12"6" Side Handle

[Keys Sup]

Finally got out on my JL Slice. At 30" it is wider, thicker and heavier than the 10"6" Naish. Board felt good and I got a chance to work on stroke technique in the flat water in a canal. It is kinda of bulky to lift and was wondering if other people use one side handle to make it easier to lift. The board is drilled for side handles. Can I use machine screws so the hard JL handle can come off before it goes into the bag? Or is it better to use a soft handle so it can stay on in the bag?