What are your opinions on carbon handles vs the traditional handles?

proline LG <BR> <BR>nothing's better

^^^ Ditto, and the customer support is awesome if you need it.

I hate carbon... chips in the boat and board turned me off. If you stack hard and slam your hand down to the board with the handle still in your hand you can get a nasty pinch as well. Plus they are heavy and I like "minimalist" handles.

I think they (carbon handles) are overrated... but this is coming from an average intermediate-ish rider. i have only used one once. <BR> <BR>two ways i look at it is <BR>1.) seems most of the pics out there in the mags are not showing the carbon handles being used. And the major spinning pros out there don't seem to "require" them. <BR>2.) Most importantly, the hand-grip-padding sure aint gona last as long as the carbon and you'll end up needing to buy a new one at about the same rate as a traditional one probably. <BR> <BR>... but if one came up on a really good deal then i would consider it (if i was in the market for a handle), but at retail price, NO WAY! <BR> <BR>but that's just my opinion, and probably less qualified at that ;)

p.s. if your looking for "light weight", i have heard (not experienced) the Helium handles being pretty darn light. they are some composite material or something... i'm still waiting for an opportunity to see one in person, they are pricy too

There is always the chance of slamming your knuckles into the carbon handle when passing it, and they provide a little less flexibility on the pass as well. I would just stick with a traditional.

I have a Accurate Carbon Handle and I like the grip, but it hurts when you fall or catch an edge with a carbon handle. I got it for my birthday, so I can't really complain about the price. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/proud.gif" border=0> But I would NEVER have paid that much for a handle. <BR> <BR>Nothing beats the Proline LG or Ronix North.

I am not a big fan of the carbon handles with the molded, curved grip (Catalyst). It does not match my hand spread and gets very uncomfortable by set #2. That being said, I have not ridden on a traditional triangular carbon handle.

I hate carbon handles. They're expensive and they have some negative qualities. On the other hand, I would highly recommend the Straightline A.R.I. handles. They don't "roll," which is the only real benefit that I see to the carbon handles anyway. Also, they're really light, they're durable, you can swap out the grips, and they won't damage you, your board, or your boat. Also, they're half the price of the carbon handles.

any thoughts on the proline carbon handles?

thanks for all the feedback! I just wasn't sure if it was just me that hated carbon handles or everyone... I think that they're over-priced, painful, and rough on a board

While on the subject of handles, does "floatless" mean what I think it does? Sink?

the only thing carbon handles are good for is to throw at tubers,wallys and fisherman that are ruining your day and hasseling you.you can toss that sucker a long way and take those wallys down! <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0> <BR> <BR>I love my Helium handles they are great..

Jon Hunter - most "floatless" handle do not have any type of foam floats on them and sometimes do fill up with water. however, they aren't really heavy enough to sink more than two feet or so. i've never had trouble finding mine. <BR> <BR>on another note any chamois style grip (LG, North, new Murray and Byerly) handle owns these days.

jason - I've got a proline militia handle. It's pretty cool; it floats, has a comfy grip, and my favorite part is that it's 17" instead of 15" like most handles. That in itself I find makes the handle more comfortable and it feels really weird and uncomfortable to use any of my old handles now.

I hate carbon handles. My wife bought me one a few years ago not knowing and its hard on your boat, gear, etc. I had the straight line carbon batam and the grip started to fall apart within a year. Also wasnt very comfortable.

Do an ole' and knock your self in the head. Then you will figure out why carbon handles are garbage.

Eyekahn, I can vouch for that. I about knocked myself out!!

I have gone through 2 LG's now. I will be buying another for this next season. <BR> <BR>Best handle ever. <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>

With a carbon handle there is no possible way to wrap. Also spinning and landing blind with one is hard as crap.

I also have a Proline Militia Ltd Carbon. It is super kewl and I do like the 17" grip. But w/o any flex in the handle, sometimes it's hard to hang on in tough landings. Also I feel it made my tennis elbow worse last summer. It does have a t-handle. $75 any takers?

Carbon handles cause bloody toes chipped boats dented boards and last but not least stiches in a buddys face.. Carbon handle is now my pool triangle... <BR>Lg proline. All the way