I hate the taco handle - there I said it

[Metal Mike]

contact @zavod44 before drilling your 18, he makes perfect replica WOOD handles that don't hold heat as much..

[haeffb]

Ditto, Also the lid thermometer placement is pointless, not that its useful anyway
but when you move the lid vent opposite to the coals it is directly over the (obviously) Hot coals

No pit temp, just the "firebox" temp =Useless

I don't really care about the taco shell handle, but agree 100% on the vent/thermometer placement.

[Darko]

I like it! Especially with one of Brian's handles on it.

[Cellar2ful]

I agree with @Darko. They do look stunning with one of Brian's handles, but I still prefer the welded handles.  My 26" is the only taco handled one I have in my arsenal.
 

[Idahawk]

I thought it was an ashtray , mines full of roaches


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[Troy]

I thought it was an ashtray , mines full of roaches


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that's funny
the ash pan on my 26 was full of roaches until the gardener started picking them out 

[Idahawk]

I thought it was an ashtray , mines full of roaches


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that's funny
the ash pan on my 26 was full of roaches until the gardener started picking them out 

  Maybe you need a new gardener , yours apparently can't grow anything


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[LaTuFu]

I like the heat shield functionality it has on my 26. But I have to tighten the handle pretty often. I try not to overtorque to prevent the chipping. The torque exerted on the handle from everyday use loosens the flimsy nut (actually not a nut on mine, a piece of stamped steel) and works the handle loose.

[Idahawk]

I like the heat shield functionality it has on my 26. But I have to tighten the handle pretty often. I try not to overtorque to prevent the chipping. The torque exerted on the handle from everyday use loosens the flimsy nut (actually not a nut on mine, a piece of stamped steel) and works the handle loose.

First thing I did was dump the phony hardware and add some SS stuff


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[MrHoss]

I like the heat shield functionality it has on my 26. But I have to tighten the handle pretty often. I try not to overtorque to prevent the chipping. The torque exerted on the handle from everyday use loosens the flimsy nut (actually not a nut on mine, a piece of stamped steel) and works the handle loose.

This'd drive me loopy. Many thanks for pointing it out.

[TheDude]

It's no secret, I hate the new handle. The heat deflection is the one pro. As opposed to the many cons. I can grab an @zavod44 handle, without an oven mit, on most cooks. I also prefer the hunt, as opposed to buying new. Not to mention the crappy color options available in the states. Not to mention... Not to mention...

[Darko]

What I actually don't like is the shape of those uprights. That curve just does not look right. Something about the proportions looks off.

[Craig]

I'm thinking that when I do end up with a newer/modern 26er (and I plan to) I will most likely put a fireplace handle strap on for the lid handle. Like what Matt did to his modern Master Touch. Unless I get lucky and score a 2008-2010 26er (pre taco)

[Big Dawg]

I like the heat shield functionality it has on my 26. But I have to tighten the handle pretty often. I try not to overtorque to prevent the chipping. The torque exerted on the handle from everyday use loosens the flimsy nut (actually not a nut on mine, a piece of stamped steel) and works the handle loose.

First thing I did was dump the phony hardware and add some SS stuff

Ditto, I've never had a problem with the handle coming loose. 

Although it is helpful deflecting the heat, except when using my Vortex, I agree it does not have the same, clean, look as the welded handle.





BD

[Geezer]

Taco handle = good reason to never own anything newer that 2013.

I just picked up another 22 in a yard sale this morning.  It has an AH code (2014) and does not have the taco handle.