minimalist quick-release

[ktouhey]

I mostly snowkite in the backcountry where we need to skin for access. So anything to make gear smaller & lighter is good.

has anyone made/modified/bought a more minimalist and streamlined quickrelease?
currently I hook in with a locking carabiner from the harness to the standard loop on my ozone frenzies. I don't need to unhook ever, so I don't need a proper loop.
I do want to keep a swivel and a leash though.

Who is using what?
I use a snap-shackle on my wavekite bar, but I'm not sure I'd trust that in the cold because of ice-up.

[Starsky]

Board Riding Maui has a simple release. I built one with bigger balls....that's right, my balls are bigger! Jokes aside, it's a very slick and compact set up..... You lose both the bulky chicken loop and leash without losing safety or function.

[jakemoore]

Starsky: Where are you getting the metal pins?

[randycasburn]

Board Riding Maui has a simple release. I built one with bigger balls....that's right, my balls are bigger! Jokes aside, it's a very slick and compact set up..... You lose both the bulky chicken loop and leash without losing safety or function.

Would love a how to and parts source!

[Starsky]

Sorry guys no simple easy parts source. The balls: One (white) is the same size as the BRM set up, salvaged from an old bar and is the pull towards "let it all go" release closest to the rider. The other (black) is about 1.5x bigger, from West Marine, and is the further away, push release that flags the kite. They have small holes drilled through the sides for the bungee.

The pins are salvaged parts. The small one from the release off an old kite leash, and the other was the clip end off a leash that has been highly modified into a pin with a rotary power tool.

The ring between them is from a marine hardware store.

Been using this system all season for foiling and waves in 9-30 knots. Had to released it under duress and tension at least twice.... worked flawlessly.

[rynhardt]

Have a look at the following topics:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2389675

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2389954&p=899262#p899262

[Starsky]

The bonus of the BRM system over most others I have seen thus far is the integration of the flagging line allowing you to get rid of not only the harness hook and chicken loop, but the dangly leash as well.

I don't mean to suggest the system as I have pictured it is appropriate for winter riding with the added issues of potential icing and loss of dexterity in winter gloves. It is merely an example.

[Hardwater Kiter]

I've used Winchard snap shackles on snow for years without any issues. Even after crashing in slushy conditions and having things snap freeze when I recovered they've been reliable. And to be fair, in those conditions everything can be disabled whether it be a snap shackle or purpose built loop system. You have to clean it a bit after the crash.

But for drier winter conditions that you find on land vs. ice the Winchard has performed flawlessly. Even under some stout loads. Which I guess is the point of the things

Here are some pics of a set up I used a bit last season. It makes for a low profile, light weight and clean system that is easy yo actuate and doesn't get tangled after numerous kite loops.

The blue line is the flag out. It is attached to the shackle and spins with the shackle as do the leaders. No need for a spinner up high, less weight and less chance of leader tangle. It can be attached to a FLS or to your rear line stall handle. What ever kite killing system you use.

This is obviously not a very refined set up but as a test bed I've been very happy with it. It has a long enough throw that for a lot of kites the trim is redundant and I may remove it.

As seen here there is no secondary "final option" release. It's on my harness and I'm too lazy to grab it for the pic but another shackle can be used to release the primary. Again, not very refined, built quickly, and very functional. Not perfect and a variation on several themes but good food for thought maybe?

[Laughingman]

Hey Starsky

Nice job by the way. I've been considering doing something similar but I cannot seem to get my head around how this will work with line twists... are they an issue?
Without the leash... there is nothing to get wrapped I guess..?

[Laughingman]

Hardwaterkiter... how do you let it all go if you have to.. seems like there is only one release in your set up and the flag line is tied to the shackle?