Review of the new RGG miniature handle
Hi there!
A few weeks back RGG offered to try their new mini holder and after using it for a month, I'd like to do a quick review on the Handle!
Introduction
An image is often better than a thousand words :
The RGG360° is an ergonomic handle with a rotating 360° top. The models are fixed on it with some sort of orange putty. The model I tested is a 3D printed prototype (it's amazing what you can do with a 3D printer these days).
I want to review these aspects of the product: ergonomics, rotating top, the putty, stability.
Let's dive into it then!
The Handle ergonomics
The ergonomics of the handle is really nice and help stabilize hands while painting. It feels like a small skying baton handle.
You just have to place your thumb in the slot and voila! The hold is good and stable. To be fair, It's like the GW handle, you can tuck your thumb under the plateau but the difference is that the larger bottom prevents to reach the same level of comfort/stability. After using it for a month I really prefer this shape of handle and don't feel the same comfort on the GW one.
In Conclusion, I really like the RGG360° comfort and stability for longs painting sessions.
The 360° Top
As seen on the introductory video you can rotate the top of the handle. it works very well, there is enough resistance to prevent unwanted movement* but not too much that you have to use strength to rotate it.
At first, I didn't consider the 360° rotation as an important feature. Taking advantage of it was not easy but after some time it's really handy and would miss it badly!
Conclusion: Unexpected super helpful feature.
* If you paint an heavy metal model the top can rotate alone if you tilt it on a side (super corner case). ex: Painting Boar from guild ball (picture at the bottom)
The Fixing Putty
The top of the handle is covered with orange putty that feels a lot like blue tac or "patafix". It holds models very well, even metal Warjack from Warmachine didn't move.
Using this method of fixation allow the handle top to be thin (around 25 millimeters). The good point is that doesn't prevent painting from under. It's my main gripe with the GW holder. The sheer size of the Claw Mechanism prevents painting from bottom angles.
A few things that I didn't like with the putty: If you use a base with a central slot, putty get stuck in there. You have to press strongly to fix the model and it's bad when the base is already painted. Lastly, with bases a lot larger than the top (40mill and more) having your thumb on the side of the base while painting unfix the model (with a simple lever effect.).
Note: RGG told me that the holder will be shipped with extra putty to refill/change.
Even if at first the putty doesn't look like a great idea, it does the job very well and models don't move at all.
Stability of the handle
With a handle this thin, is stability an issue?
on the 3D printed prototype, it was :(.
While I was painting this metal model :
The handle fell 2 times when I put it back on the desk. Of course, it was user error and the model is big and in metal (a bit bigger than a Stormcast) but I would I have liked a base to slot the hand.
After talking with the RGG team, they told me the finished product has a better weight distribution and only the 3D printed version has this problem. The explanation is: To make the 3D printed prototype they used a lot of milliput at the top and it fucked up the weight distribution. They also assured me that the end product will be super stable. Still, a small base to slot the handle when you put it back would have been awesome.
I installed a small base on my desk (with an old tequila glass) to prevent more fall.
Note: It's impossible to take the handle apart without breaking it.
Conclusion
While the balance problem kind of bother me, the handle is excellent. This is now my default paint handle. I don't reach for the GW or other brands as much as possible.
Totally recommend this handle for any painter !!
https://www.redgrassgames.com/holder/
Don't miss their Kickstarter on the 10 Janvier (i don't have the details and the price yet.)
/Cheers.
Bob.
CU next years !