Slingshot Surefire Spreader Bar

homerun · Since 12 Jul 2008 22 Posts

I have been using the Slingshot Surefire Spreader Bar. I purchased it because I was demoing kites and wanted the same emergency release for any kite I tested.

I am curious why so few kiters use it. On the surface it seems the perfect solution. I suspect the major concern is accidentally releasing the chicken loop and/or that most controll bars come with their own release systems and leashes.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Too much stuff going on with that bar means too many things can fail or release accidentally. I've had three of them back in the day. Broke the first two in different ways, rode 3rd for a bit and decided to switch to something simpler and sturdier. Other problem is that safety leash hooks on to the spreader bar hook (no redundancy there), which I broke once and my kite flew away cuz the leash slipped off once the hook was gone. In kiteboarding a simple and clean solution is often safer in the long run even if it doesn't have all the bells and whistles.

Also, many harnesses come with their own spreader bars now which makes people less interested in shelling out $$$ for an expensive spreader bar. The only reason I got it in the first place was to have a spinnable leash on a 4line C kite. Now most kites come with spinnable setups so there's less need for the surefire spreader bar.

tonyb · Tue Aug 12, 08 9:36 am

We used them for a couple of years then moved on to the Slingshot Profire bar and then just a regular spreader bar. I put all of the kids on them for their first season as I really like the safety options and the ease of use and reset. They work really well but as they hook up to an outside line and you need the velcro pieces to keep the spinning leash hooked up they are kind of bar specific.

As we got into trying unhooked stuff we found the Surefire hook to be a little small and very curved over compared to a regular spreader bar making it tough to unhook and hook back in. Also felt kind of "clunky" after a while and not as simple as other set ups.

I did break the long bolt on the hook after a year and a half of continuous use and lots of jumping but mostly I think they are pretty solid. With more and more kites having below the bar leash systems and better chicken loop quick releases there isn't that much advantage to the Surefire bar. Nothing wrong with them but there is simpler stuff out there now.

Tony

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

I have used mine for a few years and i really like it. It just gives me one extra safety release if I need it. It really isn't any more compicated than using a donkey dick, and since we use the slingshot bars I can unscrew and take out all the donkey dicks from our kites.

I don't use the supplied safety with the bar though, I just have a handlepass leash set up that I use. I also like that for any kite I use or demo I have the exact same emergency release.

marina c · Tue Aug 12, 08 1:26 pm

I have used one for years. SS has updated their bar so that it is much shorter.The velcro was their super early one (which I just get sent by mistake:-) you just hook it to the center safety of the CSS system and it works perfect. I works on all my other kites as well with no problem. The system has never failed me but I am not pulling powered kite loops. Mostly ride hooked in, in the surf, and do some jumps, transitions and spins.....

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Do any of you have any problem with the CL pushing out the donkey clip and pre-releasing, especially when going toeside? I don't know if I have a defective one but it seems that all I have to do is go toeside, lean away from my kite a bit and POW, I'm out.

marina c · Sat Jan 03, 09 12:12 pm

Nope, never had this problem. System has worked for me every time and has never accidentally released. RE: usage, I do ride toeside a lot but do not do any unhooked powered moves. ...

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

I've used one for years and love it!

SS replaced the first one due to a warranty (didn't fail me, but they upgraded a bolt/weld or something)

I just bought a new one last year because I was told I was asking for trouble staying on the same speader bar for 3 years. So, now the old surefire is on my backup harness and I haven't had issues with the new one.

I agree that since most kites these days have below the bar center line safeties, it really isn't an issue. Just hook the surefire stubby leash to that and you're good to go! If you need a longer leash you can easily attach that instead of the stubby.

I would agree that there are easier spreader bars for riding unhooked (hooking back in) and some of the ones that rotate/slide as you go toeside would be nice.