Slalom Handle Advice

[ProTour X9]

The old line and handle aren't what they used to be. I'm looking for a new handle with the ergonomic "v" shape...any recommendations?? Also what is the best line out there?:confused:

[h2oskiluvr]

In addition to the "v" which you will see referred to as a "radius" handle you should also consider the diameter too. I use Clincher gloves so a smaller diameter radius handle works great. The Masterline radius handle with a .94" diameter core works best for me. I suggest you spend the extra money to get a "high end" rope. They will cost quite a bit more but they last longer. In addition, from the accuracy I have found it to be much safer for the people in the boat as the rope isn't "springy" so you don't need to worry about getting hit by the rope.

[JLeuck64]

Slalom handles are like shoes... be prepared to try some different ones before you find one you like. I was disappointed in the V type handles, they hurt my wrists when slalom skiing. Ended up putting that handle on a 60 foot rope and using it for trick skiing only. At least I am getting some use out of that purchase...

[ProTour X9]

We like the v or radius handles, and have always bought Straight Line products; just wondering if there was something better, it seems like all the new handle grips twist around (which I don't like).

[André]

Changed to "Radius" style handles this year too.Went with a Connelly (whatever their brand name is) hoping to solve my elbows problems.It did...for a while.Now the pain is back.
Skiing wise,didn't have more misgrabs then a regular handle and it does seem to be a bit softer on my old elbows when taking slack hits.
My friend bought a cheap combo (40$, he's got a 50 k skiboat!:rolleyes:) rope and handle.The brand is call Vantana.The handle is not a "V" shape but a continuous curve.
Didn't like that one at all... even if i ran 5 at 35.
Only to find out that the rope was 3 feet too LONG!!!:(

[ggroller]

Accurate makes a nice handle and rope. They're not cheap, though.

The Radar handles look good too. I think I'm going to try one of those out next season.

[Cottonwood]

After using every major/minor brand out there, our club uses Masterline ropes and handles due to their accuracy and durability. We get a discount from them so if you figure out what you want, let me know and I'll shoot you a price.

Their website is www.masterlineusa.com

jdarwin (at) lakesatcottonwood.com

[Cottonwood]

Actually, our club is submitting a large order to Masterline next week to insure Xmas delivery. We get a substantial discount for ordering in bulk. If you are wanting to purchase any Masterline product for yourself or as a gift, shoot me an e-mail and I'll give you a price on any item you would like to order. Again, we are ordering on Nov. 17th.

jdarwin (at) lakesatcottonwood.com

[Kevin 89MC]

We like the v or radius handles, and have always bought Straight Line products; just wondering if there was something better, it seems like all the new handle grips twist around (which I don't like).

My ski partner got me into the Accurate Custom ARS handles. ARS stands for anti roll system. Go to http://www.accuratelines.com/ for more info. I don't think they offer them in the "v" style though. I did like my v handle originally, but as I got into the course, I really didn't like it anymore.

The reason we both like the ARS is they eliminate the rolling or twisting of the handle, which it seems like your issue as well. On a normal handle, the rope comes out of the middle of the bar, but on the ARS, the rope is split and comes off the top and bottom of the bar, eliminating the potential of the handle to roll. Well worth the ~$75 IMHO. For ropes he got us a smokin' deal on the Masterline black ropes ("deluxe" I think), they work great.
Good luck,
Kevin