Free Range Chicken Hook...idea feedback requested
Posted: Sat May 23, 2009 5:42 pm
A couple of weeks ago, I got interested in the Dynabar thread:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2355507
Soooo, I dug into my old-parts-bin and started tinkering up some "Frankenbars" with which to experiment, in an attempt to find out whether or not I would like kiteboarding with a "sliding hook" style spreader bar. Like other Kiteforum members, who gave testimonials in the Dynabar thread, I liked the feeling and can see the merit of such a device for certain groups of kiters...in particular (1) those using a seat harness, who want to comfortably ride toeside, (2) those who like a "looser" feel to their kiting, (3) those who like low-wind kiting, and (4) those who want a more "adjustable" pull from the kite, in order to rest and relax their back, knees and legs, by allowing freedom from being "locked" into position, and (5) those who want the option of riding Unhooked.
The following pictures show the results of my experimentation, during which I used 5 different prototypes...all of which used rope to support the “slider” (sliding ring, anchor shackle, nylon-covered Tylaska release shackle, or in the present case...the releasable hook). I have been pleasantly surprised by how nicely these different rings and shackles slide along the spectra rope, without the use of a pulley. I won't get into the merits of the different "sliders", right now. Also, I have been surprised by the lack of a need for a bungee, to return the "slider" to the center of the bar. I have also been pleased by the ease of repairing or replacing the integral parts of these devices, with easily obtained and inexpensive items, like rope, rings, PVC pipe, etc. The whole roped-slider-bar cost less that $10.
The pictures illustrate the basic features, required to satisfy the goal of the Freerange Chicken Hook Spreader Bar design, which are (1) Unhooked riding, (2) Hook sliding, (3) Chicken Hook-to-bar orientation, and (4) Roped Spreader bar use.
Pictures of another desirable feature, designed for additional safety, the "Escape Rope" release device can be viewed at the end of the Dynabar thread. This feature allows the rope to be released in case of an emergency.
My goal is presenting these pictures is not to suggest that this is a marketable, finished item, or to promote the idea as being suitable for all kiters, but to stimulate ideas and criticism, which could lead to the development of a "well turned" product, manufactured by an innovative company, such as Dynabar.
Enough said…here are the first three pictures, showing the "rope bar" and "chicken hook" in action.
Each post only allows 3 pictures, so the pictures will be presented in the next 4 posts:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2355507
Soooo, I dug into my old-parts-bin and started tinkering up some "Frankenbars" with which to experiment, in an attempt to find out whether or not I would like kiteboarding with a "sliding hook" style spreader bar. Like other Kiteforum members, who gave testimonials in the Dynabar thread, I liked the feeling and can see the merit of such a device for certain groups of kiters...in particular (1) those using a seat harness, who want to comfortably ride toeside, (2) those who like a "looser" feel to their kiting, (3) those who like low-wind kiting, and (4) those who want a more "adjustable" pull from the kite, in order to rest and relax their back, knees and legs, by allowing freedom from being "locked" into position, and (5) those who want the option of riding Unhooked.
The following pictures show the results of my experimentation, during which I used 5 different prototypes...all of which used rope to support the “slider” (sliding ring, anchor shackle, nylon-covered Tylaska release shackle, or in the present case...the releasable hook). I have been pleasantly surprised by how nicely these different rings and shackles slide along the spectra rope, without the use of a pulley. I won't get into the merits of the different "sliders", right now. Also, I have been surprised by the lack of a need for a bungee, to return the "slider" to the center of the bar. I have also been pleased by the ease of repairing or replacing the integral parts of these devices, with easily obtained and inexpensive items, like rope, rings, PVC pipe, etc. The whole roped-slider-bar cost less that $10.
The pictures illustrate the basic features, required to satisfy the goal of the Freerange Chicken Hook Spreader Bar design, which are (1) Unhooked riding, (2) Hook sliding, (3) Chicken Hook-to-bar orientation, and (4) Roped Spreader bar use.
Pictures of another desirable feature, designed for additional safety, the "Escape Rope" release device can be viewed at the end of the Dynabar thread. This feature allows the rope to be released in case of an emergency.
My goal is presenting these pictures is not to suggest that this is a marketable, finished item, or to promote the idea as being suitable for all kiters, but to stimulate ideas and criticism, which could lead to the development of a "well turned" product, manufactured by an innovative company, such as Dynabar.
Enough said…here are the first three pictures, showing the "rope bar" and "chicken hook" in action.
Each post only allows 3 pictures, so the pictures will be presented in the next 4 posts: