They counter each other's torque and often trade the straight paddle's predictability for the bent paddle's advantageous bracing angle and reduced range of motion. The forward location of the straight paddle's power phase requires more torso rotation to apply power when the blade is vertical. The bent paddle's power pulse is closer to the paddler's body, provides better balance, and uses narrower motion ranges of the same muscles. Bio-mechanically, the bent paddle is less strenuous. The paddle must be oriented properly to load the powerface for most strokes.
Most paddles feature offset grips dictating which way to hold the paddle.
The bent paddle's offset requires the palm to roll. This smoothly inverts the blade to load the powerface on reverse sweeps and prys. Acquiring this simple skill transforms the bent paddle into a magical stick for solo and tandem paddlers. This is a recent discovery because early bent paddles were racing blades. They veered when sliced, and they didn't have enough blade surface for secure and effective high brace turns.