Are you someone who loves capturing your adventures, especially around water? Maybe you’ve spent hours filming stunning footage of kayaking, surfing, or just playing in the pool, all while holding your action camera precariously in your hand. The fear of dropping your expensive gear into the depths below is a constant worry, isn’t it? That anxiety can really take the fun out of the moment. If that worry sounds familiar, finding a reliable way to secure your camera while ensuring it doesn’t sink if it does slip would be a game-changer.
When you’re looking to enhance your action camera experience, particularly near or in the water, a specialized grip is more than just a simple accessory; it’s often a necessity. These grips are designed to provide a secure hold on your camera during dynamic activities and, critically, prevent it from being lost to the bottom of a lake, river, or ocean if you lose your grip. The ideal customer for a floating hand grip is anyone who regularly uses an action camera like a GoPro, DJI Osmo, or Insta360 during watersports such as swimming, snorkeling, diving (shallow), kayaking, paddleboarding, or even just filming poolside. If you primarily shoot static content on solid ground, or only use your action camera occasionally for dry activities, a standard monopod or tripod might be a better fit, as you might not need the specialized floating capability. Before you buy, you need to think about a few key things: does it actually float with your camera attached? How secure is the grip when wet? Is it compatible with your specific camera model? Are there additional security features like a wrist strap? Does it offer versatile mounting options? Considering these points will help you choose a floating hand grip that meets your needs and provides the peace of mind you’re looking for.
- Fast-Release Design: the detachable main unit makes it easy to remove your camera for playback, without having to deal with any complicated screwing or assembly steps.
- High Buoyancy: the buoyancy of the floating hand grip ensures that your camera stays afloat, so you can relax and focus on capturing beautiful shots without worrying about losing your equipment.
- Anti-Slip Grip: the handle of this floating hand grip features a non-slip texture, providing a reliable grip whether you're in the water or on the surface.
Introducing the K&F Concept MS17 Floating Hand Grip
Enter the K&F Concept Waterproof Monopod Floating Hand Grip, model MS17. This floating hand grip aims to solve the fundamental problem of losing your action camera in the water by providing high buoyancy and a secure hold. The promise is simple: shoot freely in or around water without the constant dread of your camera sinking. When you purchase this K&F Concept grip, you get the main floating handle unit, a detachable fast-release camera mount, a thumbscrew for attaching your camera, and a wrist strap for added security. While other floating grips exist on the market, including GoPro’s own “The Floaty” handle, the K&F Concept model distinguishes itself with its fast-release design, which allows for quick detachment of the camera without unscrewing, a feature not always standard on basic floating handles.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* High buoyancy designed to keep action cameras afloat.
* Unique and convenient fast-release design.
* Anti-slip texture on the grip provides a secure hold.
* Comes with a wrist strap for extra security.
* Versatile compatibility with a 1/4″ mount at the base for tripods or other accessories.
* Bright orange end makes it easy to spot if dropped.
Cons:
* Some reports of water potentially entering the handle over time with prolonged submersion.
* The soft-touch coating *might* become sticky after many years, although this is speculative.
* Buoyancy performance can vary slightly depending on the specific camera and case used.
- ★The monopod and tripod is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, which is strong and durable enough to keep the monopod stable.Maximum load: 6kg / 13lbs;
- SOLID CONSTRUCTION: Kit includes a carbon fiber camera monopod and a 3-leg tripod base, durable and solid; Note: Camera is NOT Included.Note: When the camera is mounted on a monopod, you need to hold...
- koolehaoda K-266, with its strong structure, the load capacity is up to 10kg / 22lbs. This makes it not only a monopod, but a hiking stick for outdoor photographers.
Features and Benefits Unpacked
Having spent a good amount of time using the K&F Concept Waterproof Monopod Floating Hand Grip, I can honestly say it’s become an indispensable part of my kit for any water-based shooting. Let’s dive into the features that make it so useful.
The Fast-Release Design
One of the stand-out features of this grip is its fast-release design. Unlike many standard grips where you have to completely unscrew the thumbscrew to remove the camera, the K&F Concept MS17 has a clever detachable head. You simply press two orange buttons on the side and twist, and the part the camera is mounted to comes right off the main handle.
How it performs/feels: The mechanism feels solid and secure. There’s a satisfying click when it locks into place, so you know your camera isn’t going anywhere unintentionally. Detaching and reattaching is quick and smooth, easily done with one hand once you get the hang of it.
Why it’s important (Benefits): This feature is incredibly practical. Imagine you’re kayaking and want to quickly review some footage on your camera’s screen, or perhaps you need to change a setting that’s easier to access when the camera isn’t mounted. With a traditional grip, you’d be fumbling with a thumbscrew, potentially risking dropping the camera or missing a shot. With the fast-release design, you pop the camera off in seconds, do what you need to do, and snap it back on just as quickly. It adds a layer of convenience that significantly streamlines your workflow when you’re out and about. It also allows you to quickly switch the camera to a different mount (like a head strap or chesty, provided you have the corresponding base) without having to fully remove the base from the grip.
High Buoyancy for Peace of Mind
The core function of a floating hand grip is buoyancy, and the K&F Concept MS17 delivers here. The handle itself is specifically designed with internal air space to keep your action camera afloat.
How it performs/feels: When tested in water, the handle performs as expected. With my GoPro attached (even with a case), the grip quickly returns to the surface. The bright orange end is unmistakable, making it easy to spot bobbing on the water, even in choppy conditions or lower light. It feels lightweight yet substantial enough in the hand not to feel flimsy.
Why it’s important (Benefits): This is the feature that tackles the main problem head-on. Losing an action camera in water is not only costly but means losing potentially priceless footage. The high buoyancy eliminates this fear. Whether you’re snorkelling, surfing, or dropping your camera accidentally while transferring from a boat to shore, knowing that it will pop back up to the surface allows you to focus on your activity and capture the shots you want without crippling anxiety. The bright colour is a simple but effective benefit – finding a black object in murky water is a nightmare, but a fluorescent orange marker makes recovery significantly easier.
Anti-Slip Grip Texture
A secure hold is paramount when you’re dealing with wet conditions. The handle of the K&F Concept floating grip features a textured surface.
How it performs/feels: The grip has a soft-touch, slightly rubberized feel with a pattern designed to enhance friction. Even with wet hands, I feel confident holding onto it. It doesn’t feel sticky, but provides just enough resistance to prevent slippage. The diameter is comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Why it’s important (Benefits): This anti-slip feature is crucial for safety and preventing drops. Water, sweat, and even sunscreen can make gear slick. A reliable grip means less chance of the camera handle slipping from your hand during dynamic movements like paddling, swimming strokes, or wiping out while surfing. It provides a firm, reassuring connection between you and your camera, which is essential when you’re in or around water.
Versatile Compatibility and Additional Security
The K&F Concept grip isn’t just a floating device; it also offers versatility. It’s designed to work with a wide range of action cameras, including various GoPro Hero models (12/11/10/9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/1, Session), DJI Osmo Action (4/3/2), Insta360, and others using the standard action camera mount. Furthermore, it includes a 1/4″ mounting interface at the bottom.
How it performs/feels: The standard action camera mount works just as you’d expect with the included thumbscrew. The 1/4″ thread at the base is standard and works perfectly with tripods, monopods, or other mounting accessories. The included wrist strap is made of durable material and feels secure when looped around your wrist, with a slider to tighten it.
Why it’s important (Benefits): Broad compatibility means you’re not locked into a specific camera brand – this grip will likely serve you even if you upgrade or switch action cameras down the line. The 1/4″ mount adds significant functionality, allowing you to use the grip as a stabilizing handle for vlogging or attaching it to a tripod for stable shots on land, expanding its use beyond just water activities. The wrist strap is a critical secondary safety measure. Even with the floating hand grip, a strap ensures that if the grip is knocked from your hand, it stays tethered to you, making recovery instantaneous rather than relying on spotting it floating away. This is especially valuable in moving water or crowded environments.
While the grip performs admirably in its primary function, it’s worth noting the feedback about potential water ingress over time or the speculative concern about the soft-touch coating’s longevity. My own experience hasn’t shown significant water logging with regular use, but it’s something to be mindful of if you plan on extended, deep submersion sessions. For typical surface water sports or accidental drops, its buoyancy and features are a great asset.
Insights from Other Users
I always like to see what others think, so I looked through various online comments about this K&F Concept floating hand grip. The feedback generally mirrors my positive experience. Many users praise its effective floating capability, highlighting the peace of mind it brings when using their cameras near water. The fast-release mechanism is frequently mentioned as a convenient and secure feature, appreciated for how easy it makes quickly detaching the camera. The non-slip feel of the grip also gets positive nods for providing a secure hold even when wet. The bright orange end is also noted as being highly visible. However, a few users did report issues with water getting inside the handle during extended use, which is a potential drawback if you plan on lengthy dives rather than surface activities. One user also mentioned a screw showing rust after pool use, suggesting maybe stainless steel would have been better for that component. Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive for its intended use in recreational water activities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of the worry that comes with using your action camera around water, the fundamental problem of losing your gear to the bottom is one that absolutely needs solving. Losing a camera isn’t just about the cost; it’s about losing irreplaceable memories captured in the moment. The K&F Concept Waterproof Monopod Floating Hand Grip is a fantastic tool to mitigate that risk. Its high buoyancy, secure anti-slip grip, and the added safety of the wrist strap make it a reliable companion for watersports. The unique fast-release design is a genuine convenience feature that streamlines your shooting process.
Ready to ditch the water-based anxiety and capture your adventures with confidence? Click here to check out the K&F Concept Waterproof Monopod Floating Hand Grip and see if it’s the right fit for your next water-bound expedition.
Last update on 2025-07-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API