Brad,
I have a basic "guide calculation" relating to your overall paddling speed. Adds up to 100%.
Roughly; (give or take...)
75% is you - the "athlete"
20% is the board
5% is the paddle
Extra 1% for the fin... (-10% for no fin!

)
Your Naish Nalu probably gets a 5/20 compared to other "race" boards.
All the $400 paddles get 4.5 to 5 out of 5. Alloy paddle... say 1 or 1.5 ...
Most of the race boards would cluster around 15-19...
Summary - all the $400 paddles are very good... and won't make different to your speed...