zyokes Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 My old faithful west Marine handle finally kicked the bucket and i am in the market for something new but a major concern came up when I was looking for a new one. What is the real difference between most of these handles and does it actually make enough of a difference to spend the money on an expensive one or go back to a piece of junk like I had previously. Any advice on this topic would be extremely appreciated because I have no clue what the advantages of certain handles are over others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller SkiJay Posted October 22, 2014 Baller Share Posted October 22, 2014 You can't go wrong with a custom handle from MasterLine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
41off Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 In tow handles are the way to go. Great customer service and I have never had an issue with a handle being to long. They have all shapes,sizes and colors. Give Brenda a call you want be disappointed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted October 22, 2014 Baller Share Posted October 22, 2014 I'll be the low budget guy. If you are replacing a west marine handle then you probably need a new rope too? Plenty of perfectly acceptable off the shelf rope and handle sets available from Radar and Accurate for $50-$70 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shyskier Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 It's what feels good to you. If old faithful work for you try to find somthing the same. I've found the cheap handles do not last. Just bought a spectra handle from in tow. Feels great. As long as it last 2x as long as cheap handle I will be happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller TallSkinnyGuy Posted October 22, 2014 Baller Share Posted October 22, 2014 Wiley has a $50 Proline handle and rope combo for $50 for those who are not as particular about having a high end handle. https://www.wileyski.com/PROLINE_-_WILEY_8-SECTION_MAINLINE_WITH_HANDLE.asp?catID=21 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MrJones Posted October 22, 2014 Baller Share Posted October 22, 2014 In-tow. Call Brenda. Support a small business that supports the sport. I am very happy with the handle and especially like the knotless rope. It's not cheap, but quality stuff usually isn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TylerR Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 I love my masterline handles. Worth every penny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikegile Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 Masterline has superior rubber that will last! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted October 22, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted October 22, 2014 @zyokes: there are numerous differences between handles and personal choices for function / comfort. Handle diameter, shape, curvature provide different grip and feel characteristics. The way the rope is attached, type of rope also affect how the handle responds, twists or doesn't twist in your hand. The rubber hardness / type provides a certain feel and longevity. Some people are particular about the handle others not so much. For me, I look for several specific characteristics and end up fine tuning my own handles to get them just the way I like them for feel / safety and minimizing elbow / arm strain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller SkiJay Posted October 22, 2014 Baller Share Posted October 22, 2014 What do you do to fine tune your handles @DW? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted October 22, 2014 Baller Share Posted October 22, 2014 Depends on how much you weigh. I don't recommend cheap stuff for anyone over 220lbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted October 22, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted October 22, 2014 @SkiJay: bend the elliptical bar (since nobody seems to offer that anymore) via pipe bender, sometimes flatten the bar a bit (big vise) and zip tie some netting & cross bar as a guard. Roughen the grip if needed. I haven't tried the tire treatment stuff on one yet & I have some in the garage:) Make sure the correct length. One more item, add a rubber cover at the Y so the ski doesn't saw the rope. I need a radius style bar to avoid the tennis elbow issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller A_B Posted October 22, 2014 Baller Share Posted October 22, 2014 the last fine tuning I did on a "cheap" handle... Not exactly how to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller SkiJay Posted October 23, 2014 Baller Share Posted October 23, 2014 Wow @DW, that's pretty enthusiastic. I've thought about bending a little more radius into my handle at times, but always chicken out over concern that it will fail like @AB's pictured above. You've never had this happen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Edbrazil Posted October 23, 2014 Baller Share Posted October 23, 2014 Back around 1970, I may have been the first person to make a 'golf grip' type handle Lots of people liked it, and I sold a few hundred before some manufacturers essentially copied it. The 'Ultra Handle' sold for something like $25, which was a lot at the time. But, it floated and did meet the spec. for strength (and more). At that time, the top line handle may have been the 'Glad Handle'. That had a grip that tended to rip apart, and with an attachment method that tended to chafe the line. I never intended to be a manufacturer, and it was fine that others picked up on the idea. The original idea actually came from Blake Carroll (RIP), with a crude version of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zyokes Posted October 23, 2014 Author Share Posted October 23, 2014 Thank you to everyone with the enthusiastic responses. I I think I will be going with a master line custom handle but couldn't be happier with the responses and help I received on my first post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
volsandskis Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 You will LOVE your Custom Handle from Master Line! They are the best and have great customer service. Make sure you look into what diameter to order. That can really help with the happiness you have in your investment. -Have Fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted October 23, 2014 Baller_ Share Posted October 23, 2014 @SkiJay: So far, everything is working fine. I am a light guy, so don't load the handle as much as a larger skier so that obviously helps. I also tend to grab the handle at the ends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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