I dont care for it, the kayak paddle, but that is me. I know that some do. For me the rocking back and forth and the dripping in the boat, even with the "drip stoppers", is not worth it; and then there is the $. I will stick with the bent shaft and straight and call it good. The old way is also a bit easier on the portages IMHO. I also believe the "traditional" way is a bit quieter on the H20 too. Additionally, the kayak paddle is just a bit to long when one gets into those tight "creeks".