Fellow paddlers,
Despite not having any feedback from the Forum but based in part from a review in Distressed Mullet, I ordered a Puakea Catch 22 paddle from ATX-SUP. I bought the 8.25 width (Green) blade which they say is 96 sq. inch area. The blade size and outline is essentially identical to my 8" ZRE Power Surge, which is listed as 100 sq. inches. It arrived a week after it was ordered on line.
The shaft is ovalized and slightly smaller in diameter at the lower hand grip area and winds up as round where it meets the blade. Weight is listed as 16 oz. and feels similar to the ZRE which was listed as 14 oz. (not measured on a scale). The supplied shaft (uncut) gives a overall maximum length of about 86.5". The blade is quite close to flat with a 6 degree angle. The grip fits my hand well (I have large hands) and the shaft has a very nice light surface finish to aid your grip.
On the water based on a sort test on my Mistral Stealth Unlimited, I really love the Catch 22, very smooth catch and exit. With the lower angle you do not have to reach as far for the plant, and it still provides power a bit further back. As an intermediate paddler with limited time with this paddle, I am not going to say it is "better" than the excellent ZRE's which I have been pleased with for years, but it appears at least comparable.
Then there is price, at $240 with a nice padded bag and free shipping it is a steal. I doubt there is anything on the market with this level of performance and weight close in price. Take a look at Jonny Puakea's YouTube video on his design ideas.