http://www.npsurf.com/products/spreaderbar/all/s1-tracker.html

Anyone know if we can get these bars in Aust yet

Very soon from any dealer that sell Cabrinha
The idea is not new though, Peter Lynn sold these back in the mid to late 90's for land kite/buggy use.

No worries Dave, I did say late 90's which is when I first saw them, looks like proper production started around 2001 though. The problem, being that of the load of the kite, is still centred at the point of contact on the body of the user though, which is the middle of the spreader bar (even for the PL version). This still has the effect of twisting the body of the user. The sliding systems stop that twisting.

Thats a nice looking design and would be a keeper for me if it pivoted up and down as well as side to side.

Looks complicated.

Ride Engine have a simple solution:

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likuid said..
Looks complicated.

Ride Engine have a simple solution:

That is a simple solution using existing designs, BUT the whole rider to kite connection is well overdue for a re-think IMO.
How long would it take for the chicken loop plastic to wear through?
Why have a chicken loop at all? Most people do not unhook.
For those that do unhook, the existing stuff works well (hook and C-Loop), for everyone else that rides hooked in, its just dumb to use stuff thats basically designed for unhooking.
How many beginners mishaps have been caused by the chicken loop falling off the hook. The donkey d1ck is a pretty poor solution, for beginners and even some moderately experienced riders freak out completely if they come unhooked by accident. So why have a system like that? Why not offer a freestyle bar for unhooking, and a hooked in bar that has a positive, but releasable connection.
Harness spreaders, we are all using a design that originated in windsurfing, but the user requirements, sports and forces are completely different.
Harness manufacturers need to offer freestyle spreaders with hooks, and then a freeride system where the rider stays hooked in at all times.
From the first time I saw the Jay Dynabar I started using it, because it made more sense and it was way more comfortable. Back then and even now its not perfect, however it offers a lot of benefits for most freeriders and wave riders.
It really is amazing how long it is taking for harness and kite bar designs to actually be created for the requirements of the users in this sport.

Keen to get my Ride Engine harness and see how a kite specific harness feels.

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TerryMcTool said..


Why have a chicken loop at all? Most people do not unhook.
For those that do unhook, the existing stuff works well (hook and C-Loop), for everyone else that rides hooked in, its just dumb to use stuff thats basically designed for unhooking.
How many beginners mishaps have been caused by the chicken loop falling off the hook. The donkey d1ck is a pretty poor solution, for beginners and even some moderately experienced riders freak out completely if they come unhooked by accident. So why have a system like that? Why not offer a freestyle bar for unhooking, and a hooked in bar that has a positive, but releasable connection.

Something like this Steve?



Cheers

DK

Re: Halo connection ^^^

If for some reason your chicken loop fails to 'unloop' itself when activating the release mechanism,

then you're trapped in a harness.

That could be deadly.

A hook at least offers a chance of escape.

Hi Dave

Yeah I forgot about that when I wrote my spiel, Cabrinha are at least trying, but nah too because there is no halo/sliding version. The unwanted torquing twisting effects of a central connection point apply for all that want a sliding system.
Make a compact halo thing with a pulley to suit 6-8mm rope, thats something the market needs. Have you personally tried a sliding system for wave riding or racing?

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TerryMcTool said..

Make a compact halo thing with a pulley to suit 6-8mm rope, thats something the market needs.

You mean like a simple stainless steel ring 0r something ?

lol.