Links to quick releases, surf ropes, and safety gear

[AirTool]

Okay experts. If you know of a great quick release....please post a link. The more the better.

For that matter, post a link to any piece of safety equipment you would recommend.....surf ropes, etc.

No graphic photos, horror stories, etc. Just post a description and a link to either the mfg or seller.

Please try to promote PN sponsers first if you can.

AirTool

[bowvan]

I just purchased one of these. It's still in the mail, so I can't comment on how it performs. Actually, I hope I never do find out how it performs. It's just a little added insurance.

http://www.samsonsports.com/bullet_release.html

[INVNO1]

http://ridecwb.com/index.php?mod=rop...&id_prd=29

I have a t bar and a super d rope. The Super D works great doing dry starts etc, but is murder on the hands while doing deep starts, so I picked up the Tbar this winter. Haven't tried it yet.

[WakeSlayer]

Wow, I do not like the idea of that bullet release at all. I have no idea how much force it takes to rip the end of a finger off as we saw in another thread recently, but I am guessing it is less than 200lbs of force. You need to use a release that a vigilant passenger is operating. Anytime someone takes a spill that looks a little odd or you cannot be positive the rope is clear, you pull it. It instantly releases the line with only has much force built up as the operate or allows. If you have to think twice, pull it. Kind of like the running a yellow light rule. I bet I pop mine 50 times a year? Maybe more. Don't know. It is a good for teaching kids or people that cannot get it through their heads to let go. We have all seen this move.

http://www.masterlineusa.com/Masterl...eboard-Release


This is the surf rope I use. It is nice and thick and has knots with grips every couple feet, so you can pull your way forward when you are learning to catch the wave. Best of all is the fact that the handle is small enough that you can throw the line back to the rider and not risk lassoing their heads.

http://www.waterskis.com/Accurate-Wa...urf%20line.htm

[nch20skier]

I have one of these and have used it for as many as 3 footers or 8 show skiers.
Never a problem. Our ski team has a triple release and it also works flawless. Either Marty or Chuck (@Lake Elmo) can help you get the correct size for your ride
http://www.lakeelmosports.com/product.php?productid=96

[j2nh]

I am going to second the release in nch20skier's post. Those releases have been used by show clubs for years and work flawlessly.
Marty or Chuck are great guys to deal with.
Highly recommended.

[gride300]

just start with the smallest one and work ur way up surfing until it only snaps off when you fall and hold on(do it purposefully in a controlled situation sort of)

[TX-Foilhead]

This is probably not the best place for my first post here, but a couple of friends of mine created the Bullet Release that Samson sells, so I have a little experience and insight.

Hydrofoilers have been using automatic releases for quite a few years because it is very easy to get a second unwanted jump when your learning new tricks. Usually you are totally disoriented as to where you are and it makes it very easy to get your arm, or foil stuck in the handle, either of these can cause serious injury to yourself and your bank account. The 2 automatic releases that have been in use have some limitations, one is portable, but after it releases, the velcro that holds it gets wet, and it is very hard to get it dry so it tends to not hold, and the other must be bolted to your town point, so it is not portable. The Bullet Release solves those issues for us. The Lake Elmo release is also very good, and I know a few people that have those, but then you have to depend on someone to watch you that knows what is going on so that type of release is usually just used when people are learning tricks where the possibility is high that you will get tangled up like 3's, fronts and mobes.

I realize that most wakeboarders tend to think of the automatic release as dangerous, but I have yet to meet someone who has gotten tugged before the rope has been released, even when the Bullet released testing the 750lb setting. When they work correctly, you most likely will not even know you needed it.

Don
93 Nautique Excel OB

[WakeSlayer]

The one I have is really close to the Lake Elmo KW release. I will post a pic when i get home next week.

[harddock]

I have one of these and have used it for as many as 3 footers or 8 show skiers.
Never a problem. Our ski team has a triple release and it also works flawless. Either Marty or Chuck (@Lake Elmo) can help you get the correct size for your ride
http://www.lakeelmosports.com/product.php?productid=96

+1

[xlair]

airtool, i have the same trick release as in the link below for sale. I do not use it. let me know if you are interested. probably looking to get $75 or so out of it.

http://www.lakeelmosports.com/produc...=52&page=1

[Hollywood]

I'm going to assume you'll be pulling from the tower so make sure you get the KW Tower release, or go with one of the inline types.

[AirTool]

I'm going to assume you'll be pulling from the tower so make sure you get the KW Tower release, or go with one of the inline types.

This one?

http://www.boarditup.com/shop/item.a...0&catid=29

So far, I think it is the only one posted for a tower.

Does anyone make one for a tower that you have to hold pressure to keep it engaged? i.e. fail safe?

[Quinner]

Foilhead,

Could you tell me more about the bullets, have gotten my arm and the foil wrapped up in the rope, got lucky with the arm as the line snapped, around the foil bent the foil and tore up the rope pretty good.

I am curious how often the bullet's release using the various pins they have available?
Generally don't see a heavy load on the line foiling so which pin works best?
Guessing you install the bullet close to the tow point, say off a short leader.
What are you using for a release, if anything?

[TX-Foilhead]

Foil Forum has everything you could possibly want to know about the Bullet, check the Samson subforum under Gear Review. I talk to and occasionally ride with the creators and the biggest pin that they have broken is the 600lb. There are a few people who have managed to pull the Comptech release open at it's max setting trying to take their front flips bigger so they made the 750lb pin I think that would do some equipment damage before it released, but those who need it aren't having a problem with hitting the rope.

I only have rolls and gainers down right now and have never had a release open in the 5 years that I have been using my Cinch release. Having talked to people that have had them work, they say you never know it worked until the rope is laying in the water. I think the best setting is somewhere above your actual weight so it doesn't open as your getting up, but as light as you can go above that. With the Bullet release you can move up a size if you manage to open it on take off. I'd really like to have a Bullet, but we've got 3 foils and set ups so I'll most likely go with a Comptech so everyone won't have to share a rope.

Hydrofoils don't put much load on the rope most of the time, but I pulled Todd Kyser Last year with a Crownline with a 502, and the boat would almost stop the moment he came out of the water, very different from anything else I have driven, until he started up after his dip, I could hardly tell he was back there.