Baller Alberto Soares Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Last Sunday, 38off, late to 6, RFF, fell to the front in the buoy, both feet released, land with the face into the handle, chin received the boat pull and handle passed by neck. Result: 4 stitches inside the mouth, bruise neck and chin, can´t chew with the back teeth yet. I am glad I have a handle protector or it could have been a lot worse... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ForrestGump Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Yikes! Glad it wasn't worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skihacker Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 No joke at all, there have been a handful of fatalities over the years that way and a lot more really serious arm injuries too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thager Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Heal up!! Could be worse. We have 12" of new snow and 2 feet of ice to melt before it can get dangerous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Steven_Haines Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Man! Ur lucky! That kind of force could have been BAD! Glad to hear ur ok Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ed_Johnson Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 I posted something almost identical about 3 years a go under the heading "Handle Guard Saved My Life." Glad your OK...I only ended up with a black eye. Amazing how fast it happens..Would not even consider skiing without the guard !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller alex38 Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @Alberto soares @ed johnson May I ask what type/style guards are being used for these unfortunate but life-saving incidents, we use a fat strip of gorilla tape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller bishop8950 Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 ya, yikes, ordering handle guards now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Skoot1123 Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @Alberto Soares - glad your OK! I'm going to look at those guards ASAP! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ed_Johnson Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @alex38: I make my own Handle Guard, but it looks virtually identical to the FM and TW Guards..It is just that I use Randy's US Gear 13" GR Pro-Radius Handle, and I can custom make it to fit perfectly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller scuppers Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @Ed_Johnson - can you post some pictures of the guard you make for the US Gear handle? I use that handle but don't really like the US Gear guard. I am looking for a solution. Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Here is one home made version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Brady Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @AB Can you show me how you made that? I would like to make one for me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Doesn't look like laser cut lexan to me.... Lid to a tupperware , scissor and a drill? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller The_MS Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 lots of options Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller SkiJay Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Thanks for posting your story @Alberto_Soares. WAY too few skiers are taking advantage of this cheap insurance. I'm glad you are one of them and that you'll be okay. The TW Arm-Guard with optional strechy center web mounted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Taperflex Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Looks familiar, LFF, otf around 4@32 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller SkiJay Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 +1 for ropes with big handle-end loops at tournaments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thager Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @MS Where did you get all the pics? You don't use one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 The pic was from another skier. How to make one is to go buy a Rubbermaid trash can at Wallmart or Lowes. Make a paper or cardboard template and then cut out from a side of the can. Drill your holes as in the pic. Zip tie to handle. I can tell you that black plastic mesh does NOT work! I experimented years ago after the girl jumper put her head into the handle and was dragged by her neck. Some fast reaction by the driver and clean living was the only things that saved her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller The_MS Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Baily Austin has the ML , Danial Dipol uses the tape, David Miller had a South American fisherman put a net on his and the other was on the dock at the Ranch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ed_Johnson Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @scuppers: My HG looks similar to the one AB posted, except for larger holes...Easy to make..Stretch the handle out under tension..Take a piece of cardboard and trace the inside V...Use a large curved bucket to trace the curve you want at the top....Use the cardboard piece you cut out as a template and trace it to your HG material...Cut it out with a tin snips...Mark where you want your holes..Draw them out....Clamp it to a piece of plywood...Use your drill and a hole saw. I have used several different materials over the years, but found the most durable and flexible by far to be Black Rubbermaid Commercial waste cans. I get mine from Home Depot for about $7.50...Makes 2 good Guards out of each can....Lasts for years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Ed, I was going from memory on what you described before. I have an Armguard but with 2 new USG handles coming in soon, will be running to Home Depot. @OB, if you see the video of the girl jumper, you may change your mind. I will roll the dice with partial jaw versus around neck any day. I use a 13" handle which also causes a concern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @OB you are right - it is a liability but so is the manufacture of ski handles. To me you are at more risk the more caught your chin is. If the V is open, your head can tilt down into the V and have a chin be nice and caught on the handle. If the V is closed enough your chin could get caught, but only if your face isn't in the way. The design should have as little space as possible for the hand such that your wrist cannot make it into the loop. Makes you think the handle in that video of the team mapple skier with the torn bicep (for use with the weight lifting hook) could be a good idea. With a smaller V and a more central connection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller SkiJay Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 I sprained both ankles once when my un-guarded handle snagged my ski tip after I'd popped the handle. Since then, I had a coach tell me he saw the guard deflect my handle over the tip of my ski. I also had a rookie driver tow my handle over a small mooring buoy at about 15mph on a natural lake, and I saw the guard deflect the handle from a direct hooping. Heads, hands and arms aren't the only things that fit inside a handle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Alberto Soares Posted March 5, 2013 Author Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @Alex38 - As long as I know Thomas Wayne was the person who invented it. I bought a few from him some years ago (send me an email: albertocsoares at hotmail dot com in order to send you TW´s private email). Last January I was at www.miamiskinautiques.com and saw another model (I think from FM) I bought a few and gave them to my ski pals. @OB - I am glad I was using it otherwise more than my chin could have gone into the handle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ral Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Alberto, 13" handle? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Alberto Soares Posted March 5, 2013 Author Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @Ral - no 12" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mwetskier Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 what brand of handle guard were you using? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Alberto Soares Posted March 5, 2013 Author Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @mwetskier - I am currently using a FM I bought from Henrik at www.miamiskinautiques.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thager Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @OB Now I need a helmet, handle guard, kill switch? Do I need green timing buoys? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Texas6 Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Wow, what a testimony to the handleguard. glad to hear it was just bruising. I still struggle with how to attach the guard. I've tried zip ties and I snap them off on every set. I've tried string at the encouragement of a few here but the thing moves all over the place. Does anybody have low maintenance attachment methodology? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thager Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 I've gone to bungee cord with mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller SkiJay Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 I used 1/8" bungee cord with good success too. What worked best was when I wove the bungee cord in a figure 8, one loop around the rope, the other through the guard. I also anchored the ends by weaving it thought the rope with a fid at each end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thager Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller The_MS Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @OB and @thager dont for get the spray leg and goggles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 Everyone obviously has a choice. I hated wearing a helmet on my motorcycle, so rarely did. A lot of people think that is crazy too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thager Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @MS And look goofy like you? Ha!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thager Posted March 5, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 5, 2013 @ms Sorry, that was Heins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Texas6 Posted March 6, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 6, 2013 I like the bungee, I'll give it a shot. Thx Gents Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MattP Posted March 6, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 6, 2013 @AB that is crazy. Also we have to wear them in GA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jipster43 Posted March 6, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 6, 2013 I'm not sure I understand the argument against the handle guard. Is there a risk associated with using one? I use an FM with the center strap and very little hand clearance and I have never noticed the guard or missed a grab because of it. But I sure would feel like a buggar if I made my ski partner drag my lifeless body out of the water because I didn't have one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller The_MS Posted March 6, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 6, 2013 Everyone evaluates their own level of risk and tolerance levels are bound to be different from skier to skier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ral Posted March 6, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 6, 2013 @OB, kill switch rocks!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ral Posted March 6, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 6, 2013 Handle, bindings, or... B. Yager, head in handle after trying to round 6 @ 38 off after being extremely late @ 5 F. Mantesso, exposed multiple ankle fracture after trying to get around 6@35 after being extremely late @ 5 Alberto, chin into handle, saved by handle guard, trying to round 6 @ 38 off late after 5. So, common factors are under developed binding systems and unsafe handles, or something else??? IMHO skiers over 40 need to let go when extemely late. Yes, Regina pulls it out, but not only because she has balls, but because she is the best skier in the world and a young woman. A good skiing day is one where you can ski the following day, not a PB celebration at the hospital or memorial... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DW Posted March 6, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 6, 2013 Kill switch is an interesting one - who/what do you hook the switch to? Logically it would be the skier as any time lag between the fall and ignition cut would potentially add to injury. Next issue and it goes to anywhere the kill switch attaches, is how to make the reset almost instantaneous so the boat can return to the fallen skier asap as that time lag can be detrimental and maintain proper control during the cut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted March 6, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 6, 2013 @DW - I think he just means the lanyard/red rope switch most boats have. Not a skier kill switch. Arguably an inline switch with the rope that requires tension of atleast XXX pounds every XXX seconds to allow the boat to continue down the lake would make sense, but tuning it to not shut down your run due to being a little slack at the ball, but fast enough to shut down all that slack. This would also arguably be a deciding factor between holding slack and shutting down the run. I think for ultimate safety the concept of the handle guard needs to go 3D. Such as a molded cover that would slip over the bridle and then secure in the middle, it would only be 1-2" thick at the end near the handle, with smooth contours. Installation would be performed by slipping a split rubber bushing around your handle. The molded cover would be slid UP the mainline, your handle would be attached per usual (you're digging this now aren't ya). Finally the cover would be slipped down the bridle ill it sat over the bushing and a elastic band around the middle of the grip would be secured. This cover would be designed to do everything the usual handle guard does. With the addition that it would attempt to keep the handle from catching the water by skimming the bar over the surface. This will prevent the handle "jumping" around the skier/ski/limb, or catching on bouys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted March 6, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 6, 2013 Also it would come in a few sizes, that would stack together so it would go over ellipticals, 13's 12's etc. One type of bushing, 3 cones (rotary molded HDPE?) some replacable rubber straps. It can have small holes for weight reduction as required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted March 6, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 6, 2013 We probably should all use the dead mans lanyard, as any steering cable could break and throw the driver outmofmthe boat and now you have a boat going in a circle left or right at a ZO driven 34 or 36 mph, which means it will go WOT basically. We don't. But probably should. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted March 6, 2013 Baller Share Posted March 6, 2013 A seat weight sensor would work in thay scenario. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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