My Flight 93 has no holes already in place for a grab handle. So, what's the best way to drill some? I know about affecting structural integrity, yada yada yada, but I'm going to do it anyway. Advice?

For my straps I put the bolt through the bottom and used a counter sink and counter sunk hardware, nice and flush underneath.

• Painters tape top and bottom to prevent any splintering.
  
• Once things are taped and marked, double check placement.
  
• Brad point drill bit to prevent any wandering before the the bit cuts into the wood.
  
• Start one bit size smaller for the first pass and then enlarge the holes to fit (this is OCD, but...)
  
• Scrap bit of wood pressed firmly against the bottom of the board where the holes are going will also prevent splintering from the drill bit "punching through" the last bit of deck material. (also OCD, but there's medication now... woo hoo)

The mounting holes for the grab handle takes away so little material that it should not have any impact on the structural integrity of the board.

ATB,
Sam

Thanks so much guys! I'll check and see if I have any brad points.

I originally sent this to Angus in a U2U, but he hasn't been on yet. Maybe you guys could shed a light?

"Could you please tell me a little about this grab handle? I do not know what it looks like aside from the stock picture. How do you mount it? How far apart are the holes? How much room is there for your hand? Would it be okay for an ATB? Thanks!

http://www.coastalwindsports.com/servlet/the-718/Grab-dsh-ha... "

you ideally want one like this( http://www.slingshotsports.com/Slingshot-Black-Grab-Handle ) if you are g0ing to do anything other then carry your board with it

You can also order them from Trampa. I found theirs good although I did crushed it and had to rebend back in to shape.
In addition to the above, after drilling a little wet-n-dry sandpaper will clean up edges.

Other than price, is there a particular reason while you are opting for a grab handle that looks more suited for a kiteboard (water)?

Carl and Sigma's suggestions look more suited to a landboard. The Trampa might be harder to source in the US even through Ryan at mountainboard.net.

Alternative, you could always get the MBS grab handle which should be readily available. If you are already dealing with Angus, he is an MBS dealer and should be able to get it for you right quick. He is generally very good about answering phone calls on the first couple of rings.

The Slingshot, Trampa and MBS grab handles should be a bit more rigid than the Mystic, so hole placement should be a bit more apparent.

ATB,
Sam

I went for the Mystic because it looks suuuuuuper comfy and won't affect the flex of the board too much. I'm not sure how much a rigid handle would affect it, but it's just something I thought I'd take into consideration. The Slingshot handle looks awesome and for only $10 too :o

Quote:

Originally posted by Seanny I originally sent this to Angus in a U2U, but he hasn't been on yet. Maybe you guys could shed a light? "Could you please tell me a little about this grab handle? I do not know what it looks like aside from the stock picture. How do you mount it? How far apart are the holes? How much room is there for your hand? Would it be okay for an ATB? Thanks! http://www.coastalwindsports.com/servlet/the-718/Grab-dsh-ha... "

Sorry I thought I responded to this earlier but must not have saved and posted.

Sorry for being out of touch yesterday while at my volunteer job that turned in to a long day.

The Mystic handle was meant to be an option for the Aaron Hadlow kitesurf board that otherwise does not come with hardware beyond fins.
I like the idea of the MBS handle and will add it to the site (thanks Sam)

I like the idea of taping the board and drilling into scrap wood under the board, too. Nothing OCD about it; just good practice.

I've got that MBS handle on my Pro90 and it's great. It feels very sturdy and is covered in a thin layer of foam padding similar to what's found on control bars.

I really like the Slingshot handle. I think I'll snag it. I will let you all know how the mounting goes.