Which Tail Handle?

[WhatsSUP]

I know in the past this topic has been beat to smithereens, but I'm wondering what you guys are thinking/reco'ing nowadays....

I want to pick up/install a couple and would appreciate any suggestions - preferably w/ pics!  My only desire is to avoid possibility of finger wrap, so no ropes/lines please!  Also, not opposed to carving out a kickpad.  As far as the latter, I just haven't been able to find one that's got decent vertical height.

Thanks!   

[Badger]

I've been using the NSI handle for years now on six different boards and am perfectly happy with it.

http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=251

JimK can get them and will give you the Zoner discount.

The best way to mount it is with the pads turned 90 degrees with the handle curved toward the nose. It has less chance of trapping your fingers this way. You don't need to wrap your whole hand around it. Hold it with just your fingers so that you can let it go if you need to. It works great, even in overhead surf. I wouldn't own a board without one.

[stoneaxe]

I don't know why the NSI folks didn't put the one I was working on with them into production. I wish someone would....maybe I should just do it myself. I modded what they sent me as a prototype and to me it's close to perfect. Makes a great stomp, no chance of getting your fingers stuck, and is rock solid, no way it will ever break or pull off. I've tried a bunch of different tail handles now, built my own with ez-plugs, used the NSI like above....it's sitting next to me now in my office.....pulled off in a head high wave.  I didn't epoxy the plugs on just used the glue that comes with them and prepped the surface well. It lasted about 9 months before coming free. I didn't mount it like Badger though and that looks like it would work better. I'd still say modify a stomp, put a flat smooth pad under the last half to build it up and do a little work with a razor and a dremel. Like badger said you just need to hook your fingers over it. After you get it all down I'd just cut a finger slot straight down to the board surface through both the stomp and the pad.

[Badger]

I don't know why the NSI folks didn't put the one I was working on with them into production. I wish someone would....maybe I should just do it myself.

I liked the one you designed. The only drawback is the installation, requiring removal/destruction of the original kickpad.

I haven't had an NSI handle come off yet. The surface prep is important. It needs to be clean, dry and smooth. I wipe the area with acetone before sticking the pads down. Then I warm them up with a hair dryer after, while continuing to apply pressure and wait at least 12 hours before getting it wet.

.

[stoneaxe]

Brain fart....just looked at it. It's an ex-plug handle not NSI...nevermind....

[PonoBill]

I was just wondering how Bob got an NSI plug to come off without the surrounding fiberglass.  That's some crazy-ass glue. I've watched them make them here in Hood River--it's a 3M product. You might thing there's some kind of slick machine buidling these things, but no, it's a couple of guys cutting them out and sticking them together.  Incredibly fast though.

[southwesterly]

 Yeah, another tail handle thread!

 Once I rigged up these simple ones, I've never used anything else.

[TallDude]

+1  Same on mine.

[Fog City Rider]

What is the strategy here, just grab the handle when you get caught inside so you don't lost control of your board? 

[WhatsSUP]

Yeah, I was bummed the group Stoney was working with didn't pick up his idea up!  NSI handle a la Badger-mount appears next best thing as tubing, line, etc., is a bit worrisome (to me). 

   

   

[TallDude]

What is the strategy here, just grab the handle when you get caught inside so you don't lost control of your board?

Yes. It works great. If you feel the board starting to twist, let go. Probably only actually use it when I'm caught inside on OH days. Helps getting your board in and out of a board bag too.

[stoneaxe]

The fat one I made with pool noodle works well too. Double plug like southwests. I still like the stomp the best. It's subtle but it gives better control than anything you can get with a cord.

[The Kernel]

My latest install...Basic, non sexy setup, but this has worked for me on about 10 boards now.  Never have had one tear off.

When I was out in large surf at the Camp Pendleton "Church" break earlier this week, Mr. Impact Zone punished me several times for forgetting to install that handle.  Fortunately, I had the handle in the garage buried at the work bench, so I was able to dig it out and correct the error of my ways fairly quickly.

I actually like the dual plug/custom handle setup some of you are running, but haven't gone to the trouble yet of installing dual plugs.....next one maybe.   

[stoneaxe]

That is the one that pulled off. Now that I'm actually thinking it didn't come off on a wave. It came off as I picked it up and was moving the board in my yard. I had the one that goes on with superglue not 3M peel and stick.

[PonoBill]

If I have the time, I'll walk down to NSI on Monday and get some of the prototypes from them. Last time I was there they had five or six sitting on a bench. Or I'll just get them to make me a few. Great little company, and handy. They're about four blocks from my house.