I've had the Zens since September 2004, and they've been the only blade I use. I started getting a painful click in my right wrist after long sessions on the water, so decided it was time to get cranks. The blades duly arrived direct from Canada, and about a week later they met their first Irish rock. They've put up admirably so far, being full carbon. Only superficial scrapes that are all due to inept paddling. No serious damage yet.

First impressions - they look weird! The power face has two concave surfaces on it, which I learned made them very powerful when backward paddling and blunts, without detracting from a decent forward stroke. It's a nice big blade, which I like from a paddle. It's not a paddle for women / smaller paddlers, because you want a lot of strength to power these through the water. The tips of each blade are a little bit thicker than the centre, to take a bit more wear. They are nice and light, weighing in at just 992g, definitely feel lighter than other cranks I've used, even much shorter ones, as well as some straight shafts. The shafts are thicker than straights, to give them the same structural integrity around the bend, but the lightness is amazing.

In my hand: At 197 cm, the dimpled grips are just right, and the oval shape means I never lose my place. They're a two piece paddle with the joint covered by yellow rubber. This rubber ring is not waterproof, or at least isn't any more, as it slides up and down the shaft when wet. No biggie. I had never used two piece paddles before, but I've every confidence in these. The 12 degree offset is sweet as a nut. They feel a good solid paddle, without weighing me down.

In the water: I get no noticeable flex during a stroke, something which may put off others, but if you want direct power going in to the water, this is your only man. I had a little bit of flutter when I first used them, but half an hour of paddling, and I soon grew used to them, and haven't experienced it since.
Seven months of paddling, and there's no water in the shaft, always a concern for two piece shafts.

The only reason I'd trade them, is that Waterstick have ceased trading, so I wouldn't like to ship them back to Canada only to find that I can't get a replacement in the event of a failure. Otherwise, I'm keeping them til they break / I retire / I drive over them by accident. Dirt cheap as well, but that was cos I know a guy who knows a guy...

They're light, they're tough, they feel good, they respond just the way I like them to. I haven't figured out the unique selling point that makes them just that bit better than every other, but I'll tell ye when I do.
If you can find a pair still for sale, give them a try. Second hand sets, unless totally abused by the owner, should be a solid purchase.

Hope this helps, JK