Includes: 1x Carbon Handle, 2 x Clamps (threaded), 2x Clamps (screw side), 2x T40 M6x23mm Screws
The ShiftLock Carbon handles provide an instant reaction to your input, with the bonus of being able to slide and lock into infinite positions. Carbon ShiftLock handles are purchased separately from the wing, which makes it easy to find your perfect setup. There are four carbon handle lengths, from the single 1100 boom to the 500, 400, and 250 mm handles. Follow the size chart to determine the best handle combination for your wing size. If you're a more experienced rider and you know what you want, then you've got the option to either downsize or go for a boom. The 1100 boom is North's lightest handle option. Although it's the longest handle, it only has two connection points, so the overall weight is lower than two separate bars with 4 mounts. This suits a rider wanting a lighter rig for lighter winds and larger wings. The boom is also the most cost-effective option and would suit any rider’s ability; it’s more forgiving because it allows you to slide your hand up and down during tacks. The smaller 250 handles target the more advanced rider looking for targeted positioning.
Choosing Your Handle Length
There are four carbon handle lengths, from the single 1100 boom to the 500, 400, and 250 mm handles. Follow the size chart to determine the best handle combination for your wing size. If you're a more experienced rider and you know what you want, then you've got the option to either downsize or go for a boom.
Slide And Lock
North has printed positioning marks on the strut to show the centre point for the recommended 500mm or 400mm handles; from there, you can tailor it to suit your riding style. Some riders like to slide their handles a long way forward, so the Wing depowers more as they go through the tack. In contrast, if you're jumping, you could slide your handles back into a more powered position. Once assembled, there’s no need to remove the handles or deflate the strut to reposition - simply undo the mounting screw one revolution, shift the handle mount, and then tighten.
1100 Boom
The 1100 boom is the lightest handle option, the most cost-effective and would suit any rider’s ability. The 1100 Boom is more forgiving because it allows you to slide your hand up and down during tacks. Although it's the longest handle, it only has two connection points, so the overall weight is lower than two separate bars with 4 mounts. This suits a rider wanting a lighter rig for lighter winds and larger wings.
Proven Strength
Proven strength and durability on and off the water. Lab testing shows that ShiftLock can hold phenomenal loads; it has a breaking load of well over 710kg. Cyclic load and on-water testing have been integral to proving the strength and durability of the ShiftLock system on and off the water. North has been testing for two years without failure or excessive wear.
Ding Protection For You And Your Board
Low impact handle bumpers reduce dings. They have designed ribbed end pieces from a soft, over-moulded TPU to reduce any potential impact damage. When it comes to the debate about soft handles versus hard, ShiftLock delivers the best of both worlds. The rigid carbon handles instantly react to your input, while the soft TPU handle ends help protect you and your board.
Biomechanically Optimized
When designing the ShiftLock handles, North studied how to reduce arm fatigue – by analyzing rock climbing holds and grip biomechanics. You’ll find some of the technology developed for the new Navigator Pro kite control system in the ShiftLock handles, like the stitched seam and the oval finger bar. Both features improve comfort and intuitive control.
Easy Pistol Grip For Torsional Control
The handle ends have a soft over-mould with a thumb indent, providing you with more torsional control and a comfortable riding position. The thumb indent also allows for an easy pistol grip, so you can use the front of the front handle rather than the depower handle for downwind and chop-hopping – to power up again, only only need to grab the back handle.
Light Weight
The new ShiftLock handle system is similar in weight to the current GripLock handles. Two 500mm ShiftLock Carbon handles (with the track) are lighter than two standard GripLock 500mm handles. The ShiftLock handles have a carbon shaft, and you can reduce the overall weight even more by using a boom or smaller handle combination.
Travel Friendly
The ShiftLock track is engineered from tight, woven polyester rope encased in a Dacron material to provide optimal strength without added bulk or weight. The track can be easily folded for storage and travel. North recommends removing the boom or handles for travel. This helps to avoid any damage to the wing canopy while in transit.
Harness Loop friendly
You can use the Wing Harness Loop (S, M or L) with the ShiftLock handles; adjusting the handle positioning lets you find the perfect balance point for your harness.Hint: When using smaller handles on larger wings, use the larger harness loop because the Velcro attachment points are further apart. The attachment points are closer together when you have two 500mm handles.
Easy to use
Once you screw in two to three threads with a Torx T40 tool, all the mounting parts stay together. It's loose enough to snap onto the bolt rope without the individual pieces falling apart. Then, once you tighten it up, the clamp will secure around the bolt rope tracks and will not move. The Torx T40 tool is supplied with ShiftLock wings.
