Broken Handle

[kona]

Broke my handle today and it was only 4 months old. Any suggestion on what to replace ir with. It was a SL Shadow

 

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[Ed_Obermeier]

13" or 12"?  Years ago I folded two 13" Straightline handles within a month (folded the first one, the replacement within 3 sets).  Moved to 12" Masterline handles and haven't had a problem since.  To this day I will not use a 13" handle of any brand.  FWIW.

Ed

[kona]

It was a 13" but i did not fold it the end broke off.

[skibug]

I have used HO Accurate ARS 13" handles for about 8 years now.  They are very durable and they stand behind their product.  I have one that is 4 seasons old that my wife still uses it (we both used the same one up until i got a new one mid summer this year).

I had a handle fold on me about 9 years ago, can't remember the brand but it was from a private manufacturer.  It was a 13"; but, it was a radius handle.  Not sure if that had something to do with it.

[Ed_Johnson]

Brenda at In-Tow makes handles that last forever. Prefer the ARS ( Anti Roll System ) for stability....ED

[bhs]

Ed,

I did not have the same experience. My handle from Brenda only lasted 4 months and after contacting her to explain my situation she would not return my emails. So I now have purchased a handle from masterline.

[Horton]

Were you lucky enough to break it right before the wake? I did that a lot years ago. Wait, No. That hurts bad.

[Dirt]

I have had two masterlines restrung. Their customer service is great.

[kona]

"Were you lucky enough to break it right before the wake? I did that a lot years ago. Wait, No. That hurts bad."

Ya I augered in pretty hard

[DW]

Kona - I can't tell by the picture, but did the aluminum tube actually break?  I would certainly contact the manufacturer and see what they would do about it.  More that simply replacing it, what I would be asking (particularly if the aluminum actually broke) is what type of failure analysis they would do on the handle.  There are many metalurgical labs that can take a look at the tube and determine the root cause of the failure.  Since falls from broken handles hurt, can cause injury, it is a good practice for the company in question to know what happened thus providing the answer on how to solve it.  If the failure is something else, then returning it for them to review will provide clues as to what processes they need to change to prevent a similar failure in the future, even if it is simply calling the assembly shop across the pond and instructing them on a different way to assemble it.  Any reputable company should want to review a failure, particularly one that is early in the product life cycle.

[kona]

The Al did not break it was the plastic on the end. I will contact SL today as it should be under warranty still.

[A_B]

I use 13" ARS radius handles and weigh more than most, never had one break. Had at least 3 or 4 regular 12" handles break years ago, of course, at first wake. One handle broke and cracked my thumb knuckle so hard I thought it was shattered, blood was coming out of my glove, but it just was a large gash and very bruised.

 

I've broke my share of ropes too, but that's another story.

[bmiller3536]

I think the ARS is a bunch of bolgna, with your hands gripped one hand over and one hand under how does the handle still roll? think about it

[davemac]

Can't tell from the picture, but many of the  SLs have  plastic plugs that go into the aluminum bar (handle).    They break far too often...without warning.  I'm no engineer, but it seems like a poor design.  Based on the # of breakages (co worker broke two, one going through gates), you couldn't give me one. 

If nothing else, the InTow handles are drilled through the aluminum and rope wear (if/when it occurs) is visible....so at least you are forewarned. 

[bmiller3536]

I do not purchase anything from Brenda, personal reasons

[scoke]

 

"I do not purchase anything from Brenda, personal reasons"

 

Coffee. monitor. spit!

[skibug]

bmiller, FWIW mental or physical, I like the ARS better than not, just a feel thing I guess.  It just seems to feel stiffer, especially whe I get all of that slack :)

 

[ski6jones]

I've been very happy with the InTow handles.  They've lasted longer than everything else I've tried recently.

Ordering more this winter.

[kona]

Thanks for the input I sent the old handle back to SL today and they are going replace but I think I will still get something different

[Chef23]

I get mine from Brenda at InTow  www.jlbmfg.com

[dave2ball]

Try a Masterline custom. I have never seen a handle break where yours did. The compound is sticky and wears great. they come in 12 or 13 ich and in about 6 different diameters. You can't go wrong.

[Mateo_Vargas]

I've seen to many of those Straightlines break to trust one behind the boat.  I used the same Masterline for about 5 years and had it restrung every other year.  Just bought another size and now it's my backup.  Masterline has quality stuff.

[Chef23]

I had a Masterline break in the same place.  I like my handles without endcaps now so I can see if there is any fraying.

[wtrskii3156]

I also recommend the InTow handles. In my opinion they are by far the best our there. The rubber that she uses lasts longer than any other handle I have used.

[jipster43]

I called Brenda up on a Tuesday and had my rope by Friday.  I love how it comes with my name handwritten on it.  I'm all for supporting a small homespun operation that allows me to talk to the owner/operator like Brenda's and the rope/handle combo has been flawless.  It's like the difference between having a custom bike and having something made in Taiwan.

JP :)

 

 

[bhs]

I thought the same thing until I paid Brenda $80 for a handle and it only lasted 4 months. I sent her an email with pictures showing the spectra fraying on one side of the bridle under the plastic tubing used to protect the rope. Never heard back from her. I would think in todays economy customer service would be important to any small company.

[Chef23]

I would say pick up the phone and call her.  Maybe she missed the email somehow.

I had a very bad customer service experience with Masterline so it happens with every company at some point.  I finally got on the phone with someone and we talked it out.  I wasn't still thrilled with the way things went down but things went better after a phone conversation.

[dave2ball]

Go with Masterline. Everything is made in house. They spin there own rope which means they control everything. I cannot speak where Intow gets there material but If you want a rope that is made in the USA Masterline is it and they stand behind there product. If a problem comes up they will work something out if it not a warranty issue.

[MattP]

Masterline all the way, great service and great products.

[bhs]

The email I sent Brenda came after the phone call we had. On the phone she tried to blame the problem on my ski. The waterski community is small and I support companies with good customer service and for that reason I will not buy from Brenda again.

[Bud Man]

E-mails can be accidentally deleted before reading. As nice as she is to me, maybe she never saw your e-mail. Call her and you will know for sure. 1- 575-527-2917 I would try not to assume.

[6balls]

Broke my nearly new straightline at same spot just coming out of the hole...wondering if design flaw.  They replaced w/handle and line, but it's my back up now...on masterline.