Ronstan Orbit Block™ system impresses

by Kylie Wilson on 31 Mar 2007
Ronstan’s revolutionary lightweight Orbit Block™ systems are the new force in hardware technology that is giving the winning edge to the heavyweights of the sailing world.

Orbit Blocks™ are a no-compromise solution for the world’s racing sailors. Ronstan’s blocks boast the use of the advanced fibre and polymer technology that is up to 10 times stronger than steel yet more compact and lighter.

Ronstan has replaced virtually all metal components in its ball bearing Orbit Blocks™ with hi-tech polymers and fibre equivalents for optimum heavy duty performance in the lightest product possible. They have engineered out the heavy steel load straps, head posts, shackle, fasteners and cleating accessories and have replaced the traditional shackle and post head with an innovative Dyneema® Link configuration that reflects the latest trends in development classes and Grand Prix ocean racing.

Laser world champion Michael Blackburn says Ronstan has produced blocks with the lowest weight possible that are ideal to handle the demands of all levels of sailing from Opti’s to small one designs. 'I’d been looking for a while for something smaller and lighter that would still do the job and Orbits are definitely it,' he says.

Ronstan’s precision design locates the optimum number of ball bearings in loaded areas and eliminates them in inactive areas. Ineffective mass is further reduced through fibre-reinforced composites in the block head, cleat arms and beckets.

International 14 duo Lindsay Irwin and Michael Perry say their main and spinnaker system blocks are 35 per cent lighter than those of Ronstan’s nearest competitor and have the highest strength-to-weight ratio available. 'The best thing about them is how they run under load,' says Irwin. 'Actually the mainsheet almost runs too fast. I had to get used to it, but I can sheet a whole lot more now. The holding power of the 55 is the same as the 75mm ratchet that I used to use.'

Ronstan’s multi-sheave blocks have only single intermediate cheeks and ultra-light head arrangements compared to other brands that just link together their single blocks. Their products result in unnecessary double cheeks between each sheave and extra weight to drag down boat speed.

49er World champ and Volvo ocean racer Chris Nicholson says Ronstan’s ratchet blocks give more control with less fatigue. 'They’re just so impressive - the lack of weight. And the Ratchet holding power for weight is phenomenal. Nothing on the market comes close,' says Nicholson.

The proven Ronstan two-stage bearing system features high compression grade acetal ball bearings and a secondary full-contact bearing that gives minimum friction across the entire working load range.

The Dyneema® Link is easily fitted and is kept secure by a moulded retainer clip. The flexible Link can be left with one end attached to the block when fitting, which means no more lost shackle pins. And the system is truly compatible with Dyneema®/Spectra® strops, webbing and carbon connection points.

Other benefits of Ronstan’s Orbit Blocks™ include:

* Low profile and compactness, with the flexible Dyneema® Link providing controlled rotation and 0 or 90 degree orientation. It connects directly to the head of the block for reduced weight and the lowest possible lead.

* The ratchet blocks, which are around the same price as other manual only models, are the only block available offering the flexibility of both manual and full automatic modes for smooth easing of sheets and high-performance cleating.

* Fiddle block flexibility that is suitable for spliced and unspliced lines. A becket takeoff can be added to any fiddle block version by adding a Dyneema® Link for additional purchase.

* Lightweight fibre-reinforced cleats, fairleads and cleat arms that have a wide range of adjustment and calibration marks that are perfect for selecting cleating angle settings.

3D modeling, FEA and stress analysis, lab cycle testing, and extensive on-water testing by elite sailors have ensured that Ronstan’s blocks have been pushed to their limits for all sailors to know they have the best on board.

Visit www.ronstan.com/orbitblocks to find out more.