It's not often that I am satisfied enough with a boating product to actually post a review of it. For that to happen it generally has to exceed my expectations for both performance and value. The DAX OneTouch Winch handles have done this.
While racing with Tim R. earlier this season he had a pair on board that he discovered over the winter. The first time I used them I was hooked. What really sold me was when I reached behind my back, blindly, while at the same time still trimming the main sail and simply passed it to our buddy Chris.. It was so easy to remove, without even looking away from what I was doing, that I had to have them on my boat too. Until you use them you'll probably have a hard time imagining how useful they really are. Once you do use them.....
.... look out.... you'll be busting out the credit card in no time!
The DAX winch handle is sold here by Phil & SBO DAX OneTouch (LINK). They are marketed and produced by Don Steiner a sailor who actually invented the technology then licensed it to Lewmar.
Don smartly retained the manufacturing rights to all "composite" winch handles and licensed Lewmar the production of metal ones. From what I understand Lewmar is now pushing the envelope of their agreement and kind of flexing their "big dog" muscles against the little guy. I like buying from the underdog / little guys when possible after all Lewmar would never have this technology if it were not for a little guy..
I own LOTS of winch handles after many years of boating. Have you seen my anchor collection? I stopped using the heavy metal ones that can put a hole in your boat, or break a foot, a long, long time ago. For the last ten plus years have been using the plastic Titan handles. While not a particularly great product they don't chip my gelcoat when dropped or leave my decks with spider crazing like the heavy metal Lewmar, Barrient or Harken handles do. They work, but are so so on the performance level, and expensive for what you get.
The DAX handles take the light weight winch handle to a new level with simple one handed operation. Simply grip the handle anywhere along the gray colored spring loaded lever and this will unlock the winch handle so it can be lifted & removed. These handles also have palm grips and ball bearings in the handles for easy spinning.
For those looking for non toe busting, locking, lightweight ball bearing winch handles with a palm grip, and at a reasonable price, you can't beat the DAX OneTouch!
These handles have sooo many pros and only cons I have are: 1) The bearings in the handles can be prone to buzzing/rattling when the motor is running. 2) I really don't like the aesthetics of the neon hunter orange palm grips. I will admit that color to be very useful when looking for a handle during a race, they DO stand out, but it is just kind of fugly..
All in all these are great winch handles that I wish were invented a looong time ago.
The DAX OneTouch Winch Handle:
Simple Grab & Go Convenience:
Locking Pins In Locked Mode (handle released):
Handle Compressed Pins Retracted For Removal From Winch:
Bearings In Winch Handle:
The Gray Spring Loaded Compression Lever:
P.S. These handles drop ship from the North East, and for me, shipped the same day I ordered them from SailboatOwners.com. I had them on my door step the next day at ground shipping rates. I had great service from both SailboatOwners..com and DAX!
While racing with Tim R. earlier this season he had a pair on board that he discovered over the winter. The first time I used them I was hooked. What really sold me was when I reached behind my back, blindly, while at the same time still trimming the main sail and simply passed it to our buddy Chris.. It was so easy to remove, without even looking away from what I was doing, that I had to have them on my boat too. Until you use them you'll probably have a hard time imagining how useful they really are. Once you do use them.....
.... look out.... you'll be busting out the credit card in no time!The DAX winch handle is sold here by Phil & SBO DAX OneTouch (LINK). They are marketed and produced by Don Steiner a sailor who actually invented the technology then licensed it to Lewmar.
Don smartly retained the manufacturing rights to all "composite" winch handles and licensed Lewmar the production of metal ones. From what I understand Lewmar is now pushing the envelope of their agreement and kind of flexing their "big dog" muscles against the little guy.
I like buying from the underdog / little guys when possible after all Lewmar would never have this technology if it were not for a little guy.. I own LOTS of winch handles after many years of boating. Have you seen my anchor collection?
I stopped using the heavy metal ones that can put a hole in your boat, or break a foot, a long, long time ago. For the last ten plus years have been using the plastic Titan handles. While not a particularly great product they don't chip my gelcoat when dropped or leave my decks with spider crazing like the heavy metal Lewmar, Barrient or Harken handles do. They work, but are so so on the performance level, and expensive for what you get.The DAX handles take the light weight winch handle to a new level with simple one handed operation. Simply grip the handle anywhere along the gray colored spring loaded lever and this will unlock the winch handle so it can be lifted & removed. These handles also have palm grips and ball bearings in the handles for easy spinning.
For those looking for non toe busting, locking, lightweight ball bearing winch handles with a palm grip, and at a reasonable price, you can't beat the DAX OneTouch!
These handles have sooo many pros and only cons I have are: 1) The bearings in the handles can be prone to buzzing/rattling when the motor is running. 2) I really don't like the aesthetics of the neon hunter orange palm grips. I will admit that color to be very useful when looking for a handle during a race, they DO stand out, but it is just kind of fugly..
All in all these are great winch handles that I wish were invented a looong time ago.
The DAX OneTouch Winch Handle:
Simple Grab & Go Convenience:
Locking Pins In Locked Mode (handle released):
Handle Compressed Pins Retracted For Removal From Winch:
Bearings In Winch Handle:
The Gray Spring Loaded Compression Lever:
P.S. These handles drop ship from the North East, and for me, shipped the same day I ordered them from SailboatOwners.com. I had them on my door step the next day at ground shipping rates. I had great service from both SailboatOwners..com and DAX!
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