Innovation From Allen At METSTrade 2019
by Allen Brothers 1 Nov 2019 07:30 PDT
Allen Launches New Plain Bearing Range made from Recycled Plastics © Allen Brothers
DAME Nomination For Allen's New Plain Bearing Block Range
Our new range of eco-friendly plain bearing blocks has been nominated for the DAME 2019 Awards at METS this November.
The new blocks are recognisable by their grey sheaves and use 100% recycled plastics, while clever design has reduced materials by 20%. Using the outer cheek and ultra-strap from the 20 and 30mm Dynamic Range allows us to manufacture the new plain bearing blocks more efficiently and reduce the long-term impact of plastics and un-recyclable materials on the environment.
Plain bearing blocks offer great static loading capabilities at a low weight and cost. This makes them perfect for take-up systems or applications that don't require high dynamic performance.
To find out more visit the Allen website
New Laser Vang Block
Introducing a new Laser specific vang block, the A2031XHL-873.
The block which features the same extreme high load dynamic bearing technology as the rest of the Allen XHL range, has been specifically adapted to work as the Laser dinghy's top vang block.
The XHL range was conceived when the Allen design team worked with the World's top International Moth sailors to create a solution for the extreme high loads they were putting through the vang.
More recently Allen has been working on feedback from top Laser sailors who are looking for a more efficient top block for their vang. It was inevitable then, that the Allen design team would use the tried and tested XHL block to solve the problem. By adapting the 30mm XHL block to incorporate a stronger vang key the Allen design team has come up with a solution that is not only capable of withstanding the Laser vang loads but also sleek and stylish.
Southeast Sailboats who specialise in providing world-class rigging for the Laser have been using the XHL block and commented: "This extremely free running block makes pulling on the vang easier, and the stronger key will ensure that it will cope with the increased loads imposed by the Laser MkII rig. By integrating the vang key into the block the overall length of the block and key is minimised, thereby not compromising the overall vang operating range. This great block will also help sailors who are currently struggling to pull on enough vang to depower the sail for the conditions, and in addition make it easier for sailors who want to take a purchase out of the vang system."
For more information click here
"More Grip, Less Slip", With New Allen Wave Ratchet
Allen has launched an additional option for its range of ratchet blocks, dubbed the Wave Ratchet, which claims to offer between 20 and 40%* more grip than competitor ratchets without additional rope wear.
Ratchet blocks are a very important part of performance sailing, giving sailors a huge reduction in fatigue when used appropriately. The ratchet block works by increasing friction to the rope being trimmed. The more friction a ratchet block adds to the system, the easier it is for the sailor to hold higher loads, which means less fatigue and higher performance.
But, by adding more friction to a system the rope ends up taking the brunt of the punishment and will wear out more quickly. Fine, if you're a professional sailor and receive monthly care packages of rope, not so good if you buy your own kit.
The most effective way to increase friction is to add sharp edges to the ratchet sheave. However, this quickly deteriorates and wears away the rope. So, after working alongside leading rope manufacturers such as Marlowe Ropes, the Allen design team came up with a simple solution which improves grip without chewing away at your expensive rope.
The Wave Ratchet sheave has an offset V style grip, made from hard-wearing recycled plastic nylon, which does not have sharp edges that will eat into the rope. Instead, by adjusting the V formation in the sheave to be slightly offset, the ratchet now grips the rope at additional points around the sheave, resulting in more grip. However, the new Wave Ratchet not only improves grip but as a result of the design it also allows for a less 'jumpy' feel when easing the sheets.
Allen will be offering the new Wave sheave in both their 60mm Pro-Ratchet and X2 AutoRatchet blocks. The 50mm Pro-Ratchet and 45mm X2 AutoRatchet are expected to also include the Wave option in the coming months.
For more information click here
*Grip will vary depending on type of rope in use with the Wave sheave.
Above you can see the normal style sheave (left) vs the NEW wave sheave (right).
New 60mm Tii Block
The Tii range has just gained a new addition, the long awaited 60mm version.
The popular performance range of Allen Tii blocks are designed for soft attachment applications. Perfect for use in systems where weight saving is a necessity or there is no requirement for a metal shackle.
Allen Tii blocks feature a standout difference from their competition. A stainless-steel ring at the head of the block. The ring is designed to strengthen the block so that any cheek splitting loads are dissipated, allowing for higher working loads when compared to competitors tie on blocks in the same category.
Allen's new 60mm Tii block has been extensively tested and is now the block of choice on performance keelboats such as the International Dragon, Etchell and development Mini's.
More info here
To see these and the complete range of innovative Allen products, visit us on stand 03-216 at METS, or contact to arrange a meeting.