While I agree it's what best suits you and I don't even notice when I grab somebody's bat for practice, I tend to favour the straight handle. It gives you more freedom to do back flip returns from serves. Another thing flared handle does is pushes your hand automatically upwards, so you have no other choice of grip if that makes any sense. For some serves I also like the straight handle too, just for the reason I described above if you want to grip it lower etc... Another thing about straight handles is you can twiddle. If you are type of player who play with pimples on one side and sometimes you want to attack, straight handle allows you to rotate easily. And one last thing, just be aware that straight handles are different depending on the blade, some are thinner, some are thicker, longer etc... not by a lot but keep in mind just like flared handles some thing slightly vary. If you are thinking of getting a pen hold instead of straight because you are not sure and they don't stock the other, don't do it. It's quiet a difference. I nearly made this error with my Hurricane Long when I was chasing offers and stocks and there was f**k all information online on the measurements.