I'm having a bit of a hard time understanding why Sunova would persist using a handle that seems to spark so much dislike. I wouldn't buy a board with a Liftsup handle. Period. It's the primary reason I don't own a Sunova. There are other people in this same thread who seem to feel the same way, or who at least dislike them. At the other end of that spectrum I suspect there are very few people who would buy a board just because it has a Liftsup handle. Probably none.

So in other words, this is a "feature" that doesn't sell any additional product but does cost some sales. That's pretty much the definition of a really shitty feature that should get ditched.

My new SIC Bullet 17 V2 has an amazing handle. It allows me to control a 17' board in high wind, with an unbalancing load (like my sandals tied to the deck today) one-handed, and even with my crap shoulder to flip from the low carry position to over my head to put it on the rack, maintaining control all the time. I guarantee that the most loyal Sunova ambassador, confronted with a choice between this handle, and the piece of shit LiftSup, having slipped their hand into this infinitely superior handle just one time, would choke to death trying to gargle out the words "I still like the LiftSup". I would guess this handle costs less than half of what a liftsup does, unless Sunova cornered the world market on liftsup handles when everyone else other than SUPatx ditched them.

Anyone that has done a downwinder on even a 14 in the Columbia knows that you need to move all over the board. On a 17 on a choppy, crossed up day I have to run around like a maniac. I've never noticed the handle at all, other than when I grab for it. It's very useful in getting back on the board too. Good leverage. Yes, handles are personal choices, until you try a really good one. People catch toes in handles? Really? I doubt they would on the SIC handle. I'd like them in my surfboards.

I personally Sup in warm weather.  Only three months of 30-60 degree temps and I don't own gloves.  Wind and carrying distance make me like the Sunova liftsup handle.  For all the guys who won't buy a Sunova because of this handle please send me your handle of choice and which Sunova board model and size you would like along with your $$ deposit and I will get with Tino and get you the SUNOVA you want with the handle that you like.  I expect to hear from you all on this.

If there is a candy color you want over the wood look along with a fitted board bag and Sunova paddle just PM me and we will get you exactly what you want.

I said I don't like Domed decks (convex)--I don't. But the deck in the picture hardly looks domed. I said I don't like Liftsup handles--I don't. What's your question?

No one has to listen to me. They are my opinions--nothing more.

But since you asked, I seriously considered a Sunova last winter after surfing with Tom, who is a huge fan. Then I noticed the liftsup handle and decided against it. I don't like them. So I bought a board from Wardog. That doesn't seem to do much for your theory.

i own a sunova, sus in warm water only. i find when down in the white water all i can do is put my arm on top of the board and hope that'll hold it. i've given up any notion of being able to grab the handle. for carrying around, it's fine but not better or worse than standard insert. for water time, it's a train wreck.

The Zone is a great place to learn from more experienced SUPer, for people with different backgrounds to share their experiences , I learn a lot from you guys and fill sorry to have so little to share. But opinions without arguments don't help much, either positive ones and negative ones. Imagine every zoners start posting about what they like or dislike without even experienced it...
🤙with love and respect 🤙

x

...handles are almost irrelevant to my experience of an 8 foot 18 lb sup

Well said EB.