Has anyone come across this little handle stiffener I spotted in an Insta post a while back? Could be a nice addition to improve the control while flagging.

That looks like the 'Slick Pick' handle made by Clemens in Germany. I've ordered a couple of these handles from him and they work ok. They are made from a flexible TPU filament.
I've made some of my own using more rigid (nylon) filament and I think they work a bit better than the flexible Slick Pick.
PM me if you want Clemen's contact details.

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Nikita said..
That looks like the 'Slick Pick' handle made by Clemens in Germany. I've ordered a couple of these handles from him and they work ok. They are made from a flexible TPU filament.
I've made some of my own using more rigid (nylon) filament and I think they work a bit better than the flexible Slick Pick.
PM me if you want Clemen's contact details.

can you share a print file? awesome idea

I can, but I've designed my handle to suit the 2022 Slick SLS, while the Slick Pick fits 2023 Slicks (and Unit) onwards. The 2023 front straps are much shorter than the 2022 ones.
Once I've dialed in my 2023 rigid handle design, then I can share the STL. Probably a month or two away.

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Nikita said..
I can, but I've designed my handle to suit the 2022 Slick SLS, while the Slick Pick fits 2023 Slicks (and Unit) onwards. The 2023 front straps are much shorter than the 2022 ones.
Once I've dialed in my 2023 rigid handle design, then I can share the STL. Probably a month or two away.

Could I get a copy of the SLS stl or step file please ?

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Wetscotty said..
Has anyone come across this little handle stiffener I spotted in an Insta post a while back? Could be a nice addition to improve the control while flagging.

If you get a model and need someone to print it, I can do that for you. Just cost you shipping from NZ to Aus

Are they two pieces that click over the existing handle or have to be sewn in?

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MrFish said..

Nikita said..
I can, but I've designed my handle to suit the 2022 Slick SLS, while the Slick Pick fits 2023 Slicks (and Unit) onwards. The 2023 front straps are much shorter than the 2022 ones.
Once I've dialed in my 2023 rigid handle design, then I can share the STL. Probably a month or two away.

Could I get a copy of the SLS stl or step file please ?

Yes, I've sent you a PM.
Here's what it looks like:

It's one piece. No sewing required. You just pop it on when the wing is deflated, and once inflated, it gets 'locked' into place by the inflated shape. I've added a couple of pieces of gorilla tape over the neoprene at the tips to make sure that it doesn't get damaged. You can see the clear tape in the photo.
My handle design is open on the outside because your hand doesn't actually touch the open side, so it feels great in the hand when the wing is flagging. It also allows for easy drying with the handle still installed. I don't remove the handle when packing up.

Hi,

I have two 2023 Duotone Units and they are great wings, except front handle, which is really ****ty design.
Nikita your design looks just what I have been searhing for.
I have never 3D printed before, but if you already have 2023 file and you are willing to share it I think it's time to start learning.
Here in Finland we have free to use 3D printers in our libraries. Nylon is not available but PLA and ABS are. Which one you would recomend?

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Nikita said..

MrFish said..

Nikita said..
I can, but I've designed my handle to suit the 2022 Slick SLS, while the Slick Pick fits 2023 Slicks (and Unit) onwards. The 2023 front straps are much shorter than the 2022 ones.
Once I've dialed in my 2023 rigid handle design, then I can share the STL. Probably a month or two away.

Could I get a copy of the SLS stl or step file please ?

Yes, I've sent you a PM.
Here's what it looks like:

It's one piece. No sewing required. You just pop it on when the wing is deflated, and once inflated, it gets 'locked' into place by the inflated shape. I've added a couple of pieces of gorilla tape over the neoprene at the tips to make sure that it doesn't get damaged. You can see the clear tape in the photo.
My handle design is open on the outside because your hand doesn't actually touch the open side, so it feels great in the hand when the wing is flagging. It also allows for easy drying with the handle still installed. I don't remove the handle when packing up.

Cool! I've been using surgical tubing and hockey tape. This looks way cleaner. I wouldn't mind a file if you would be so kind. Gotta get surfcowboy to let me use his printer. Thanks.

Sorry, I haven't had a chance to finish up the 2023 handle design yet.

If you've only got the choice of PLA or ABS, I'd go for ABS.

Hi Nikita,
What a great idea, is there any chance you would share that file? id love to make one of these for my 23-24 units.
i can adjust the file if it's not ready for 23-24 yet ??

I've finally finished the 2023 handle design and it fits great!

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Nikita said..
I've finally finished the 2023 handle design and it fits great!

Looks great - would you be open to sharing the print file please ?

Thanks

Yes, I can share the STL with whoever wants to print one. PM me with your email address.

Hopefully Duotone can add a rigid front handle on the 2025 Slick. At least as an option.

Thanks to Nikita for the STL file.Printed this in PETG and is holding up pretty well.

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Nikita said..
Yes, I can share the STL with whoever wants to print one. PM me with your email address.

Hopefully Duotone can add a rigid front handle on the 2025 Slick. At least as an option.

This is the front handle on the 2025 Unit, looks the same as the current Slick. Note only the centre section is Aluula, outboard is Dacron.

the 2025 Unit front handle is quite different than the 2024 Unit front handle... much stiffer... there's another front handle on a prototype wing here at AWSI that is super stiff... that's all I can say

those 3d printed handle augmenters look awesome

Cool to see photos of people printing the handles WindWaterSailAU! Thanks for sharing.
2025 handles are looking good. Hopefully they are nice and stiff.