The Great Debate
The debate between rigid booms and soft handles has persisted for years. However, survey data from large community hubs provides a definitive answer regarding rider preference for general riding.
Control and Precision
The primary driver for boom adoption is control. A rigid boom allows the rider to place their hands anywhere along the strut. Data suggests this results in crisper control during gybes. Furthermore, carbon booms are lighter than aluminum versions and enable riders to execute turns that are tighter than those possible with soft handles.
Ergonomics and Fatigue
Booms significantly reduce hand fatigue. In sessions longer than two hours, ergonomic grips on booms reduce strain because the rider can make micro-adjustments to hand position. Conversely, handles lock the hands into a fixed position, which can lead to cramping and forearm pump over time.
The Rise of the Pistol Grip
A hybrid trend is the "pistol grip" handle. Manufacturers are elongating the front handle to allow riders to grab the wing's center of effort with a single hand, similar to flagging out but with active power control. This technique is revolutionizing wave riding, offering 80% of the drift benefit of a boom without the added weight.
Ergonomics: Why Oval Matters
Not all booms are created equal. The shift from round tubes to ovalized (teardrop) profiles mimics the natural shape of a closed hand. This increases the contact patch between glove and grip, reducing the "death grip" force needed to control the wing in gusts.
Swing Weight: Carbon vs. Aluminum
While aluminum booms are cost-effective, they suffer from high swing weight. A 600g aluminum boom feels like 2kg at the wingtip during a tack. Carbon booms, weighing nearly half as much, drastically reduce this rotational inertia.
Data Point: Riders switching to carbon booms report a 30% perceived increase in tack speed due to the reduced effort required to throw the wing overhead.
The Versatility of Hybrids
Despite the benefits, booms add weight. Manufacturers have introduced hybrid systems like Duotone’s Fusion which allow swapping between boom and handles. While soft handles remain superior for air travel because they pack flat, booms dominate in wave riding due to their superior drift control.
Sources & Further Reading
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