Yes - but then we solely rely on a mechanical release as the ONLY release option, just like the release schackles (we abandoned because) - with no options to get yourself "clear" if it jams

As said, it is maybe just me - but like the idea of being able to get yourself "unstuck" if something else fails

Peter

"The other day, my bar got stuck in the hook of my Harness. Just where the bar joins the line."

been there - done that - suuper dodgy situation

also hooked into corner of bar and leader line = full power deathloops and no safety...

North once produced a chicken loop where the release mechanism would fit into a dakine spreader bar hook - great engineering but lack of common sense design.. it is still going on with various brands... - again - you are left with no safety.

Has anyone actually been able to unhook when they haven't been able to release the QR? Not a technique I'd want to rely on... especially if shit is wrapped around other stuff and making a nightmare!

With the 'Dynabar' style bit o' rope, you could put a hook knife through it, at least. The old FSer CL has a pin release that had low release load - must have one lying around somewhere, that could be the QR for the spreader bar.

Problem I still see is how to attach the CL to the line with something that spreads the load on the PU nicely...

There is a double thimble as in this photo, but I have difficulty finding the supplier, or you could tie two of these thimbles together with 8mm rope.

http://dmmprofessional.com/products/thimble-8mm-s2908/

The hook seems to have been part of the problem in this fatality.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2372312&hilit=france

Here is a Jay freestyle bar that we fixed and reinforced so it will stop bending from boosting.
In the case of this set up, you just remove the hook assembly and keep just the U bolt.
Run your chicken loop right through the U bolt and you are good to go.
Take off you donkey dick first, don't need it anymore.

i suppose if you are really worried about your QR failing i would check into two things
1) a better QR you can trust more
2) a quick-release pin on one end of the rope to release the whole mess

Well, I trust my release a lot, as it is the "French" type that can not be jammed because of sand or dirt or rust or anything - so not possible to find one that can be trusted more

But I were speaking generally, why I dont like to be "locked" to my equipment via one single way of disconnecting myself.

As there are no downsides with the hook IMO, I still prefer to have extra options to free yourself - like taking the CL out of the hook f.ex.

Regarding getting stuck in the hook - I checked mine today, and the hook is actually so big and a very open hook, so the bar can get into the arc yes, but very very easy drops out again

Are some hooks so small that the bar can get caught and not easy to free ?

Maybe the problem is those hooks just about the same size as the bar diameter, where it might get stuck ?

Peter

Sounds like the hook was stuck over a back line "exposed between" the bar end and "the bar float"

This is how the death spiral got initiated after your crash in the surf

It is important to "push both floats all the way down so that there is zero gap" to get the hook into

Make sure to look at your floats before you launch the kite and enter the water

The new North bar 2013 has built-in floats at each bar end....no possible gap..pretty clever

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The bar itself is dangerous, the lines can get wrapped around the bar ends... try a wheel instead???