Precision Pro handle

LAST EDITED ON Jul-21-03 AT 11:25 PM (CDT)
 
I bought one of these from Ted Fancher while I was at the Nats. I assembled it according to the instructions with the following modifications. I lined the holes for the screws and the safety thong with aluminum tubing. That's it! I did cover it with the 3/4 oz fiberglass cloth that is suggested to add durability. While I was at it, I worked on my finishing method. It turned out great! It looks like a plastic "Hot Rock" handle. My handle came out weighing 70 grams with the safety thong and clips. BTW I bought the smaller of the 2 sizes because I have a small hand. Ted goes into great detail on how to adjust the neutral setting and explaining "overhang". Ted then adds some thoughts on the "relaxed" grip and flying with braided and solid flying lines.

I've been out twice with the new handle and it does create a more direct feeling with the airplane. My corners are becoming more crisp and often I have a little overshoot that will be corrected as I acquire my new "timing". The handle is light and gives a good grip. Try one....you'll like it!

If one is good, then two are better. I just phoned this morning and ordered two. The check is in the mail. Honest.

>I've been out twice with the new handle and it does create a
>more direct feeling with the airplane. My corners are
>becoming more crisp and often I have a little overshoot that
>will be corrected as I acquire my new "timing". The handle
>is light and gives a good grip. Try one....you'll like it!

I can very definitely echo Crist's observations. Ted gave me one of these handles about 4-5 years ago. It sat in my toolbox for about a year, until one day, after Ted bugged me about it, I said, yeah, ok, I'll try it to make him happy, my Baron handle is good enough. Besides, how much "give" can their be in a piece of 1/16" aircraft cable? Well, good thing I'm a rocket scientist, not a brain surgeon, because I was completely wrong - the difference in control feel was dramatic and unabmiguous. It's literally as much change as going from stranded to solid with no significant downsides. Switching back to the cable handles now feels like I hooked up the controls with rubber bands.

I would also caution everyone about carving them too large. If it's really comfortable, you probably made it too big. To get the whole benefit, you should really make sure you have to do a little bit of squeezing to get your fingers in it. this is another trick that I learned from Ted. If you have the forward projections pretty tight against your fingers top and bottom, you can make small corrected just by tensing the muscles of your finger, and not by having to actually move your fingers or wrist. This allows very accurate vernier control.

On the current steel versions be sure and chamfer or otherwise relieve the holes, and put a little grease in the hole every so often to reduce wear.

I use these handles exclusively now, as do many top fliers. They are very highly recommended.

LAST EDITED ON Jul-31-03 AT 10:18 AM (CDT)
 
Ted:
I first came across your design when David Sabon showed it to me. He tried to explain to me the theory behind your design but it was at a contest and we got pulled away from the discussion and never got back to it. So maybe if you got some time you could give us the high points.
Larry

Just received one of Precision Pro Handles (Ted Fancher). The quality is excellent. Ted provides detailed assembly instructions and set up instructions with it; along with some good flying advise. I would highly recommend this handle. Not only is the design excellent, for $25.00 + $3.00 shipping you gets your money's worth plus some.
Larry Foster

Got mine today. I think it will be very comfortable when shaped to fit my small hand. I have not been able to get perfecly comfortable with the response of the slanted style handle I've been using. Pancaked a few outsides because I seemed to run up against the control limits. A direct comparison should be interesting.

Vary accruately madeand easy to assemble, BTW.

Thanks, Ted!

There is more on this handle in a seperate but coequal thread on the main forum.

http://clstunt.com/htdocs/dcforum/DCForumID1/5635.html

Cy.

Hi Folks

I am looking for a new handle to replace an old home made job that uses cables. I have searched and read posts regarding the Fancher handles and have a few questions.

What is the difference between the large and small handles?

I believe that they are both described as Precission Pro handles, how are the large and small versions labeled?

Is the selection based on the size of your hand?

Are any modifications necassary?

Where/how is the best way to aquire one of these?

Thanks

You can get the handles from Carl Shoup.

http://www.clstunt.com/htdocs/dcforum/DCForumID2/8743.html

I got one last week from Carl (thanks!)and although I've only gotten in a few flights on it, I'm very pleased. It's a much more precise handle than my home-made Hot Rocks.

LAST EDITED ON Nov-03-04 AT 10:51 AM (CDT)
 
"I've been out twice with the new handle and it does create a more direct feeling with the airplane. My corners are becoming more crisp and often I have a little overshoot that will be corrected as I acquire my new "timing". The handle is light and gives a good grip. Try one....you'll like it!"

Have to agree with Crist completely. I started using one early this year and I feel it has helped me. I still have ways to go, but I like the feel of the handle and the kit is top notch. Hard to beat for the price.

Really glad Carl has picked up the production and made it available again.