This article will compare the ManHandle (Ham Radio Innovations) and the MB-106 (Icom) carrying handles as used on my IC-7000.

I wanted a handle for the 7000 and had previously had the Icom MB-72 (Icom) on my IC-706MKIIG. Poking around the internet led me to Ham Radio Innovations.

The ManHandle looked to be very stout and USA made, so I contacted Ernie KG4YNI about his product. Ernie was very courteous and quickly responded to several emails answering my questions.

(Dimensions are approximate, within the accuracy of my eyes and old tape measure)
(Photo credit to my YL WD7DX)

On the left is the ManHandle ($39.95 + $7.00 Priority Mail Shipping) and on the right the MB-106 ($22.95 + Tax HRO). Both products include the handle, mounting hardware, and feet for the right side of the radio.

The ManHandle is machined from solid 6061-T6 aluminum stock with countersunk mounting holes, is black textured epoxy coated, and comes with stainless steel mounting hardware. The ManHandle mount is 5 7/8" long, 1/2" tall, and 1/4" thick. The round "handle" is 1/2" diameter. Four neoprene washers are used at the pivot point so that the handle stays where you put it and is not "floppy".

The MB-106 handle is a rubber material with metal "mounts".

On the left is a rubber foot with insert that comes with the ManHandle, on the right is the rubber foot that comes with the MB-106.

The ManHandle foot is appx. 3/8" tall and 9/16" wide where it meets the radio. The Icom part is 3/16" tall and 1/2" wide at the radio.

Rubber feet mounted. Left ManHandle, right Icom.

Handles stowed. Left ManHandle, right Icom.

Handles deployed. Left ManHandle, right Icom.

Width with ManHandle/feet installed is about 8". (Stock radio is 6 1/2")

Functional test.

The countersunk mounting screws on the ManHandle enter the radio 3/16" (5 threads), while the MB-106 is about 1/8" (3 threads).

Overall I think Ernie has done an excellent job with a niche product for the Amateur Radio market. Fit and finish is excellent, and the ManHandle is definitely "trail rated".

Ham Radio Innovations has a website at http://hamradioinnovations.com/

This ManHandle is available for other Icom and Yaesu models and can be ordered via the website using PayPal. (The website did confuse me a little as it didn't mention that PayPal was OK until you get to the final "payment" step, after entering shipping info).