Stick grip/stick replacement?

Phil Berggren

Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2020
Messages
16
Thinking about replacing the soft stick grip up front with a sexy pistol style in my 7GCAA. Anybody have experience or advice on one that fits? Only need a PTT switch.
 

Big Ed

N50247 - '79 Super D
Joined
Jul 20, 2020
Messages
1,938
Location
Tampa, FL
Following. My rear PTT switch is busted. I have a plastic bicycle-style grip.
 

Laytonl

Active member
Joined
Feb 5, 2020
Messages
30
I got this one from spruce. I had to drill a hole for the PTT. Fits perfectly and is more substantial than the original in my ‘95 GCBC. Lee

1622687748390.jpeg
 

Hiperbiper

Well-known member
Joined
May 30, 2020
Messages
680
Location
Shreveport Louisiana DTN
While I like the "fighter" type grips for planes that need them (lots of things needing switching), I find a hard single handed grip uncomfortable in a plane that can be flown with either hand. For simple airplanes that require only a PTT and maybe a flip-flop switch for the comm a nice upgrade to the stock grip is an RAC foam grip with the oversize top. Much better quality than the stock grip(s) with a robust PTT button, it is comfortable using either hand in flight...hard grips in vibrating airplane are fatiguing.

JMPO

Chris
 

Big Ed

N50247 - '79 Super D
Joined
Jul 20, 2020
Messages
1,938
Location
Tampa, FL
I prefer a hard grip ... makes it easier to tweak in cruise with fingertip pressure. I flew a foam grip once or twice and did not like it. Just a preference thing I guess. Attached is a pic of my very uninspiring grip, which I assume is OEM circa 1978. Can't see the front but it has finger grips.

grip.jpg

Whatever you go with, make sure you fasten that sucker securely. Some of you may have seen the accident photos on the Facebook Citabria/Decathlon group last fall where the hard wooden grip slipped off the end of the stick while the Decathlon was taking off. He porpoised and collapsed his gear. Trashed the whole plane. Poor guy had just bought it and was flying home on his dream XC trip coast-to-coast. That grip must have been walking up the shaft for years until it was right on the end, and just the slightest bit of back pressure popped it off. I suspect he wasn't properly trimmed, most likely set to the neutral notch instead of further aft. I set my aircraft trim to climb hands off at 80 mph on takeoff.
 
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Hiperbiper

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May 30, 2020
Messages
680
Location
Shreveport Louisiana DTN
This is a Ray Allen G101. Stiff foam, top w/PTT is hard plastic. $62.00 at Aircraft Spruce.
I install them using dish washing detergent...slips on and after it dries it ain't coming off.

Chris20210607_165107.jpg
 

Phil Berggren

Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2020
Messages
16
Thanks, that Ray Allen looks pretty nice, sounds like it’s a hard foam?. I flew AirTractors and liked to rest my hand on the shelf at the bottom of the grip and steer with my fingers but other guys hated it and would file off the shelf. Just goes to show,…..something..
 

Hiperbiper

Well-known member
Joined
May 30, 2020
Messages
680
Location
Shreveport Louisiana DTN
Thanks, that Ray Allen looks pretty nice, sounds like it’s a hard foam?. I flew AirTractors and liked to rest my hand on the shelf at the bottom of the grip and steer with my fingers but other guys hated it and would file off the shelf. Just goes to show,…..something..
Yea, not as soft as the stock factory grip but still absorbs vibration well. The ones in my Hiperbipe are over 5 years old and still danm near pristine. I like the PTT button as well, only stands proud 1/16" or so. Easy to use bare handed or with Nomex.
 

Bob Turner

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 4, 2018
Messages
2,826
I was looking for simple bicycle handlebar grips. Like a lot of things, no longer available. Not even for bicycles!