Super comfortable
These have an oval cross
section and taper wider towards the top of the handle.
This wide-angle photo exaggerates the view and the darker profile line
is just to indicate the shape.
Every time I'm on holiday or
away playing, I can't help looking at the latest trends and
keeping an open mind about things that have stood the test of time.
Virtually every handle in a
sports shop is tapered or is thicker at the (wrist) end. It makes
sense.. Something that thickens at the end isn't likely to slip out of
(my) hand.. even when it is slippery.
Hardly any handles are
circular in cross section (ok.. billiard cue..) Most have an
oval, octagonal, or some variation in between.
The shape of a builders
hammer has evolved over centuries and it provides good clues to
ergonomic design.
So.. I've made a machine that can shape a complex tapered oval handle for croquet
mallets.
The foam used is a medium
firm closed cell that feels good in your hand and doesn't attract or
hold water (sweat or rain).
The shaft is aluminium tube and runs the
full length of the handle. There is a stiffening component inside the
handle that runs up to a bit above hoop height. This stiffener gives you
2 main advantages.
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