Allen puts performance at the heart of 2018 launches
by Jeremy Nicholson 20 Dec 2018 07:00 AEDT
Allen Pad Tii system © Allen
Allen's 2018 additions to its already substantial product range, launched at METS in November, build on the British manufacturer's adoption of soft attachment systems and innovative block technology.
The new A2360 Autoratchet, complementing the A2345 launched last year, has been submitted for 2018 DAME Awards and features Allen's unique "X2" pawl system for maximum holding power combined with enhanced response in light airs. The block has been comprehensively tested by Team Allen, the elite sailors who contribute to the Allen Research and Development programme and the design already have a number of wins to its credit. The big Autoratchet signifies Allen's move up from focussing on dinghies to take in sportsboats and small keelboats.
"We are now seeing our products fitted on racing yachts as large as Class 40s and TP52s," explained Liz Adams, MD of Allen Brothers. "We have worked with the leading rope manufacturers to accommodate the characteristics of the latest high materials, so our lightweight yet robust high performance blocks have come to the attention of a wider audience of racers."
The business has a strong heritage of working with boatbuilders from the early design stages to set the trends and this is evident in its new through deck block / soft shackle mountings, the "Pad Tii" system, (product codes A8639-6, A8639-8, A8639-10, A8739-6, A8739-8 and A8739-10). These come as a response to growing demand from boat builders for soft mounting systems, as the use of Dyneema rope shackles trickles down from larger classes.
Making up the 2018 launch package is a new cheek block range, starting with the A2126M and A2136M Double Composite Cheek Blocks. These are available in 20mm and 30mm sheave diameters, making the core Allen product suitable for a wider range of applications.
More information on the Allen range is available at www.allenbrothers.co.uk