I was out buggying last Sunday and one the lines broke on my handles.
I thought it was a line at first.
luckily, I had some spare handles.
Has anyone else had this problem?
Is it common?





Ken (K3)

Mine haven't broken, but my pl handles have plastic sleeves that are suppose to protect the leader line from rubbing the edges of the metal hole. I have noticed after little use that the plastic sleeves break and allow the leaders to abrade on edges of the metal hole. I have been keeping an eye on mine because I know it is only a matter of time. You should be able to pop the top plastic cap and replace the leader with 1200# test marine rope. It's pretty much identical to the original leader.

I have not seen this before with PL handles. Your dealer should be able to help. I have never had the PL people even blink at warranty claims. All the major brands defend their products vigorously in my experience.

I had the handle break after it became wrapped around the axle but I've never had a leader snap.

It looks to me like your line has worn itself on the sharp edges of that hole. Test it for sharpness. Is it metal ? Those leaders look a little too thin for buggying if you don't mind me saying.

yea it happens,
they just wear out.

the PKD handles are pretty good

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Mine haven't broken, but my pl handles have plastic sleeves that are suppose to protect the leader line from rubbing the edges of the metal hole. I have noticed after little use that the plastic sleeves break and allow the leaders to abrade on edges of the metal hole. I have been keeping an eye on mine because I know it is only a matter of time. You should be able to pop the top plastic cap and replace the leader with 1200# test marine rope. It's pretty much identical to the original leader.

ssayre...I checked and you are correct!
The little plastic sleeve is gone and the leader was rubbing on the sharp aluminum edge.(both handles)





The handles themselves are still in good condition...the replacement of the leader lines may be a winter project.
I wonder how long that was going on?
I will have to check the rest of my PL handles later.

RedSky...I don't know what to say about those pics...
I could easily see that happening though with those big knobby treads...lol
Closest I've seen to that is csa_deadon...he had serious tire wrap one year at NABX...its on a video somewhere..lol

Other than the breakage, I love the handles overall.
Pretty durable.


Angus!....I will look into that solution....(eventually...not in a panic at all )

Ken (K3)

Quote: Originally posted by tdmc96

RedSky...I don't know what to say about those pics... I could easily see that happening though with those big knobby treads...lol Closest I've seen to that is csa_deadon...he had serious tire wrap one year at NABX...its on a video somewhere..lol Other than the breakage, I love the handles overall. Pretty durable. Ken (K3)

yes, your leaders look strong enough in that close-up pic. Yeah my wheels would grab lines if you went anywhere near them. My thumb became squashed between the axle and the ever tightening handle. Thankfully it snapped before it broke my thumb. It still really hurt!

I have seen some pull straight through before, but nothing like what you have there.

Glad it did not create a serious issue!

I have a question. I have a few sets of pl handles that I believe are on the verge of the leaders breaking from this same issue. I know I could just replace the leaders but what would be the best way to replace the plastic sleeve? I wouldn't want the factory ones even if I could get them. Could you just try and file the sharp edges and put the leader in? Seems like it would be hard to file the inside of the handle anyway. Or should I just make my own PVC handles?

Maybe a brass ferrol from a copper tubing compression fitting would work for repair?

Ssayre, PE tubing shouldn´t be too hard to come by even in the right diameter.
The stuff is use for chickenloops as well so if you´re unlucky in finding it at a kiteshop you might want to try with a manufacturer directly, I´m sure most can spare you a feet or 2 for cheap.
Filing mmm nah, I wouldn´t.

tdmc96, Angus is right, have your dealer put in a warranty replacement and we´ll have a set on it´s way for you