Concept2 Forum

So, with the recent announcement of new strapless handles on the skiErg, I'm just wondering who among the regular users thinks these will be an improvement over the current handles (with straps). I, for one, thoroughly rely on the straps, especially on longer distances and can't imagine any handle, no matter how comfortable, could ever replace the handles WITH STRAPS. All the big xc ski pole manufacturers have made their straps larger and more robust (and comfortable), but none sell a pole WITHOUT straps and not one olympic (or recreational) xc skier I know uses poles without straps when training or racing. So, why has C2 put all the effort into updating/adding classic alternating arm pull (which is a great addition, I'm guessing) but eliminated the all-important strap from its excellent ski erg?
It's no big deal if you own your skierg but if, like me, you use the one at your gym and they convert to strapless handles, my serious ski erging days are done I'm afraid.

I vote to keep or even upgrade the straps. Any other opinions on this issue, please vote here so C2 can see how their regular ski erg users feel.

Gordonbleu, have you tried the new handles ? I have not done many kilometers on the new skiErg (a few runs on 5k so far) yet but I would say the wide base of the handle helps. I can't say how it feels for wourkouts lasting more than 30 minutes but I agree, handles with straps are a must in cross country skiing.

Przemek

The wide base of the new handles feels pretty secure even up to 10K. Sweat does accumulate on the bottom of my grip at the wide base. Haven't had a handle slip out of my sweaty hands yet though. Some sweat ports down at the wide base might allow for less accumulation.

I don't have many skis in using the old style handles. I suspect the straps could get pretty funky with sweat - especially in a gym setting. New design allows a skier to wipe off the handle before and/or after you've skied.

Only issue I have so far with the strapless handle is the sweat accumulation.