Are Carbon Handles worth the price?

rediro2h · Newbie Joined: 29 Feb 2004 Posts: 6 City: San Luis Obispo

I need a new handle and I was wondering if the carbon handles make that much difference and are worth the price...

BIGMAC · Posted: Mar 03, 2004 9:24 am Post subject:

The accurate carbon handles are my favorite handles as far as comfort and overall feel however I would not buy one because of the paint chipping issues and I don't think they are that tuff of handles. I am only refering to the accurate carbon handles and I have used all three. I can't comment on the others because I haven't used them. I ended up buying a premier handle because they seem to be tougher, I love the grip, and it's cheaper although money wasn't an issue.

ak4life · Criminal Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 54 City: San Mateo

don't think they improved my riding any, but they're very comfortable due to light weight..

shagman · Criminal Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 92

I'd say no because they aren't going to give you a noticeable performance increase. You're money is probably better off spent somewhere else.

J_DOGG · Posted: Mar 04, 2004 9:11 am Post subject:

NO!

But it looks PIMP, so buy one....LOL...

I like the fact that it's light and on spins it holds it's shape so I can feel the handle pass better. I ride with guys that hate them so it's definitely a personal preference thing just like the vest you wear.

CHiLi DaWg · Posted: Mar 05, 2004 3:39 pm Post subject:

liquidforcerider134 · Criminal Joined: 23 Feb 2004 Posts: 86 City: Calgary

i know that the carbon handles seem good but there is a huge warranty issue with them cracking , sklitting and peeling and even completly snapping during a handle pass they good be way better thats all im gonna say

Inggy · Posted: Mar 05, 2004 4:57 pm Post subject:

But there is no warrany for chipping. That happens all the time, you cant prevent it. They look tight, but unless they will give you anoher one every time you chip yours, its not worth it. You will grow not to like it anyhow.

They also are not that comfortable. Go for an amoeba handle. They are far more comfy

mike schwenne · Newbie Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 30 City: santa cruz

Just dont drop it on your foot, those things hurt! I personally prefer the old rubber grip handle. Ropes and handles are a completely personal preference item.

Mike Schwenne
www.westcoastcamps.com

kyle · Guest

no it isnt worth it, mine broke today for like the 10th time today...errrrrrrr

Gaignstar · Soul Rider Joined: 29 Sep 2003 Posts: 468

I don't think the carbon worth the price, but still look pretty cool. The thing is when you pull it back to the boat, you always slam the boat with the handle. If you but it anyway, DON'T ever try wakesurfin with it, cause when you throw the handle to the boat you could kill your friend ! hahaha Mr. Green

scooter · Addict Joined: 15 Jul 2003 Posts: 633

http://www.bartswatersports.com/catalog.asp?C=131&P=7005

any body have this handle/rope? how good is it?
is this a good value for it?
________
Caribbean cooking

koltman · Addict Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 902 City: Sydney/Orlando

I used the parks handle, and couldn't figure out what all the hype was about, yes it was light, but nothing special, I'm just as happy (if not more) with my premier handle.

darty · Addict Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 522 City: Lexington

scooter - I had a SL tractor grip on my handle last year & I liked it a lot. I don't have any experience with the braided ropes on handles so I can't recommend or not there...I've never really been a fan of the polyethelyne ropes, seems to stretch a little (like a ski rope does, though no where near as much). I'm assuming there are people that like them though. For $50 that set up does look like a pretty good deal...

cstmgsxr · Soul Rider Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 470

how about these for the money saver...
http://www.bandbsports.com/handles.html

vette74 · Posted: Mar 10, 2004 2:11 pm Post subject:

scooter,
I have that set up. I like the handle it is real comfy, but after using another rope I realized what I was missing.

ORANGE GLOW · Soul Rider Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 333

check out the new Straight Line carbon handles. SL has super comfy and squishy grips, its so soft you think it will tear but it is very strong. I have the bylery Accurate handle but i like the SL much better.

NWWake · Newbie Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 36

I don't like the carbon fiber handles because I think they make handle passes harder. I feel it takes away slack from me while spinning. If you point the base of the handle anywhere but straight at the boat it causes the connection point on the rope to be further off to the side thus shortening the amount of rope you have to work with. On the contrary a soft handle will flex towards the boat giving you back that extra six+ inches of slack. Perhaps someone with a perfectly timed pass wouldn't feel this but I've felt my rotation slowed down when trying to pass early or late with the handle due to slack getting taken up. I'm sure one would be able to compensate for this after getting used to is but my first impressions where not good.

NWWake · Newbie Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 36

I should probably clairfy. I'm talking about the ones with rigid A-Frames. Perhaps there are some with carbon fiber handles with normal soft rope A-sections.

TubeNazi · Soul Rider Joined: 27 Aug 2003 Posts: 368 City: Dallas

I've used a carbon handle once last season. Nothing special at all. I see more negatives than positives. I heard that they can shatter if you fall and hit it on your board.

I don't have to worry about handle passes, YET!