Hobie outback handle upgrade
 

I have a 2016 outback and hate the handles had anyone done anything to upgrade the handles

I have a 2020, and I don't like the handle compared to the PA. I have left it alone. I figure it is designed so that if there is heavy stress, it will fail at the cord. If I beef up the handle and cord, heavy stress might damage a less repairable area such as the threaded fitting.

Which handles are you talking about? the stirring control handles? The carry handles on the ends? The carry handles on the gunwales?

The carrying handles on the front and back

You can get new ones from hobie or OEX etc. Other than that not sure you can do much with out modifying the hull permanently (drilling holes for new handles).

I didnt find the carry handles to be uncomfortable on my 2020 ob, maybe they changed the design and you can retrofit yours with the newer style if so.

On my previous kayak(Hobie Passport), the carry handles were awful and would separate in my hand when I was transporting it. Swapped them out with handles from Ocean Kayak because my friend had a Prowler 13 and the handles were comfortable. Worked great and were comfortable, but I don't know if they're much different than the handles on my current 2019 Outback or your 2016.