What type of handle do you like & Why [Archive]

View Full Version : What type of handle do you like & Why

Steve

5th April 2009, 08:15 AM

I really curious over this one, my main reason is the other thred on strange bats.

Im more interested in why and how peop[le made there choice, what if any are the advantages of either style.

AN Anotomic
FL Flaired
ST Strait
OT Other

Dave Robson

5th April 2009, 08:49 AM

So_Devo

5th April 2009, 12:54 PM

I voted ST, and am a recent convert (having used FL handles for years)

I have changed to ST after buying a used blade with such a handle and liking it so much it has become the main weapon.

What I do like about ST is the ability to "twiddle" quickly after service. I have conventional rubbers but find although I serve predominantly forehand my b/h rubber is a little spinnier so sometimes will switch for service and twiddle back to the position for the rest of the point.

The downside of a ST handle for me was the feeling that I could lose grip and inadvertantly end up embedding it in the far wall or an opponents head while playing aggressive shots! Now I use a thin grip which feels more secure.

I also find a ST handle more conducive to a soft grip for touch shots like service returns.

As to why FL is more popular, it could be more a supply factor. Look at the Chinese ebay sellers or eacheng/presports etc and they often offer cpen or FL as the only options.

All that said, I don't feel uncomfortable playing with ST, FL or AN. I did have a knock with a team-mate's Donic blade (an asymettrical job) and I didn't take to that at all.

Keith

Hovis Bread Eater

5th April 2009, 03:52 PM

Used to be straight when i was playing a lot so i could twiddle easier with my pimples. Now its Anatomic becasue i got a few of the blades cheaper. Can't use flared,

Steve

5th April 2009, 07:50 PM

there is mate if you look at bonemans posts im sure hes got some weird ones . Mines anatomic and ive always been comfortable with it although it seems the FL is the most popular these days, not sure why.

By the way the "Strange Bats" thread is quite interesting steve .......... HERE (http://www.tabletennistalk.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=656&highlight=blade)

Dave this is my i was asking, i loved reading those posts but cant work out how Boneman plays with it... What a stange looking bat.

Scarey, it really is....

Tell us Bone man how you came to try it in the first place.....

RMaxwellUSN

8th April 2009, 09:06 AM

I play with straight handles. I don't like anything else. I am chopper, so that is a big part of my game. To me, it makes crossing BH/FH a lot easier.

Barry White

13th April 2009, 09:51 AM

I usual go for a AN handle. If I buy a FL I always sand the Flair out. My favourite is the adapted FL handle making it an OT.

Dave Robson

13th April 2009, 03:44 PM

Agreed i prefer Anatomic as the flair seems to irritate my grip. Whats the popular in the World ?

Im guessing the FL not sure

MickM

13th April 2009, 06:04 PM

FL for me, i did try other types but this suited my grip.

Highside

15th April 2009, 05:15 PM

FL has always been my favourite.

DarkHorse

21st April 2009, 10:39 PM

Used to be flair but got a AN and it filled my hand really nice, so Im a total convert!!

TRapid

22nd April 2009, 06:27 AM

better feedback with straight handle for me

NativeNewYorker

23rd April 2009, 08:52 AM

Most who convert to AN ussually stick with it but the FL seems to get the first choice. Has anyone noticed the FL seems massive now? compared with years ago.

SteveJ

27th April 2009, 02:54 PM

AN for me and ive tried others, it has a nice comfortable grip.

TonyZeqiri

28th April 2009, 04:15 PM

I find AN best, it feels like it is in your hand more when you are playing and also when your hand gets sweaty it doesn't slip, whereas with the ST and FL handles I find they tend to slip slightly

Ruudolph

28th April 2009, 07:48 PM

Just got a Grubba Pro - anatomic handle. I must say it's really comfortable. I've got all the 'big three' handles now and I like & comfortable with all of them. :happy:

Sparky

28th April 2009, 08:24 PM

Not sure if I've had/tried an anatomic, but do prefer the straight handle for twiddling.I have to agree with R Maxwell it makes for am easier switch between BH/FH Not keen on Flaired

Steve

29th April 2009, 09:02 PM

We have a draw at the moment 32 persent each an fl st but the others are struggling, interesting poll considering there is suppost to be a favorite

TheMoose

2nd May 2009, 12:33 AM

Spinmaster

3rd May 2009, 04:06 PM

FL still the best and nice balance

Bimbsi59

3rd May 2009, 08:41 PM

Always used An gives you safest grip.

Dave Robson

4th May 2009, 08:41 AM

is there many leagues and clubs over there binbsi?

Bimbsi59

4th May 2009, 02:34 PM

Yes m8 I play in Belfast & District Div 2 but have just won promotion to the Premier Division,we have 3 divisions used to be 14 divisions throughout Northern Ireland but during the Troubles teams where afraid to travel, so broke up into their own District leagues.
So overall we would have six or seven different leagues with two or three divisions in them Belfast & District Premier would be the hardest Division and provide the players for Ulster Annahilt who play in British Vets Division 2B.:pingbat:

Dave Robson

4th May 2009, 02:50 PM

So the trend is teams are increasing with the trouble being a lot less ?

The level is good?

Fox

4th May 2009, 03:00 PM

In case you missed it more here http://www.tabletennistalk.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1281

Dave Robson

4th May 2009, 03:17 PM

ive always been comfortable with AN although it seems the FL is the most popular these days, not sure why.

Im pretty much the same since i posted that but did try a FL for a week or two since i had to try some rubber on the new maze blade but still prefer the AN - must be my age

Jurij Kos

20th June 2009, 06:03 PM

fl that is the best for me

Dave Robson

20th June 2009, 06:16 PM

arrrrr but why !

Anatomic for me but my reason is the comfort plus FL annoys me when i play

Jurij Kos

20th June 2009, 06:41 PM

because fl gives me the biggest comfort

Annie

20th June 2009, 07:12 PM

arrrrr but why !

Anatomic for me but my reason is the comfort plus FL annoys me when i play

Hey Mr Mature Sensible Player, perhaps you need to revisit HERE (http://www.tabletennistalk.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1819)!

:tomato:

ChrisAngus

21st June 2009, 06:04 PM

iv'e been playing straight handle for years and always will it give you
the freedom of adjusting your grip to what ever you want fl i feel that
you would be a little limited for twisting ect:rocker::rocker::rocker:

Fox

22nd June 2009, 01:22 PM

I also thought the straight handle allowed for better, faster grip adjustment. But after using all 3 styles I discovered I preferred the flared for that attribute. My flared has the narrowest handle diameter just below the blade and the flare allows me to loosen the grip more without fear of loosing the paddle.

KieranNCFC

26th June 2009, 07:07 PM

Used ST when learning but FL is much more comfy and it fits in your hand well. I feel when i go for loops with a ST handle i feel that i will let go of it, whereas if i had a FL handle it would fit snug in my hand

DKPech

27th June 2009, 05:32 PM

I like any handle that uses cork. When you play and your hand gets sweaty, a cork handle will become more grippy. As you use a cork handle it will become old and grimy. To make it look like new use a cloth and some bleach. It will look like new.:happy:

Annie

27th June 2009, 05:37 PM

ChrisAngus

27th June 2009, 07:02 PM

i used the bat edging tape for my handle grip :rocker::rocker::rocker:

Annie

27th June 2009, 07:27 PM

Well I'm trying to be sensible. I'm 46 years of age and felt that I was not fit enough to overexert myself as much as I was doing playing Table Tennis. Losing weight nicely now ta :happy: All I think about is playing again. Does this make me sad or strange? Can't wait!

I like to think I had the good sense to realise I was over doing it unlike MJ. I'm so looking forward to walking back into that hall a few stone lighter just to see the faces. I'm sure, if they have spared a thought, all think I have just given up. Looooool they know me not! :coin:

ChrisAngus

27th June 2009, 07:38 PM

like i said on another thread do what i do plenty of walking annie when you
get back to the table you will feel refresh and ready to go :rocker::rocker::rocker:
you are far from sad beleive me wish i was 46 again :rocker::rocker::rocker:

Annie

27th June 2009, 08:56 PM

Cheers for the encouragement Chris! :rocker::rocker::rocker:

JonTT

7th March 2010, 05:21 PM

haha i'm C penhold player so speaks for itself

Dave Robson

7th March 2010, 05:25 PM

well not many around nowadays jon !

Chana Dal

14th March 2010, 10:02 PM

I love the straight handle .... have tried flare and anatomic
straight makes the blade a little top heavy ... and thats what i like
i must admit some straight handles are a little too thin but when you get one you like
there is no going back .. i play a Korbel Magic Hand and it has all the gears
lovely touch over the table and nice feel when letting rip
also i prefer the balance when playing back hand
played with a maze carbon but bought the flare and i couldnt use it
a mate had the straight but the handle was so so thin