I have personally used three types of grips on my shoulder gear and have always felt that sockets would help. I found this great deal with the socket and handles all in one so I took it. And it's great! The handles are also lower than on the rail, although I think it depends on how perpendicular the rail is attached. In addition, the handles do not rotate! You just gently pull them into the desired position and they stay that way, seemingly forever. I should have gotten this a long time ago.