Can anyone who owns the SlingShot Surefire Spreader bar (the one with the spinning leash collar and hook trigger release) tell me if you've had any problems with it? The shops tell me they haven't had any complaints (surprise surprise) but I've heard that some break and one fairly light guy showed me his and it had a bend in it -ahh... thats the spring covered shaft with the hook on it I'm talking about. He thought they might come out of the shop like that but havent had a chance yet to go back and check. Looking at getting one if the general view is good.
The first batch of them were bending in the hook trigger. Slingshot were quick to pick up on this and replaced all the early ones that were bending, they beefed up the trigger mechanism after that. I had no dramas with mine.
...will this mean when its blowing 20kn clean SE high tide naked chicks on the beach, you will again be cloistered up in your flat playing around with inventions?
I have a cunning plan and the sailmaker is working on it as we speak so only minimal tinkering should be required on my part! Cant wait to get back out there amongst the dead rats
it had a bend in it -ahh... thats the spring covered shaft with the hook on it I'm talking about. He thought they might come out of the shop
The shaft has that bend in it from new. Weve actually had no problems with the ones we have sold. Even the one that went to a 130kg rider!!!! Some riders may activate the trigger accidentally whilst riding toeside though.
If you are at all concerned with safety, this has got to be the best thing going...like the ad said, you can pick up any old kite and fly it, regardless of it's safety system, because the safety on the bar is the only thing you gotta worry about. The only downside is it's a bit hard to hook back in once you are unhooked, as the hook has a slightly smaller diameter than other spreader bars. A positive note is that when your chicken loop wears out, all you gotta do is replace it with some pre-stretch rope from the marine store, a bit of vinyl pipe and learn how to tie a bowline knot and you're away. No need to replace it with the shop-bought $40 saftey setup, as it's already on the bar. Just be sure to only let other surefire rider use your gear!
