The logic behind bent-shaft paddles is that if you build a proper angle into the shaft at those places where the paddler is most likely to grip the shaft, it will significantly reduce how much the paddler's wrists need to flex during the basic forward stroke. For casual paddlers who only intend to go out pleasure paddling on fair-weather days, a bent-shaft paddle is probably ideal.
But for advanced paddlers, the decision to switch to a bent-shaft is much more difficult. Many advanced paddlers prefer straight-shaft paddles because they find them much more versatile. Typically, advanced paddlers like to move their hands around on the shaft a lot. For example, on windy days, when the kayak starts to weathercock, off-centering your grip on the shaft to create more paddling leverage on one side, effectively compensates for the turning effects of the wind.
With a bent-shaft paddle, this technique would be uncomfortable because one would have to grip the bent shaft awkwardly at the bends. Similarly, performing rolling and bracing techniques in the extended paddle position (with one's hands significantly off-centered to create leverage) the bent shaft gets in the way.
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