Ted Fancher · Nov 28, 2003 11:28 AM
#0 sourceThe following just for discussion's sake and for the interest of forum readers who may not be familiar with the semi-recent history of stunt handles in the US.
It's interesting to note that most of the currently available bar and cable style of handle are closely patterned after a truly original concept that was designed, published and patented by Bob Baron (one of the true innovators of our event...see the thread on Wild Bill's Barecat series) sometime back in the '60s as I recall. It was a significant advance and became the standard for stunt handle design in the states for literally decades.
There was, in fact, an attempt to produce a version of the handle while Bob was still alive by an individual who was not aware of the patent. He, of course, stopped producing them when he was advised of the infringement problem. It is my (uninformed) understanding that no actual legal procedings ever emanated from that short period of production, but it is nonetheless true that a significant number of "Bob Baron style" handles became regular parts of competition stunt from then on. Most of today's "bar and cable" type of handles available from a number of sources owe their inspiration to Bob's vision.
I was one of the many fortunate purchasers of these handles and immediately appreciated the adjustability aspects. I was not totally pleased with them in actual use, however, because, like Doug mentioned on the other thread on handles, I couldn't get the quality of pattern I had previously, even when the Baron style was adjusted to "match" my previous very slightly modified EZ-Just Hot Rock.
Thus came one of my first "personal" revelations about handle design. Upon replacing the Baron style with the Hot Rock the quality of my pattern magically returned...as did a little light bulb over my head. For the first time, upon returning to the Hot Rock, I was aware of the tiny pressures I used for minute flight path adjustments with the index and little fingers against the protruding arms of the Hot Rock...an element missing from the Baron style (and most of the modern similar versions). In one flight it became obvious the difference between the quality of patterns was the result of my inability to make these tiny corrections because the Baron style handle, like many its imitators, has no arms against which to make these inputs.
This revelation led me to go to the shop and modify the Baron style so that it had "arms" on it just like the Hot Rock. This handle was immediately "nearly" perfect. I modified my other Baron Style the same way and used those two handles exclusively for many years, winning two national championships and Walker Cups, plus places on two US Teams with them.
I was obviously perfectly happy with these handles right up to the time I had my second "revelation" in Shanghai while caddiing for Paul. Again, stealing freely from someone just a bit wiser than myself, I determined that I could further improve my performance with the hard point style handle I now use and encourage others to try.
After making my first hand-made version I managed to win two more Walker Cups and make another US Team with the handle as part of my arsenal. I'm pleased to report that several well known flyers, including Bobby Hunt, have chosen to switch to this handle because they feel it actually makes a difference in their performance.
Ted
p.s.
The following is important to me personally because of some vituperative exchanges that unfortunately showed up on the other handle thread. Please forgive me for feeling the necessity to state the following.
I don't care a lot whether others buy my handles or not. They are available and I'm happy to share them with those interested enough to give them a try, but handle sales aren't an issue with me. I had the kits made because I had many requests from people I admire for the small number of parts made to my design by a good friend back east several years ago. In a short period all of "my" parts were pretty much gone! I had another good friend investigate getting parts laser cut and finally went the final step of getting some made and letting people, mostly by word of mouth, know they were available.
They've never been "advertised" and the ones I have will either be sold or they won't. It really isn't important to me. Nor is it important to me that all of you must "see the light" and switch to hard point handles simply because I like them.
I mentioned the handles on SSW and nowhere else ... although the editor of a major commercial magazine called and asked if they could write a "new products" review after trying one out. I thanked him but declined since I've no interest in becoming a "supplier". I'm a stunt flyer, that's pretty much all I want to be. My ego is just fine with just letting people know what my opinion is...and why. That's why appreciate this forum so much.
Despite suggestions to the contrary, I have no personal animosity toward anyone else selling handles or any other stunt related item as long as the items are safe and do the job they are intended to do. I don't off the top of my head know of any current offerings that don't meet those criteria.
