Metal Slider for Pulley Replacement

[MUDSUX]

Hi everyone,

I have tried searching this forum for 3 days but can't find any information. Maybe it's because I don't know the proper name for them. I am looking to replace all the pulleys on my kite with the metal sliders that some kite companies are beginning to use. There are no moving parts. I heard they are used in the paragliding industry but I can't find any info about them. I have 2 paragliders and they have no such slider in the bridle or risers, they use plastic pulleys for the speed system, like the ones we have now on our kite. I only found one picture that shows it clearly. It's from a Cabrinha Convert. Anyone know where I can buy these? From an aftermarket place, not Cabrinha. Thanks

[Kamikuza]

Have a sniff around the Cab website and you'll find a page that lists all the parts you can order ... might even be the catalog. Get the name from there.
I've not seen them anywhere else although you can get 'eye' rings that you loop line around the outside ...

[zerogee_ca]

Not exactly what your looking for but, Google...
Antal low friction aluminum rings

[MUDSUX]

Not exactly what your looking for but, Google...
Antal low friction aluminum rings

Thanks, that's the closest yet. I can't believe how hard it is to find these things. Is it a proprietary thing from Cabrinha? Somehow I doubt that.

[Kamikuza]

Thanks, that's the closest yet. I can't believe how hard it is to find these things. Is it a proprietary thing from Cabrinha? Somehow I doubt that.

Not on the idea, but that shape may be their own mold or something ... didn't Slingshot have something similar?

[blacktip]

What do you expect from the metal rings compared to the normal pulleys? To avoid pulley failure?

To my understanding the metal rings on Cabrinha kites stay in position during normal flight. They only move across the bridle line when you extremely depower the kite.

I doubt a metal ring would work when it constantly slides over the bridle line.

[Werys]

try to find Ronstan´s catalog. they´ve got a lot of sail accesories

[Arcsrule]

i replaced the pulleys on my charger 15 with stainless steel rings. works just as good as the pulleys--or better since the pulleys were always stuck. the stainless ring works exactly like what you have pictured but cost a BUNCH less.

[MUDSUX]

i replaced the pulleys on my charger 15 with stainless steel rings. works just as good as the pulleys--or better since the pulleys were always stuck. the stainless ring works exactly like what you have pictured but cost a BUNCH less.

Hey Arc, I am thinking the same thing if I can't find the right one. The pulley on my Bularoo and Cult is beginning to wear out. You can tell they are not freely spinning because the rope is cutting a channel into the plastic wheel. What year is your Charger? I have a 2011 Charger with the Ronstan Orbits on the main load bearing line and 2 more regular smaller pulleys on each side of the bridle. That is 6 total. The bridle on the 2011 Charger seems a bit complicated but it flies real well.

[Peter_Frank]

I am a bit amazed about this - as even if you got good pulleys (they dont get stuck if you just use 2 seconds every time you rig), you will still wear slightly on your bridals after a long time of use.

So stuck pulleys or fixed rings/metal sliders would wear even more, no matter what, right ?

Of course, one can also just change bridals more often if one prefers that

This is the "classic" one used on my kites, and got no problems having them roll totally "free" even after several years of heavy/often usage in sand :



But on the other hand - simplicity without moving parts, is in itself a good thing though, I agree

Peter