What's the theory behind the slight bend in the handles?

Aluminum tube, metal conduit, PVC white or grey.

What's the source for the thin dense foam for over the handles?

I know there has to be a good way of passing the line through. The Pansh handles are notorious for chewing away at the line. The plastic inserts on the PL handles break right away. Hand me a new set and I'll buggy hooked in and powered up and the inserts will be broken and rattle inside the handles the first day. It's from heavy use of the brakes for turning and puts the extreme load and angle on the insert.

The insert on the HQ handles seems like the best. Still curious to see what's inside the Ozone handles.

I just got done taking apart three sets of Sting handles and modding them so I can run a strop. The hole was already in the back of the handle; just no line protruding. Those handles are thick. 3/16". Would be interesting to know what they are made of. The vinyl caps on the ends seem to react with the plastic and fuse themselves together. Oddly they have black caps on the bottom and blue/red caps on the tops covered up by the neoprene covers.

Who's made handles and out of what? What were the results? How did you deal with passing the line through?

Anyone ever use the Apexx handles? I wonder if that loop on top stays put in all conditions? Just seems like shoving the handles in the kite bag and if the loops loosened up. If it happens once; it would probably happen all the time. But maybe the loops stay tight?

So many questions, so many answers.
PVC with clam cleat brakes and foam padding.Made dozens and still use them.
Foam padding is nothing more than the stuff used for bicycle handles. Bent about 5 to 10 degrees so the don't twist in your hands. Longer than short for more finesse with applying the brakes.
I would make some, try am out, and see what you like or don't like. Your next set well be what you do like, until you get it the way you like. Then you got some good handles.
Of course I can always call the manufacturer and order some up, or order all the parts and then I can custom make the length and size.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures Please!

I have yet to fly a 4 line kite but I'll eventually get there. Probably will be getting a Pansh Flux before the year is over and will need a set of handles for it. Looking forward to watching the results of this thread.

I'm not sure why the slight bend in handles....?

I've made a bunch of handles with gray PVC conduit pipe. I have used pipe insulation foam(thicker and cheaper than bike handelbar grip) and used glue to keep foam in place and from spinning around handle. The lead line and strop line leads have been a 3 to 4 mm cordage from my local REI store.

The only flaw is the final wrap/cover over the foam which has been duct tape. The tape will peel after some time and expose tape goo. i simply re-wrap w/ new duct tape. But it's water proof and cheap.

I might try and post a pic later...

I bend the handles because of comfort. Low wind and straight handles is ok but high wind needs more brake input, so it's easier on the wrists.

Check out these bad boys

http://www.xxtreme.nl/xxproducts/xxgrips/

Here are some pics.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771156@N05/shares/v64R99

I usually do 3/4" no foam. Jeff, are those 1/2" with foam grip?

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

I usually do 3/4" no foam. Jeff, are those 1/2" with foam grip?

Yep, 3/4 is a bit big to hang on to for long periods of time. boy this could open a can of worms:o:o:o:o:evil:

to eliminate the sharp edges and the sharp holes in the pvc, use a torch to slightly melt the material.

No foam means pressure points....... and a loss of heat and colder hands for winter use.

I got a set of the clam cleat brake line handles from bigkid. They work great, are comfortable to use, and were reasonable in price.

http://www.powerkiteshop.com/pkd-four-line-handles.htm
But the ozone handles have always been the ones I go back to. They are strong, comfortable and last for ages.

Don't make the mistake I made by making some from Composite Hockey sticks. The handles need to be round or the will lock up together when flying. I learn't that lesson quickly. ha ha ha

I bought the medium and large set of handles from a guy on this forum.

I like them.

The foam is starting to come apart after a few sessions though. It is rather thin.

But, I like the feel of them. I like the length. The Medium is on the 2.3m Vapor and the large on the 5.4 Vapor.

Heck...if you would have joined me this weekend at Ivanpah you could have tried them out!! Snicker, Snicker.

Paul

Check out these bad boys: http://www.xxtreme.nl/xxproducts/xxgrips

To put a nice bend into the PVC I use a heat gun, but fill the pipe with sand first then tape the ends. This will keep it more round.

This NPW program has a page on making handles. An advantage of the bend is that it you make notches in the ends of the handles you can wrap the lines around them.

http://www.kiteplans.org/planos/kitemanca/kitemanca.html#npw...