Just had a Balin Storm leg rope fail on me with the swivel attached to the rail saver popping out.When I rang the shop that I bought it from in Southport, I was told that I should change my leg ropes every two months and no, this would not be covered under warranty. The leg rope is 5-6 months old and retailed for $69.
My point is what is the point of buying an expensive leg rope if it is no better than a cheapie ?I was told that the swivel being metal is the weak point.
Thats not very comforting when you can be literally be putting your life at risk and trusting that your expensive leg rope is not going to fail.
I am a realist and understand that in a perfect world ..... But I was a bit stunned by the response.
I went to Shapers and bought a tough looking leg rope for half the price and looks like it will do the job.
PS I rode my SUP for nearly two years with the old leggie off my Mal without any problem.

I'd put that down to a $69 message from 'your shop' in Southport to 'don't bother coming back'!

I hope the manufacturer checks it out and finds in your favour & sees you right. Never heard of replacing your leg rope every two months, I wonder if anyone actually does that, or it was just a fob-off to get you out of their ear?

My strings have failed under six months on these leggies but local shop honoured the one year warranty. No questions asked.
My theory......., the swivel is rubbing through the string inside the tail saver in a spot you cannot monitor. I cut the plug string off (attached to other end) when I noticed it wearing.
The clasp, leash and workmanship otherwise fantastic.
I also rinse the leash almost everytime I use it.
Personally would like to see the join point to swivel for more peace of mind.
In the last twelve months I have also had two leg rope plugs pull out which I guess is down side to thicker leash and large volume boards.
Love to support Balin in Australia.
They do custom orders as well.

Its like going on ACA before some action is taken

Just my dry humour mate,like a current affair.All good nice outcome in the end.

Hi Guys Jon from Balin here.

Rockmagnet - why didn't you call !! We'll send you one if you do!!

You would like to think the stores we sell to would love to look after their customers the way we look after them. There is no room for the sort of arrogance you encountered.

BTW we replace everything we get returned regardless of implied warranty. - EVERYTHING. But if the store doesn't have the same policy what can we do?? We live and die by our reputation.

NOW the big problem - rope wear. We identified the cause to be manufacturer of the stainless swivels having less than perfect machinery. Some random swivels on our early deliveries have a burred edge which wears through the "rope". actually there is no rope inside the tailsavers. We use high quality webbing instead for stitching and wear strength. Of course you can't inspect them because it's sewn inside.

We have correct the problem swivels we believe and we have upped the specs for the tail savers t be Longer / Wider and include dual ropes (replaceable) for double plug boards. Note that sharp edges around the plugs will also cause wear. Not all board makers are all that careful. We are also trialling a new connection system on the swivel which will able us to beef it up even more. (Stock Due in January)

Just another note on the STORM. Not every one needs one most of the time, a long board leggie will do - it just depends on the day - AND a leggie should last a lot longer than 2 months.

Cheers....JON

I also think Balin leggie's are excellent, and Balin's service is equally excellent.

Their ankle strap is also the most comfortable that I have come across.

Simondo said..

I also think Balin leggie's are excellent, and Balin's service is equally excellent.

Their ankle strap is also the most comfortable that I have come across.

+1 cant say enough about them, best leggie ever by a long shot!! Dont use anything else now

I had exactly the same thing happen to me a few months ago.

I got in contact with Jon from Balin, sent him a few photos for QA purposes and within a few days I had a replacement delivered to my door free of charge along with his sincere apologies.

Great customer service.

WA71 said..

Simondo said..

I also think Balin leggie's are excellent, and Balin's service is equally excellent.

Their ankle strap is also the most comfortable that I have come across.

+1 cant say enough about them, best leggie ever by a long shot!! Dont use anything else now

Creatures of Leisure outer reef leggies are the ones I trust the mostest

I use the O&E One legie. I replace them every 12 or so months by way of getting a new one for one of my kids to give it to me for Christmas. This years leash was delivered last week and given to my daughter to wrap and surprise me.

So funny thing happens yesterday... my worlds toughest leggie breaks! With the skills of Sherlock Holmes I deduce it probably caught on the rear PSH quad fin as the legged broke a foot from the tail and when I finally swam to the board near the beach the fin was missing.

I am thinking of quietly taking the new leash from the pack and have my daughter give my the packaging for Christmas. Otherwise it's down to the back yard to find last years leash and to see how far the kids stretched it from off the tree.

As for strings, I always use my own and leave them with the board.