Just a tip, I read on one of these forums to "try" lubing the cables with WD40 or silicone spray. I started to give the cables a "squirt" every other time I pulled the handles staring last September. This spring while in Florida I was pleasantly surprised as to how easily both the gray AND black handles pulled!! Give it a try, it's working well for me. I've only lubed the cables once this year so far, not that I "had to" but thought I'd do it anyway. For me anyway so far so good. YMMV
Dan