Darth Lefty 

Reach is a factor just like wrist angle. I have Salsa Bend 23 bars on my gravel bike. They are reachy, so they work ok replacing the drop bar, but on a current long reach trail bike they'd be too far. And the more reach, the more angle you want. Think about the angle of your grip in Superman posture vs "elbows up" attack position

prj71

So mountain bike handlbars don't suck. Sounds like you have some fit issues.

I'd shorten the stem and get a riser bar like this. It brings you up a little higher so you aren't putting as much weight on your wrists and it's carbon so it takes away some trail vibrations.

https://www.oneupcomponents.com/coll...19519524012129

Then I would pair it with these...

https://www.ergonbike.com/en/product...gpmtb&a=griffe

Or these if you want to change hand positions during your ride.

https://www.ergonbike.com/en/product...gpmtb&a=griffe

roadfix

I’ve switched to Jones H Bars. More upright, more comfort…..matters at my age..lol

Schweinhund

I love the way these bars fit me. They are nothing special ebay bars, but they are great for my old body.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/304662173605

Schweinhund

On a 1991 KHS Montana Comp..