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
Our testers couldn't get enough of the fast, light and high-performance feel that the Trance 95 offers.
Photo: 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.
Shown here with the Werner Vibe, Kialoa Insanity, and Bending Branches Balance, the Trance is one of the lightest paddles in our review.
Photo: 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.
The LeverLock adjustment system is straightforward.
Photo: 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.
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.
Here are the inner workings of the Werner Trance LeverLock system.
Photo: 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.
The Trance blade looks as light and fast as the paddle feels.
Photo: 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.
Beautiful water for a test run of the Trance 95.
Photo: 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.
The Trance propels even giant paddleboards through the water well.
Photo: 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.
