Wing Foiling Innovations | Are Booms Really Better Than Handles?

Tucker and Mr. Jeff from MACkiteboarding dive into the topic of booms versus handles in wing foiling, exploring the growing trend of offering wings with interchangeable options. The discussion highlights how many brands now allow riders to choose between booms and handles, catering to individual preferences and riding styles. They note that booms, increasingly popular across the industry, offer advantages like easier one-handed control for freestyle tricks, handle passes, and wave riding. Booms also provide a rigid structure that can enhance the wing’s responsiveness and stiffness, particularly for heavier riders or those seeking to maximize lift and efficiency during jumps.
Jeff emphasizes that the modularity of modern wings, offering both booms and handles, helps manufacturers appeal to a broader market without alienating riders. He also shares insights from his experience at industry events, where brands highlighted the role of booms in freestyle and performance scenarios. Meanwhile, Tucker acknowledges that booms offer more real estate for hand positioning and a familiar feel for former windsurfers, but they may require some adjustment, particularly for beginners. He notes that handles, especially longer or hybrid designs, are becoming more refined and can offer greater forgiveness and ease for learners.
They dive into the practical considerations, pointing out that handles are often more compact and easier to pack, making them a practical choice for travel. However, booms can provide a more direct connection to the wing, which some riders prefer for a tactile feel and nuanced control. They stress that the decision between booms and handles often comes down to personal preference and specific use cases, such as freestyle maneuvers or wave riding.
Ultimately, Tucker and Jeff agree that while booms add versatility and performance benefits for some riders, the choice should not overshadow other factors like wing design, construction, and intended use. They encourage riders to experiment with both options, emphasizing that the wing’s overall performance remains consistent regardless of the chosen grip style. Their concluding advice is to focus on selecting a wing based on its broader characteristics rather than getting too caught up in the boom-versus-handle debate.
Thank you for sharing the kiteboarding and wing foiling stoke with us! 🤙🏽 Please join us in the comments section and get a conversation started. We’re always happy to help!
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[@mrmadwolley]

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience!

[@thorstenpausch8056]

...grounded in the wing with handles, that's the point of feeling better with handles 😊

[@briansangeorzan4986]

I think you covered this very quickly, but for me, learning jibes and tacks is easier with a boom. I just don't have to look for the handle.

[@MACkiteboarding]

That's a good point, it can be a lot easier to focus on the technique when you're not hunting for the handle. 🤙🏽 Good winds! -Aaron

[@chrispewkreme]

I’m a beginner but I can see why a boom is great. You can go one-handed and stay under power. I have an Armstrong XPS and it has handles that are honestly just painful due to the shape. I either prefer a soft handle, or a smaller rigid boom. But a hard and thick handle just hurts the fingers over time.

[@NeuralEngin33r]

I love the Armstrong handles, but would love a boom.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for sharing your experience, my friend. 🤙🏽 Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@Wingsurf]

I have noticed that hard handles flags out better vs boom. Tried first boom then hard handles on slingshot NXT. The boom made the end of the wing drop. Am I imagining? Or is hard handles better for luffing. Weight is almost the same. Maybe the boom a kiwi heavier. Any thoughts? ❤️

[@lewiss66]

Thanks for the video. Something I'd like to hear is how do the differents boom stack up to each other as far as design or fabrique and the feelings. If you had to pick one brand so far. Which one would you pick?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Most of the booms feel very similar I'd say. All about the same size, shape, weight... The Slick does have a nice advantage as it's in line with the strut tip/tail so it's more grounded and intuitive vs. a standoff style stanchion. -Tucker

[@ShaunGCarpenter]

The fOne boom is nice but a different size for each wing!? Do you think they'll move to multiple size wing compatibility in their V5 strike?

[@MACkiteboarding]

I believe they'll adapt to a smaller size range. Maybe 2 booms to cover the range. -Tuckre

[@robtangent4664]

If you watch GWA World Cup this year, you'll see most of the pros using booms now. Don't you think there must be a reason why they switched?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes, they do handlepass tricks. -Tucker

[@tctctc9999]

Why music ?

[@surfertbone4333]

Boom for boomers? I used a boom in light wind and it was pretty cool once I found the sweet spots and control techniques. All in all I think it’s the rigidity it adds that could steer the industry in that boomer direction

[@mbyrnes3346]

The packing issue kills the boom for me. Sounds like you can't pack for downwinding/travel.

[@MACkiteboarding]

You can but it's a different shape. The booms roll into a longer tube which is narrower diameter.

[@PerWiklund234]

Boom with a nice pistol grip in the front would be sweet

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for sharing the stoke with us, my friend! 🤙🏽 Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@Wingsurf]

Sab Ala is great in pistol position! Love it!

[@ashleydavis614]

Booms are far more likely to create tendonitis issues - now three at our beach who have switched to booms and had to change back to handles due to tendon issues and being put off the water for weeks to recover. This was a missing element from this video - angled handle ergonomics can make longer sessions and tendonitis less likely.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Yes, we've discussed this at length in other videos. Only mentioned briefly in this one. - Tucker

[@ashleydavis614]

@@MACkiteboarding it can be an expensive mistake to make, one of the local lads bought three new 2024 Slicks, only to have to sell them all a few weeks later and switch to handled units

[@jimjohnstone7831]

⁠I’m not sure booms in general are worse for tendinitis. The diameter of the slick boom is much larger than that of handles or newer booms, and that larger size could cause increased strain for some people. Hand spacing can also be a problem. If you always sail with your hands too far apart on a boom it can create awkward angles for your hands. When using a boom I find it important to keep my hand spacing close to shoulder width apart. To some this will feel too narrow, but once you find the balance point on the boom it feels great. @@ashleydavis614

[@franpinyol8500]

Do you see customers cracking their board deck because of hard handles or booms ?

[@MACkiteboarding]

Nope. You'd think it would happen but I've never seen it. I'm sure it's happened to someone.

[@martinomovies]

Boom +1

[@MACkiteboarding]

Boom +1 for the win! 🤙🏽 Let’s keep the good vibes rolling. Good winds! -Aaron