handle

[fms]

 Hey whats up ? can anyone give a recommendation on an aftermarket  handle that's sort  of low profile ?  It will be put on a PSH 9'6 ripper.

Thanks.

[motopilot]

I got of the the Surfco handles and have been very impressed with it.  A friend had on on his Hobie race board when I used it and was so easy to carry.  Install was simple, peel back pad, clean and install with supplied 5min glue.  Let it sit for 24hrs and you are set to go.  Have them on my 9'2 and 10'6.  These are the flush mount ones so they are flat and do not get in the way of riding or moving your feet around the board.  Been on my boards for a couple of months and no problems.  Best advice though is to make sure you are center on the board so when you carry it is balanced in your hands.

Here's a link I took off their website..

http://www.surfcohawaii.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=A-EZ_Handles

[H2Oman]

I agree, love the EZ handle.  Mines been holding strong for 6+ months of regular use.  You don't get the forearm and finger cramps like the recessed handles on those long walks back to the car.

Here's some photos of mine installed if you want to see how flat it lays. 

[fms]

Thanks very much for the fast reply and for the links . looks like a well made product, I'll definatley check it out.   
                                                                                                  FMS

[chipmonk]

I've put these handles on several boards, and really like them too. One thing I will add is that as careful as I have tried to be in prepping the surface on each one, a couple times one of the plugs has pulled off. This usually results in damage to the board.

Soo...my personal recommendation is to just epoxy the plugs to the board. Yeah, its nice that you could take em off easily and not have a residue, but honestly, if you want them, why would you ever take em off ? They can fail with the provided glue, although it is probably a case of difficulty in prepping the surface when you are cutting out an existing deck pad.  But if you epoxy them on, I doubt they will ever fail and then you dont have to think about it at all.

[kronix]

I just put a SurfCo EZ handle on my 9'6" Wide Ripper, and I'm very pleased with it. I mounted mine on my backside rail (left rail) and it carry's like a suitcase. I didn't put it in the middle as it could effect foot positioning when surfing.

[Toesonthenose]

Re. The aftermarket Surfco handles. Do NOT put the "sticky back" E-Z handle mounts on your board as they have been known to fail. Surfco has agreed to repair boards that are damaged due to the failure of the "sticky back" mounts. Surfco is now marketing their handle mounts with a little tube of glue with which to affix the handle mounts to a board. These should nor fail

[fms]

 yo, I decide on the surfco flat style handle. Its been on for a over a week and I like it . Thanks everyone

[Johnson207]

what are your preferences for mounting location?

[H2Oman]

I put mine in the center and positioned as best as possible for the board to be balanced when carrying it.  Over a year with out any issues and way easier to carry and less arm fatigue with that board than my others with the common cutout handle. 

[Six Feet and Glassy]

I also use the glue-on flat strap but in a different position. 

I have mine centered length-wise, but close to the rail on the heel-side (I'm goofy, so right side).  In this position I don't step on it AND I don't get my toe under it. 

I ride an 8'10" and - besides carrying - use it for climbing back on after falling.  As you all know, it can be difficult while holding a paddle in rough water.  The handle allows me to lever my forearm against the deck, push the tail down with one knee, then walk up onto the board.  Might be just cuz I'm used to it, but it seems less fatiguing (is that a word?).