Yes I am as old as the title suggests if you know the reference (Fork handles please) still what is up with wing foil wing constructors - seriously how do some products even get beyond the production stage with their handles (I won't mention the ones that I think are c.r.a.p. so as not to offend). The handles on my current wing are excellent, the right size to grip comfortably, far enough away from the inflated wing to not rub all the skin off your knuckles and wide enough to use with winter gloves.
A guy at the beach wants to sell a brand new wing he bought, and why is that, nothing wrong with the wing, looks beautiful, works fine and was a pretty good price new, but he can't even hold it, nor can I, nor can anyone else, oh yes maybe if it was blowing 40knots the handles would pull away enough from the wing so as to actually get your fingers underneath (good luck if you one of those well built dudes with plates for hands - samurai slap!) but who wants to wing in 40 knots (well someone probably)
anyhow I'm interested to hear your thoughts on handles that work and don't work for you, mushy soft ones, ones that break, ones that hit you in the head, ones in the wrong position - constructors please test you kit, it is used by teenagers, slim women, small guys, big dudes, heavy weights etc etc and it needs to work for all of us or it will just end up in some used items corner of a dusty sports store, about as useful as the lost sock in the laundromat of the universe 
Worst wing I had was a duotone boom. Packed up huge, fiddly to set up, hard on the hands and damaged the board. Ozone V1 handles were too soft. Smik handles are just right.
I only hook three fingers most of the time, no need to shove the whole hand in.
I don't mind my ozone v2 handles, very nice. V1 were too soft.
Smik feel good also.
Not looking for a boom.
I'm on KT wings. Initially wondered how I'd like the retro looking "soft/firm" handles. Immediately got used to them and really appreciate the design. Front handle goes all the way forward to leading edge bladder so clearing the wing, tacking, etc is a snap. Middle handle is perfectly positioned for single hand riding. There is a little dampening effect in gusts with the slight flex of the handles so the wing feels a bit more settled in punchy wind than with hard handles. No board damage from handles hitting the deck is a plus. I have a big wingspan at 6'5" and find the hand position perfect. Smaller riders I've lent the wing to find the same.
Select to expand quoteWindoc said..
I'm on KT wings. Initially wondered how I'd like the retro looking "soft/firm" handles. Immediately got used to them and really appreciate the design. Front handle goes all the way forward to leading edge bladder so clearing the wing, tacking, etc is a snap. Middle handle is perfectly positioned for single hand riding. There is a little dampening effect in gusts with the slight flex of the handles so the wing feels a bit more settled in punchy wind than with hard handles. No board damage from handles hitting the deck is a plus. I have a big wingspan at 6'5" and find the hand position perfect. Smaller riders I've lent the wing to find the same.
Agreed. And the one handed riding is nice. Easier to do with smaller wings but even that beast 6.0 is totally balanced.
I wasn't going to mention names, but I totally agree about those V1 soft handles, hated them so much, finally just sold the sail - half the problem solved as I still would be happier with more wings (make sure the missis isn't listening in, lol)
I am currently using Dakine wings ( cabrinha ) . In my opinion they have got handles design perfect ??
