What's Up with USGEAR?

[RayB]

I purchased a new $130 handle in September of 2015 which did not arrive until sometime in 2016 and has only been used about 10 times. Yesterday the super duper "Spectra" line failed in the middle of a set, not cut just pulled apart. I love the ergonomics of this handle, so despite my trepidation I tried to order a replacement. The USGEAR website is a hot mess. The Paypal link will not work and although it says you can pay with a credit card I have not been able to figure out how to do that either. The final straw, I called this morning and was forwarded to a phone that had no voice mail set up. Another dead end. Several of my ski buddies who liked this handle have tried to order them and they never show up, so they end up cancelling the orders out of frustration. I will not waste any more of my time with USGEAR.

[Horton]

You have a better chance ordering a new DeLorean or maybe an EP or Taperflex.

 

Just move to MasterLine. Call @perfski and they will ship you your new handle today.

[oldjeep]

@Horton :smile: https://delorean.com/pre-order-form.php

[BraceMaker]

Surprised you got something in 2016, I thought that they had flopped in 2014.

[LeonL]

Masterline

[Bill22]

this thread is like deja vu all over again ;-)

[Edbrazil]

$130 for a handle assembly?!

[Chef23]

@Edbrazil the Masterline Carbon handle is that price now as well.

[bananaron]

I really enjoyed the USGEAR products however they are no longer making their products.I now use and really enjoy INTOW products and Brenda is fantastic to work with.Give her a call and she will help you out.GREAT PRODUCTS.......GREAT SERVICE

[gregy]

Someone on another thread said Masterline would re-string the usgear radius handles.

[Mrs_MS]

No more USGEAR handles?????

Then I'm hiding mine so @MS can't use it and wear it out!!! Lol

[spicoli]

I always hear to restringing a handle I always wear out the rubber never rope how do yall wear out the rope first .I recon the k palms do it do other gloves not wear the rubber.

[The_MS]

The rubber on USG handles last twice as long as any others I have used. My last handle lasted 4 years and I ski every day for 5-6 months

[lpskier]

I understand that ML isn't making the US GEAR handle anymore. A friend lost his over the stearn of the boat a few weeks ago and was devistated as the ML handle couldn't be replaced.

[Edbrazil]

@Chef23 Wow. When I was making Ultra Handles in the early 1970s, I felt that I was

pushing the limit when I charged $25. for a strung-up and tested handle. And, it couldn't

be lost by falling overboard, since it floated.

[dave2ball]

let me see what is going on with Masterline

And the USG style bent bars.

I do have a inside track.

[skibug]

Last I heard from Randy Shoener at Masterline, they were working on re-introducing the ergo handles after some R&D and qaulity assurance measures were put into place. They had told me, in person while I was at ML, that they thought the handles might be out by July or August, after testing was complete. I am curious is they ditched the whole project.

[The_MS]

@lpskier That's another plus about the USG, they float.

[dchristman]

I suggested this in a thread last year...

 

With the acquisition of Eagle, this seems like an accessory that @Russell @mlusa ought to make. Some nice light-weight foam with a tough water repellent cover. It could be made to match your Eagle vest.

 

 

 

It's not an arm guard - It's a handle float ;)

[Sethro]

I added floats to my ML ergo handle bridle so it'll float. I love that handle, but would love it even more if it would float.

[thager]

I have been thinking about building my own this winter as my next project. Bending the aluminum is a no brainer and is easy. Little stymied by the rubber but am thinking golf grip should work, Just need to see how one is tied internally and source the plastic handle coverings. Really think this is doable. We will see.

[Horton]

@thager Please shoot video of the process. (Comedy Gold)

[thager]

Bent and built and sewed my own bimini. This shouldn't be any tougher. I could never compete with your (comedy gold) unboxing vids so will not even try....

[skibug]

@thager , Randy Shoener at ML described to me the process and they put the rubber on first. They put in on a long run of aluminum tube stock, The rubber is way over sized on the OD. He said there was quite a trick to getting it to cure correctly and stay adhered to the aluminum. Then they bend it and grind the rubber down to size. Grinding the rubber is the other trick to it. You need the right equipment.

[spicoli]

We used rolls at work had rubber they get grooved I'd put them on lathe cut it down back smooth

[BraceMaker]

@spicoli for such low precision application as a ski handle one could buy a clapped out old metal lathe, turn the bar between centers and strap a running angle grinder w flap disc on the tool post with a fast auto feed. Good shielding for all the dust and I'm sure a bathroom fan to pull out the smoke and shazaam.