favourite handles
I have had a chance to try most of the handles that I have acquired over time, this weekend at SOBB. Some have been better than others. Barring the fact that trimming the brakes to Just the right knot makes a huge difference to comfort.... do people have a favourite make or model.
Pat Mason had some Flexifoil handles that hooked back down over your hands, so there was no line between your fingers++++
Comments.

P.S. comments about how fabulous this place and event are, to follow....

Sounds like you're describing the HQ Ultra Handles (picture below). I have 2 sets of the HQ Ultras and I like them very much. I'm also fond of the Peter Lynn Handles and use those with my smaller kites.. The beefiest handles I've used came with my Skydog SDT.. Those are rock solid and still comfortable to the hands..

I've never gotten the chance to fly with the HQ ultras. It's an interesting concept but not sure why they haven't taken off in the market. Flexi had nice handles with the screw post for attaching the strop. They were heavy but that was only noticeable in light winds. PL makes some that are a step above the base model with Dyneema leaders. Very nice to fly with.

Some of my favorite handles:

Sweet Mother Trucker
Good Buddy Duddy
Long Haul Paul..

Oh...wait... not same kind of 'handles':P

Actually.... half my handles are home made w/ extra cushy pipe foam insulation. All supplies from Home Depot.

I got a set of those HQ Ultras included with a kite I bought and they are my favorite handles now. Not sure why you don't see more of that style design.

PKD's all the way! The clamcleat brake adjuster is great. Some don't like the short strop,but that is cause they are push/pullers not brake snatchers. They are really made for being hooked in though.

What WG said
Most fly with the push pull idea while those that race use the hands at the brake method of control. You can control a bigger kite with the brakes... These are good for static flyers.
I had a couple kites with the HQUltra handles. Didn't care for them in the buggy as the bottom of the handle was bent were you would work the brakes.
skimtwashington, I have made a lot of those pvc type handles, custom all the way. A lot less cost for a simple setup, add a couple pulleys and you have a set of power handles.
Now I just make handles for PKD, clam cleat brakes all the way.

Also these handles:

Jerry Jackknife
Skeeter Skid marks
Mandrake Airbrake
Lane Changer Ranger
Splat goes the Hitchhiker
Jimmi Hand brakes Experience



In winter extra padding on handles lessens pressure points on hands and also gives more insulation to keep hands warmer...if flying unhooked.

I love these.
http://www.xxtreme.nl/xxproducts/xxgrips/

I have converted all my Peter Lynn handles over to this setup by making alloy adapters on my lathe.

No wear on the leaders or knots to get caught up in. Simplicity.

Quote: Originally posted by Chook

I love these. http://www.xxtreme.nl/xxproducts/xxgrips/ I have converted all my Peter Lynn handles over to this setup by making alloy adapters on my lathe. No wear on the leaders or knots to get caught up in. Simplicity.

Nice!

Hey now skimtwashington, are those handles legit? I'm beginning to think you're making those names up

Quote: Originally posted by Norsegod

I got a set of those HQ Ultras included with a kite I bought and they are my favorite handles now. Not sure why you don't see more of that style design.

I like mine a lot as well but they do have a bit of flex to them when used with a larger kite.

I flew on 'flexi' handles tonight....

1/2 " pvc That actually had some flex when fully powered or gusts hit.

Used it with a 2.5m NPW on short lines, in empty Beach parking lot, as a fit-in-your-big-pants-pocket ultralight set up w/in -line skates- during on shore nirvana.


:wee:



Short Handles:

DUI Dave
Method Mover
Lug nut Doug
Hal Haul
Tank
Fuel Fool