Hey there, Simon here from AQ Outdoors with a comparison between the Werner Sho-gun and the Galasport Manic bent shaft whitewater kayaking paddles. The Galasport Manic is new to me and I've only used it a dozen times or so. For the Werner Sho-gun, I've been using one for many years and it's a paddle I really love.
Galasport Manic vs Werner Sho-gun: Main Difference
The main difference between these two paddles is the offset blade. The Galasport has a 10 or 15 degree forward offset on the blade, which helps with the catch part of the paddle stroke. This offset gives you a little bit more reach on the stroke, and in turn, a little bit more power.
In a lot of ways it's a lot more similar to the Werner Odachi than the Sho-gun. Comparing these two, other than that, I think they're very similar other than some personal preferences which I detail below.
Manic vs Sho-gun Performance and Price Differences
Both of them provide a very smooth forward, reverse, and sweep paddle stroke. There's not a lot of flutter in either of them. They're both fairly large blades that provide a very powerful stroke and are best suited for well conditioned or very strong paddlers.
The biggest difference between the two is the price. The Galasport Manic Adjustable Bent Shaft featured in this review is $829.95 CAD whereas the Werner Sho-gun Bent Shaft is $689.95, but not adjustable.
Note: the one-piece Manic Bent Shaft is $699.95 and the Manic Adjustable Straight Shaft is $829.95. The Werner Sho-Gun Straight Shaft is $549.95.
So, value for money-wise, the Sho-gun is winning. But what you do get in the Galasport option is an adjustable two-piece paddle. This makes it much easier to travel with and you can also adjust the length based on the boat that you're paddling.
As far as personal preference, between the two, I have to say I really like the feel of the Galasport bent shaft more than I do the Werner. I do really enjoy the offset blade and getting that additional power and length of stroke in the Manic paddle.
If you're looking for the Werner version of that, the Odachi is gonna be a more comparable paddle, but I haven't really used the Odachi enough to provide more specific personal experience.
If you have further questions about the Manic or Sho-gun, or any of our whitewater paddles, then drop by one of our two stores or give us a ring, we’d be happy to help you find your next paddle!
If you want to learn more about whitewater kayak paddles, check out [Whitewater Kayak Paddle Buying Guide]
Galasport Manic Mono Ergo Elite Adjustable Bent Shaft paddle
$829.95
The unique design of the MANIC paddle in conjunction with the DTB ERGO shaft and MCQ technology brings a slalom paddle with fantastic properties to the world market. Due to its monocoque construction, the blade and shaft are seamless giving… Read More
Werner Sho-Gun Bent Shaft Standard Kayak Paddle
$715.00
Whitewater Kayak Paddle Complete Buying Guide The Sho-Gun uses Werner's most advanced technology in this river running kayak paddle. As powerful as its name suggests, the rivers that paddlers take the Sho-Gun on often need some aggression to navigate each… Read More
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