How to choose the grip mode for your wing: rigid handles, soft handles or wishbone?
Choosing the right grip mode on a wing is a key element in optimizing comfort, handling and performance.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, it's important to understand the differences between hard grips, soft grips, and boom. Each of these options offers a distinct feel and can impact your riding depending on your riding style and preferences.
In this article, we'll compare these three systems to help you choose which one will best suit your practice.
Soft handles: lightness and simplicity
Benefits
- Lightness : Soft handles help reduce the overall weight of the wing, improving ergonomics and handling.
- Comfort : They offer a good grip without too rigid pressure points, limiting arm fatigue.
- Ease of transport : Being flexible, they make it easier to fold and store the wing.
- Error tolerance : Their flexibility allows them to better absorb sudden movements such as gusts, which is an advantage for beginners.
- Neutrality : They offer very good Freefly capabilities.
Disadvantages
- Less precision : Compared to rigid handles or wishbones, they offer less control and responsiveness in riding the wing.
- Less power when pumping : To generate speed or relaunch after a jibe, they are less effective than rigid handles or a wishbone.
Soft grips are therefore ideal for riders who prefer lightness and comfort as well as for beginners.
Discover our soft handles: HERE
Rigid handles: precision and responsiveness
The hard handles are an evolution of the soft handles, offering more control and stability. They are made of carbon and fixed on the central edge of the wing.
Benefits
- Better control : The rigidity of the handles allows for more direct transmission of movements, which improves precision.
- Increased responsiveness : Direction changes and wing power control are faster and more efficient.
Disadvantages
- Less comfortable : In case of long sessions, the rigidity can cause the arms and hands to tire more quickly.
Rigid handles are a good compromise between lightness and control.
They will suit riders looking for more precision without opting for a wishbone.
Discover our rigid Carbon handles: HERE
Wishbone (boom): performance and versatility
The wishbone , or boom, is a rigid carbon tube that runs the entire length of the wing and replaces the handles. Inspired by windsurfing, it allows for a continuous grip along the central edge.
Benefits
- Maximum precision : The wishbone offers instant transmission of movements, ideal for advanced riders.
- Ease of handling : As in windsurfing, it allows you to freely adjust the position of your hands, making control more intuitive.
- More effective in freestyle : For aerial maneuvers or tricks, they offer better grip and facilitate handling in flight.
Disadvantages
- More bulky : Unlike handles, the wishbone cannot be folded, which complicates transport and storage. At Takoon, we offer a transport bag .
- Heavier : Even in carbon, it adds weight to the wing, which can be a disadvantage for certain practices such as freefly.
- Requires some adjustment time : For riders coming from wings with handles, the transition to a wishbone can take some learning time.
The wishbone is particularly recommended for experienced riders looking for maximum performance, particularly in freerace and freestyle.
Discover our Carbon Booms: HERE
Which grip mode should you choose for your wing?
- Are you a beginner or looking for a lightweight and easy-to-carry wing? Choose the soft handles , ideal for comfortable and intuitive navigation.
- Want more control without sacrificing weight? Rigid grips provide more precision while remaining versatile.
- Are you looking for the best performance and optimum control? The wishbone is the ideal solution for direct transmission and precise adjustment of the grip.
The choice of grip mode therefore depends on your navigation style, your level and your search in terms of comfort and performance. If you prefer simplicity and lightness, soft handles are perfect. If you want more precision and responsiveness, rigid handles are an excellent compromise. Finally, if you are looking for the best in terms of control and performance, the wishbone is an option to consider.
The grip style of your wing plays a key role in your experience on the water. Each option has its pros and cons, and the ideal choice will depend on your needs and your practice.
Whatever your choice, a good grip will help you progress and fully enjoy your wingfoil session.
At Takoon all our Wings are compatible with all grip modes.