So, it would seem that an overwhelming majority of the votes (79% of the 24 votes), concluded that side release snap shackles are NOT RECOMMENDED for kiteboarding for a variety of reasons.
That is snap shackles that have a pivot or hinge on the SIDE. Several have used SRS in the past but many have changed to tip release shackles or pin quick releases over time. Tip release shackles are those with a pivot or hinge near the tip of the shackle. Of this variety information received suggests that the 2673 variety as opposed to the trigger release type may be more reliable.
Some went so far as to call for a ban on side release shackles. Several related personal experiences and actual accidents in which the side release snap shackle (SRS) played a role.
Half of the responding parties stated support for using a tip release snap shackle (TRS) such as a Wichard 2673 snap shackles. These are shackles which have a pivot or hinge closer to the tip of the shackle AND have a largely exposed release mechanism. The exposed release mechanism may be less prone to blocking with sand.
There are trigger shackles such as the Wichard 2655 & 2657 snap shackles and the Tylaska T8. Although these shackles are of the tip release variety they also have enclosed trigger mechanisms that may be prone to blockage by sand. So, based upon input received the Wichard 2673 may deliver more reliable performance than the trigger snap shackles. Please send in your experience and opinions regarding the systems that you use.
**NOTE and a WARNING:
I have been learning more about the accident that prompted the launching of this thread and the discussion of snap shackles in the first place. The rider was using a Wichard snap shackle but NOT a TIP RELEASE SHACKLE (TSR) such as the 2673. As you can see from the Wichard website:
http://www.wichard-usa.com/Catalog/HR_Snap_Shackles.htm
Wichard sells quite a few side release shackles (SRS) in the 2200, 2300,2400 and 2600 series of shackles. SRS have been voted by the majority responding in this poll to be UNACCEPTABLE for kiteboarding.
So if you want a Wichard TIP RELEASE Shackle or TRS make sure it is an appropriate model and from input to date it the 2673 model appears to have better reliability characteristics. Much of this information is relatively new so please send in your experiences and votes to help to expand the general understanding and to build consensus on appropriate snap shackle selection, rigging, maintenance and testing.
Confusing, maybe but we need to be clear when it comes to selecting, rigging, maintaining and testing something that could easily result in a good story or an extended hospital stay if things go wrong. All depending on how well the shackle works.
It seems that many respondants are looking forward to learning more about pin quick release shackles, the recently released Ocean Rodeo "punchout" control bar and other reliable options for depowering. Manufacturers, here is your que ...
FKA, Inc.
transcribed by:
Rick Iossi
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: RickI on 2003-01-30 14:44 ]</font>