Hey Guys, Im working on my shackle quick release system.


I have seen a few design where you have to pull down on the a string/ball setup or if you turn it around pull up on the system to release the kite.

I have also seen a system where they connected 2 balls on a string and if you pull down (or to the side) it released the shackle also. I like this since I can tug from any side and release. It looks like you call even pull to the side since there are metal pieces right along the balls to enable the bail to flip open also. Anyone know about this system and where to get the parts?

Thanks guys,
JW

The Wichard QR that I have has a short Spectra lanyard on it. I tied a bright colored bandanna to it. The bandanna puts a lot of cloth in my lap that is easy to grab without looking. I pull to the side, up or out will pop the bail.

interesting...so you pull the close through the shackle which lists up the bail?

is there picture of your guys' system?

posted on another thread I can't find. Still looking...

there only one wichard I will ever trust, all you gotta do is pull the damn thing.

Here is one of mine and I have one with two balls will take a pictures later. Both work well, personal choice.

Here's how mine is set up on top of the hook on my spreader bar. 1 ball, with a velcro/webbing wrap to keep it facing up around the thimbles I use in place of a chicken loop. I also use this set-up with a Holt Allen snatch block on a strop for fixed bridles.

krumly

Thanks guys, I have the shackle, just looking for the best option for the ball release...


pictures are awesome

Were did you get that shackle, I could use one of those.

flea-bay

I put a picture of the two ball wichard release set up I bought from a guy in the UK in the gallery under Kites and Gear. Its at the bottom of the first page. You can see there are two tapered cones that lead to the ball that force the wichard to open. Nice bit of gear.

I've got the pin style, haven't had a problem with it even when intentionally stressing it way beyond what I'd put on it and I haven't heard of anyone who has had an issue, but some claim that if not taken good care of the pin may be difficult to release under load. That winchard type is a nice system though.

The second clip is just for ease and length.

Hey Kite Dog, I think this would be the best solution. Where do i get it?

Get on the flexiforum and post a question. Someone should respond. It's been a while since I purchased that so I can't remember the guys name. They're pretty helpful onthat forum though so you should get a repsonse. Good luck!

Took a new picture.

My Wichard 6273 is the same as posted by WeldnGod, but my Spectra (?) lanyard broke and I replaced it with the yellow Q-Powerline that you see. Kitedog's twin ball and cone rig is better in this respect, I think.

The Wichard came from Defender.com (marine) and the Holt Allen Pulley block came from West Marine. One of the pics shows the Holt Allen Block snapped open.

I drilled out the riveted hinge pin on the Holt Allen block so that I could replace it with a quick pin of the same diameter in order to allow me to clip the swivel eye of the Wichard into the block.

The lanyard is attached to a big bandanna that sits in my lap and can be clutched without looking. the Wichard attaches to the harness spreader hook

Some don't like the the fact that the wichard goes with the kite when you pull the release, but the kite is on a leash anyway, and you will get sand in it anyway if you are within a mile of the beach!!

This set-up allows the strop to be less than 3" from the hook.

The only thing I don't like about the cones is that you have to move them out of the wichard mechanism before you can close it again. Aside from that, they work great and will release under load from both sides easily.

Flexifoil forum isn't answering back. Anyone know about this:

"You can see there are two tapered cones that lead to the ball that force the wichard to open"

I'll try to figure it out. It'll have to wait until tonight though. I'll let you know what I find.

Try searching the user Active-8 on the Flexi forum. He was the guy for wichard QRs and Holt pulley blocks. Good luck!

thanks! I sent him a msg

I used a couple of ballpoint pen tips, two ball-shaped cabinet pulls, some thin climbing rope and a bunch of epoxy. The tip of the pens pointing in toward each other with about an inch of line between them activate the bail perfectly.

I originally used picture-hanging cable instead of the line, but it wasn't very durable.

Hope this helps.

Bob