Wingfoil Handles vs Boom. Which One Should You Choose?
One of the most common questions in wingfoil today is:
Should I ride a wing with soft handles, rigid handles, or a boom?
All three options work. But they feel different, suit different riding styles, and offer different advantages. Choosing the right one can make a big difference in comfort, control, and progression.
Let’s look at it in a practical, real-world way.
What are wing handles and booms?
Most wings today come with either:
• Soft handles made from webbing or fabric
• Rigid handles with a stiff core
• or a full boom running along the strut
All of them let you hold and control the wing, but the feeling on the water is very different.
Soft handles. Simple and forgiving
Soft handles are light and comfortable. They are often found on freeride and beginner-friendly wings.
Pros:
• light weight
• comfortable on the hands
• forgiving feel
• simple and durable
Cons:
• less direct control
• can feel vague when powered
• limited hand positioning
Soft handles are great for relaxed riding and learning, but many riders outgrow them as they push harder.
Rigid handles. More direct control
Rigid handles give a more precise feel. They are popular with riders who want better response without going to a full boom.
Pros:
• more direct power transfer
• better control when powered
• still relatively light
• familiar feel for many riders
Cons:
• fixed hand positions
• can feel restrictive for some moves
• usually size-specific
Rigid handles offer a good balance between comfort and performance.
Boom. Maximum freedom and precision
A boom gives you continuous grip along the strut, similar to a windsurf boom.
Pros:
• unlimited hand positioning
• very precise control
• easier transitions and jibes
• natural one-handed riding
• great for freestyle and wave riding
Cons:
• slightly heavier
• extra part to manage
• higher cost in some setups
Many riders find that once they switch to a boom, it’s hard to go back.
How does it affect riding?
Your grip system influences:
• how easily you can adjust power
• how natural jibes and tacks feel
• how comfortable one-handed riding is
• how well you can fine-tune your stance
• how stable the wing feels when powered
With a boom, you naturally move your hands instead of adapting your body to fixed positions.
That often makes riding feel more intuitive and fluid.
Beginner vs advanced riders
Beginners
Often appreciate soft or rigid handles for simplicity and light feel.
Intermediate riders
Start to value more control, especially in stronger wind or during transitions.
Advanced riders
Frequently prefer booms for maximum freedom, precision, and aggressive riding styles.
That said, many beginners also adapt very quickly to a boom and enjoy the natural feel from day one.
Durability and construction matters
Handles and booms take a lot of load.
Look for:
• strong attachment points
• reinforced stitching or inserts
• corrosion-resistant parts
• solid grip feel
A good boom should feel stiff, comfortable, and reliable, not flexy or fragile.
So, which one is right for you?
There is no universal answer.
• If you value simplicity and comfort → soft handles
• If you want more precision without complexity → rigid handles
• If you want maximum control and freedom → boom
What matters most is that it fits your riding style and goals.
Why we believe in the boom concept
From our experience in both windsurf and wing design, we see the boom as a natural evolution.
It allows:
• better power control
• more natural hand movement
• smoother transitions
• and a more connected feel to the wing
That’s why the Ezzy Flight Wing is designed to work with a boom setup, offering riders a familiar, precise, and versatile control system.
Final thought
If you can, try different setups.
What feels right in your hands often decides more than any spec sheet.
The best grip system is the one that makes your riding feel easier, more natural, and more fun.
How to choose the right wing
Ezzy riders
