Ski Handles!!

[SNMike]

I was just wondering what handle you skier's use. I use StraightLine's radius tractor grip. I'm a long distant skier. I'm up, go through the course at 34mph at 15 and 22 off, ski around our lake and back through the course. It's about a 4 mile trek each time, then the next skier goes. I find the radius handle completely eliminates fatigue in my wrists and forearms. Going to the gym everyday helps too. :grin: Regards to ALL!! Mike

[auskier]

RE: Ski Handles!!

I use a Masterline 12" monster team handle. I personally hate tractor grip, but my father in law loves it so who knows. I love my handle coupled with the masterline kevlar gloves. I'm a course skier but I like to take long sets. If no ones waiting (and usually they are not) I might take 10 or 12 passes. First set of the day I always treat like a tournament. After that I just do whatever I decide I want to. My forearms fatigue early in the season, but that goes away after just a couple of times out. I do plan to hit the gym this winter because next year is going to be my year!

As a side note though I got a rope to use for friends who just free ski and when it came it was a radius grip handle. I've found that I actually like to trick with that handle. I don't really know why, but it feels good.

[bkhallpass]

RE: Ski Handles!!

I use the straight line radius as well. However, like auskier, I'm not a fan
of the tractor grip. BKH

[Richard-Howell]

Handle of Choice

Radius handle with 17° radius No tractor

We've tried them all in the past but settled on
this for the past few seasons

[Mikeski]

RE: Handle of Choice

I pull fairly hard when I ski (actually way too hard for my own good) and tend to wear out the tractors or other handles with knobs or grooves. I also like a slightly larger diameter handle in 13" length. I think the last one I ordered from "In-Tow" was 1.1" x 13" but now it's worn out and they are no longer in business. My latest handle is a straightline with the two bends in it, I don't really notice the bends while I am skiing and I don't know if they do what they claim but it was on sale... It also depends on what kind of gloves you are using, different handle types work better/worse with different gloves.

For boarding an EVA handle gloveless works well for me.

edit: looks like "in-tow" is still in business, good stuff:
http://www.jlbmfg.com/intow.htm

[SNMike]

RE: Handle of Choice

I noticed the difference right way when I switched from the straight to the radius handle due to the length of time I'm behind the Nautique. As you all know, when you hold the radius handle your forearms and wrists are straight, as opposed to the arch forced on them using a straight handle. But I've personally never seen a pro using a radius, so there must be a down side to them. NOT a pro/so I wouldn't know. Just works for me. Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[darrel409]

RE: Handle of Choice

I use a Legend, from Tightline. Its a straight, octagon shaped handle, short maybe 11" or 12". Fairly soft rubber over alum core. Works for me. I use Tightline no-stretch ropes too.

[G-man]

RE: Handle of Choice

I started using the ARS 13" handles, they are now made by accurate. a lot of the local tournament skiers sware by these. I used a thin handle for the past 2 years but may move up in diameter this next season

[MARK-S]

RE: Handle of Choice

Custom Mapple Masterline. 12 inch 940 dia.
Like George, I have spoken to pros that swear by the ARS. I plan to try one in the spring.
But from all that I have tried, the masterline is the most durable. I burn up 3 sets of gloves, and 1 handle per year. The mapple lasts the longest.