Wow, I love mine. I have a 60" with a standard 48" wood one. The LogRite bites better, and the extra foot of leverage comes in handy more often than not. I wouldn't trust a wood handle with what I've done with the LogRite. I don't find the handle to be too fat at all. My old one has been relegated to "back-up" status.
There's no doubt that the LogRite does have a great hook, and it is a great canthook, but for me the handle is too fat and uncomfortable. I've never broken a handle on any canthook, but then again i save my back and use my tractor for severe duty on logs.
I kept reading how the LogRite was so much better than all the rest, and i wanted one really bad. When my buddy and i went to the 2007 sawmill expo a several months ago, i bought one. I asked my buddy (JP from the Norwood forum) if he was going to buy one too, and he said "they are too uncomfortable to use".... Dang, i didn't realize he was right untill i got home and used it some, i now wish i had not bought it...
I have used all of my weight on my wood handle one (i'm well over 200 pounds) more than a few times and it's still tight and like new so i'm thinking for the average guy around the mill it would last just fine..... (and at least 30 bucks cheaper)
I'm not saying LogRite's aren't good, i'm saying NOT everyone is in love with them!
Rob