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The
handles are fully adjustable and go on easily. No rocket science
involved. |
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You
can see the difference between the new handle (left) and our
home-grown version (right). |
I'm
a fidget. My hands must be doing something at all times. They always
need somewhere to be. So, about four years ago, I went to an outdoors
shop and discovered that a carabiner-coupler was the exact same
size as my hand. I bought two of these and using thin climbing rope,
I made some handles that hung from my sport bar. My creation gave
me a place to hang my hand when traveling or sitting in traffic
when I wasn't having to shift and steer at the same time.
The
problems with these handles was that they weren't very supportive
and they also got in the way a bit, because they hung down so low.
When off-road, they really didn't give me anything strong to hold
on to or hoist myself up into the Jeep with, either. In fact, a
heavier friend of mine unknowingly grabbed one and snapped the rope
that was holding them on, nearly falling on the ground. Though it
was a fairly amuzing moment with plenty of jokes following, I realized
that my design had a short-coming. The handles themselves were plenty
strong, but not the rope holding them on. In addition, they weren't
terribly comfortable.
More
recently, we've noticed a few companies making grab handles. The
newest entry into this market is Direct Effect Enterprises; maker
of the ComboGrip. Always curious
to find a better way, we got a set sent out for us to check out.
Like
the ComboGrip, these grab handles use very heavy-duty webbing and
industrial stitching. Velcro strips keep it all together and in
place. When we discussed the handles with DEE, we expressed concern
over strength and reliability of such a setup. What's important
to note about these handles is that they have a sort of double-wrap,
which makes it so that little to no load is put on the Velcro itself.
Once we saw the double-wrap in person, we understood.
What
else can we really say about them? It's a grab handle, right? The
handles will fit tubing from 2" to 3 1/4" and are fully
adjustable. Put them anywhere you like and they'll stay put. The
handles are quite comfortable and very durable. How could we not
recommend a set for your rig? Get one for youself and one for your
passenger(s). They'll appreciate it. They really will. I know, because
of seen how you drive!
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