I've always used regular V shape. What is the difference in feel and performance?

V grip (cross section) ? Or the pic above?

If you mean that curve the left one is wayyyyyy better. I feel a bit weird on slalom / race booms as I am always on the new school wave boom shape (left)

I have both , I don't think there is any performance difference.
They do however feel different especially the front hand when gibing .
Also the front hand seems a little further away from the sail.

My gybes seem to work better with the C shape, the boom falls into the new front hand better during the transition. But I don't notice any difference just sailing.

Doesn't you wrist get badly kinked while gybing with the c-shape? Or don't people slide the hand forward any more?

Not that I've noticed. I guess I don't slide my hand forward until I start the flip. When powered I go into the gybe over sheeted,

I find the C shape way nicer, especially sailing with overhand grip on the front hand. If you're mainly underhand on the front then regular shape may be better may be better.

i found you can have your hand closer to the mast when gybing ,with the C
your wrist is in a nicer non twisted way ...
it does fell like your riding a harley sometimes with ape hangers

have both .in other brands ....i like the regular for speed runs ..nice tight sheeted in feeling .
mucking around gybing a lot ,playing in waves or ocean sailing ..where you don't want to blow gybes ..you may like the C.
i can't choose .

i agree with Aus 1111 spot on .

I only sail in the ocean, and amongst my crowd, I know of nobody who sails with both hands always using an overhand grip. I'm not a flat water racer so I can't speak to that, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's close the same with them.
So, I find that graphic (by Unifiber) not very representative, truth in advertising seems to be lacking, only IMO of course.

Sailing with a front overhand grip is just weird.

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The front hands look too far forward to me, I'm fairly sure my front hand is usually back where the angles are very similar.

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Shifu said..
Sailing with a front overhand grip is just weird.

Maybe I am weird, but if so then so is A2 Not comparing myself with him but I find overhand not only more comfortable but I feel like you get better feedback from the rig this way, as though being more symmetrical allows your brain to evaluate the forces more accurately so you can attain better trim. This may be a legacy of years spent sailing IMCO, but I'd be interested to know if anyone else sees it that way.

I switch to underhand when things get tricky like if it's really rough or really windy, as it feels a stronger grip. Wavesailing is pretty much always overhand as the sail is so light and easy.

I used to sail overhand but ended up with a shoulder problem from hard landings. I had a few injections and learned to sail underhand and never had the problem again. I always switch to overhand before a gybe though.

I only sail overhand , unless I'm totally knakkered and then it's only for one run then back to overhand then cry for mamma and retire.

Underhand for me ...biceps....and Lats ...

over is more shoulder .and lats.....but do change to overhand before gybing ..

let your body do the thinking ...what ever feels right... is right .

we are talking front hand only .right.

your right decrepit ......unless wave sailing ..then you hands are dancing all over the boom .

Personal preference really. Sailing starboard my front hand is usually underhand grip, especially in gusty conditions. I find it gives more control but tires quicker. Then its overhand for short stints to ease forearm fatigue. Port tack i use overhand always, but i am a lefty. My right wrist doesnt like overhand angles.

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olskool said..
Personal preference really. Sailing starboard my front hand is usually underhand grip, especially in gusty conditions. I find it gives more control but tires quicker. Then its overhand for short stints to ease forearm fatigue. Port tack i use overhand always, but i am a lefty. My right wrist doesnt like overhand angles.

I'm exactly the same as you

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Yves said..

olskool said..
Personal preference really. Sailing starboard my front hand is usually underhand grip, especially in gusty conditions. I find it gives more control but tires quicker. Then its overhand for short stints to ease forearm fatigue. Port tack i use overhand always, but i am a lefty. My right wrist doesnt like overhand angles.

I'm exactly the same as you

Haha thought it was just me. Noticed it awile ago n often wonder why? It just seems to happen as Tardy said. Your body goes to whats 'naturally comfortable'.

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Yves said..

olskool said..
Personal preference really. Sailing starboard my front hand is usually underhand grip, especially in gusty conditions. I find it gives more control but tires quicker. Then its overhand for short stints to ease forearm fatigue. Port tack i use overhand always, but i am a lefty. My right wrist doesnt like overhand angles.

I'm exactly the same as you

Ditto