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WATERSKI Magazine
You wouldn't think that in the wakeboarding world of 12-foot airs and wake-to-flats spins that an extra inch or two would matter. But when you're talking about handle size, extra inches can mean a big difference. That's where U.S. Gear's new Radius Edge handles come in. The roomy 14-inch and 15-inch handles are covered with a grippy foam rubber that gives riders extra purchase while making handle-pass maneuvers or simply launching a fat invert off the double-up. Couple that with their unobtrusive floats and your choice of a braided or coated bridle, and you've got a pretty efficient piece of gear for your next riding session.
Of course, one longstanding concern about making wakeboard handles too wide is that they compromise safety by increasing the yoke size. (Bigger yokes = more room to get tangled in a fall and possibly cause serious injury.) But U.S. Gear has kept the yoke size on their wakeboard handle the same as their slalom handle by curving the edges out and adding more room for hand position. The curve should be only slightly noticeable in flight, while the stability created by the shorter yoke can only be a benefit.
Both sizes of the Radius Edge handle come in three different braid designs (standard, pony and macra weave) and are guaranteed to float. The handles retail for $55-$78. For more info contact U.S. Gear at 602-951-4200.
