Never even knew these existed until I saw a windsurfer wearing one. Got one last night. Tested it out today. Luxurious. Smooth as glass. You can actually feel the texture of the strop being transmitted through to the handles.

You have no idea just how much resistance that double rod stainless hook puts on the strop until you run one of these.

Always wanted one. $35 brand new; can you believe it?

I went with the 10" model. Works just fine without a spreader bar pad.

I got mine straight from the source:
http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idC...

Would have from here had the shipping been less:


https://www.bigwinds.com/reactor-roller-bar

Roller spreaders are pretty much a necessity when using a strop. We carry the Peter Lynn one.

http://www.awindofchange.com/product/plchallenger.html

There is also a pivoting one that keep the bar from rolling up on you.
http://www.awindofchange.com/product/plbullet.html

And if you want the deluxe full articulating and spinning one:
http://www.awindofchange.com/product/plprodigybar.html

I agree the less friction the better on fixed bridle kites. It makes a huge difference particularly when flying one handed.
I make my own pulley blocks from "Acetal" using 2 stacked stainless steel bearings on a mandrel and when flicked with my finger will continue to rotate for 15 seconds or so.

Long hours in the buggy are effortless, as every bit or resistance shows up with time.

My son uses the Peter Lynn 360 spinner and I use a Holt block with Witchard and top furler.

yea...i really need to go this route

Once you are hooked in your skill level will increase 2 fold .
It gives you confidence to really fly powered up and hold down a bigger kite.

I have a block and shackle as well. Easily converted to an auto quick release if you attach the safety line to a hard point under your seat. The roller and the ability to swivel is amazing. You can just put your handles together and flip them over. It is almost as easy as spinning the bar on a depower.

Be careful, if you don't have the QR rigged to the buggy, it can lead to costly medical bills... I ended up 10-15" in the air and then 4 months after the repairative surgery to my broken heel I was able to walk again without a cane.... not trying to be the party pooper, but flying hooked in is great until it goes wrong. Just make sure you can get unhook either automatically or fast enough that you don't end up too far off the ground. It's been more than 2 years now and my foot still hurts.

It is advisable to go for a witchard quick release shackle.
The piston type can bind up under load especially when riding on sandy beaches.
The piston gets clogged up with sand and will lock the quick release mechanism.
I have seen this happen a few times in the past and it is like not having a safety mechanism at all.