I've noticed more fatigue just going from Swing V2 soft handles to Swing V3 slightly firmer handles! Its possible the tighter canopy of the V3 is also a factor. I don't have much experience with hard handles but I wouldn't expect them to be any kinder on your hands.

BWalnut said..
I've used many types. Larger hard diameter is very fatiguing and painful (original booms). Smaller and hard is better. for soft handles I prefer round and medium to large diameter. The smallest diameter like on my v3 strike causes pain points from the load being directed into a smaller area in my hand. It hurts my fingers instead of wrists. IMO the best thing you can do is develop the skill to ride smaller wings and faster foils. I'm over 150 sessions in the last year, all on smaller gear and it has been a life changer for my joints.

I think you are right on here...just looking to minimize the pain (financial and physical) in getting there by getting some more recommendations...

...wondering if anyone will take on boom vs. handles in this context...

SpokeyDoke said..

BWalnut said..
I've used many types. Larger hard diameter is very fatiguing and painful (original booms). Smaller and hard is better. for soft handles I prefer round and medium to large diameter. The smallest diameter like on my v3 strike causes pain points from the load being directed into a smaller area in my hand. It hurts my fingers instead of wrists. IMO the best thing you can do is develop the skill to ride smaller wings and faster foils. I'm over 150 sessions in the last year, all on smaller gear and it has been a life changer for my joints.

I think you are right on here...just looking to minimize the pain (financial and physical) in getting there by getting some more recommendations...

...wondering if anyone will take on boom vs. handles in this context...

Well, on the upside brands are moving towards multiple handle and boom options which is really nice.

I loved my slim boom, definitely my all time favorite and softest impact on my hands. I've gotten very used to my semi rigid soft handles though.

Gloves are definitely still my kryptonite no matter what the handles are. I 100% have to wear a harness if using gloves. Never use it when riding without gloves.

Strike v1 and V2, I was able to ride for 1hr to 1 1/2hour without harness with 5mm gloves and 6mm wetsuit, the V3 I needed a harness. In fact the strikes V1 and V2 are the only wing I was able to ride without harness for a full day on summer in boardshort and wasn't feeling the need of a harness, cannot say the same with other brand I've tried and the strike V3. Anything bigger than 6m for me..I need a harness period, regardless the brand.I think, handle diameter is one factor, the other factor is how the wing pull constantly...higher aspect wing seems to pull less than lower aspect wing that is more fuller and has more grunt at low end.
I did not tried the V4, but they do have some different kind of handles, maybe they will become less physical than the V3?

The unit V2 and V3 by Duotone have the smallest that I have found. I have issues too with my hands from years on the windsurf boom and wing nearly every day on the Unit V2 and find them really easy on the hands. I have stayed on the Unit specifically due to the small diameter (as well as great performance) and I am very wary of changing brands or models since I have found these handles. Good luck!