I've been using a Wichard 2673 Shackle lashed above the hook on my spreader bar as my primary Qr mechanism. Whether flying with handles or using a depower bar, I always have a SS thimble in the shackle that is connected to my depower line or to a block that slides along a handle strop. I end up with KS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s or a wrist leash with QR pin as the final link. On other forums, some have concerns with the Wichard gates not fully releasing over time.

The Slingshot Surefire spreader bar looks like a nice option for both lmain hook QR and leash QR. Anyone have experience with them, good or bad? Or, just care to comment on other QR schemes? Thanks,

krumly

http://saucisseman.free.fr/wichard_en.htm#toc

here's a link with a few solutions, though I cant answer about the surefire spreader bar

Kiteboarder2B -

Interesting idea.

I have a set-up I put together that matches this:
http://www.kitegear.com/details.asp?ID=6

Same shackle as in your link, and the ball is easy to grab and rip. With my depower bars, I use a rear line wrist leash with QR pin or a 5'th line and QR leash that is attached to a web loop at my spreader bar.

It also works with a strop between handles - there I have a small block with a fixed D shackle through the block strap. The Wichard shackle gate locks over the D shackle. I like the system because it is much more compact than a chicken loop, giving me a longer depower range and it also works with handles.

My concern is with reports I read on other forums like kiteforum and Flexifoil forum about stainless rings or thimbles occasionally hanging up at the Wichard hinge point after extensive use. The Surefire bar offers the same compact format + a spinning QR leash. I was curious if anyone had experience with how well the hook releases on the Surefire.

Thanks,

krumly