward.
Credit: Megan Ferney

Ease of Adjustment


The Trance features Werner's LeverLock adjustment system, the highest performing method we tested. Simply flip up the smooth panel on the handle and pull or push the handle up or down to adjust its length.

The Trance has 8-inches of adjustment. Each inch is marked in both inches and centimeters. Once you've reached your desired height, make sure the white line is centered in the small hole below the measurements and pull the lever down to lock it. The locking system is solid and does require you to tighten it with a screwdriver.


We found the LeverLock system to be significantly better than the snap-button method — sometimes referred to as the Performance method. This also works well but isn't as smooth.

werner trance 95 performance sup paddle review - here are two "performance" adjustment systems. the aqua-bound paddle...
Here are two "performance" adjustment systems. The Aqua-Bound paddle is at the top, the older version of the Trance is on the bottom.

The previous version of the Trance also used this method. This method features a series of adjustment holes that capture a retractable stainless steel button. This process is simple, intuitive, and provides enough adjustment for varying users and situations. We like the new LeverLock better.

werner trance 95 performance sup paddle review - here are the inner workings of the werner trance leverlock system.
Here are the inner workings of the Werner Trance LeverLock system.
Credit: Megan Ferney

Locking Mechanism


The Trance now has a LeverLock system in its handle that allows the paddle to lengthen or shorten with the flip of a lever. It's a simple, low-profile system and our favorite in the test. It's also incredibly secure when engaged.


Previously, the paddle featured a Performance locking mechanism with six holes along the handle of the paddle and a stainless steel button that locked into the holes. While this system worked well, the LeverLock update is a significant improvement over the older version.

werner trance 95 performance sup paddle review - the trance blade looks as light and fast as the paddle feels.
The Trance blade looks as light and fast as the paddle feels.
Credit: Megan Ferney

Aesthetics


The Trance has a hi-tech futuristic space-age look with sleek, minimalistic lines. This thing looks fast, and like its come from the future. While it doesn't have quite the same visual appeal that other paddles with wood veneer or accent graphics, the Trance still definitely caught people's attention and turned a few heads.


The texture of the carbon fiber creates a subtle checkerboard pattern that seems to glow in the sunlight. It runs the length of the shaft and connects seamlessly to the blade.

werner trance 95 performance sup paddle review - beautiful water for a test run of the trance 95.
Beautiful water for a test run of the Trance 95.
Credit: Megan Ferney

The blade has a glossy finish and is simple in design. However, our experience with glossy finishes on gear is that scrapes and scuffs tend to show much more, so you are going to want to make sure you are careful when transporting or paddling the Trance to keep it sleek and shiny. A case is definitely a solid investment to consider.

werner trance 95 performance sup paddle review - the trance propels even giant paddleboards through the water well.
The Trance propels even giant paddleboards through the water well.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Value


The Trance is the most expensive paddle in our review. However, for the price, this paddle delivers a high-quality experience. A one-year warranty backs the product from manufacturer defects. If you're a serious SUPer, this might be the product for you.

Conclusion


The Trance was an instant tester favorite, with thoughtful construction and high-quality components. Werner makes this product for serious users who demand high performance and quick maneuverability. Lightweight and agile, this paddle pilots crafts through the water with ease. This is a high-performance paddle made for serious users. With a high price tag and enhanced performance, this is a paddle for someone who engages in SUP more than once in a blue moon. If you are an occasional paddler or you aren't focused on performance, this is not the paddle for you.

However, if you want the most from your setup and you expect to paddle many days a year, it might make sense for you to drop a little extra dough to get this suped-up paddle. This model is probably not the right choice for river paddlers. It would be a major bummer to lose such an expensive piece of equipment to the rapids.

Shey Kiester and Megan Ferney
 
You Might Also Like

Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.

GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.

Learn More