Okay. Full disclosure, I prefer the welded strap handle. I also prefer the old stronger non flip cooking grates of the 1960s-1990s. Having said that, they aren't coming back! The taco handle is a natural progression in lid handle technology so to speak. In the 50s it was bare metal handles, 60s it was walnut lid handles, 80s it was all three walnut/teak handles. The 2000s it was nylon/plastic. What was the next step? The bowl straps were lengthened in 2010 and the taco handle (already on the Euro kettles since 2009 or so) came to the 26er in 2010 and finally all kettle sizes in 2015. I anticipate a shield of some sorts coming to the bowl handles in the next 10 years or so. I for one WILL be getting a Topper red kettle! Lock, stock and taco!