GoPro The Handler - Review
GoPro The Handler – Review

The Handler is GoPro’s move into the hand held grip market for waterborne users. It is designed to perform a very similar role to the GoPole Grenade grip with the added bonus that the GoPro The Handler is designed to float (even when using a Bacpac).

GoPro The Handler - Review
GoPro The Handler – Review

The Handler is white with an orange base. Both the grip and bolt are dark grey in colour. The nut that is usually found on GoPro QR hardware has been replaced with a low profile nut that is retained within the unit. A great feature that should be replicated on all GoPro hardware. It has been solid in use and there has been no sign of the nut slipping.

GoPro The Handler - Review
GoPro The Handler – Review

Specs:

Keeps your GoPro afloat so you can shoot in and around the water worry-free
Enables more stable footage than holding the camera by hand
Makes it easy to aim your camera and capture a variety of angles
Comfortable, non-slip construction for a secure grip
Perfect for surfing, kayaking, wakeboarding and other water sports
Floats any GoPro camera plus LCD Touch BacPac™ or Battery BacPac™
Includes an adjustable wrist strap for greater security of your camera
Includes The Tool, a GoPro thumb screw wrench that doubles as a bottle opener
Waterproof to 33’ (10m)

The Handler is a good size, and is comfortable to hold. It is far superior in both these respects compared to the GoPole Grenade grip, although the foam grip may prove to be less robust.

The camera is fitted to the Handler by removing the QR mount and bolting the camera directly to the unit. All GoPro cameras are therefore compatible. I do think there are better ways to doing this but it does work effectively and is only a real hassle when swapping from one mount to another.

After extensive use all is good. Swapping the camera from the grip to the helmet is finely so I solved this by picking up a cheap frame that lives on the Handler if I want to use it quickly out in the field.

The system is way better for pan shots and the best bit is that if you drop it in the water it floats. Since purchasing this some time ago GoPro have released an updated model. The V2 has the GoPro mount fitted the handle, thus eliminating the need to swap frames or remove the QR.