Recreational Laser Spar

Other than being non-legal and less expensive, what is the difference between the "rec" spars and the class approved spars?

Who makes them?

I see them in the APS catalog.

The only difference is probably the hardware, it won't be stamped laser and won't have class stickers ect. they will be almost identical. By cutting out laser they can manufacture the same quality parts for lower cost and still make money.

That may not be true - there may be differences in such as heat treating and/or anodizing... as well as the die it self may be slightly different.

My oppinion is that if it is cheaper, it cannot have the same quality. Even if they say it's the same performance as the approved ones, I think you take some risks anyways by using the non-legal "recs". If you can afford the class aproved spars, you should choose them - they certainly have good reasons to charge you more for it.

If you're looking for a radial spar for your son, I probably have a deal for you.

they are probably made from a lower grade of aluminum

Guys guys guys.

Obtaining aluminum extrusion made to your specs is not all that hard. You simply call a supplier, find out the size order necessary. Send the money and bingo...aluminum tubes made to order.

Anodization can be bought all over the planet as well.

There isn't a reason in the world to go to al the trouble to order a few hundred tubes of a lower grade. The cost of aluminum tubes is a fraction of the cost of a retail spar...or a retail lawn chair for that matter.

Not as easy as you think Gourvernail.

You need to obtain the same diameter, both internal and external. I can't speak about the rest of the world, but the bottom section is not near any stock standard size available in this region. So yo obtain an extrusion of that diameter, you need to have a die manufactured specifically to meet the required dimensions and dies aren't cheap. PSA etc own their own dies, speciically for the manufacture of the spars.

Dies aren't that expensive. I know at least one individual who had a custom die made for sail-track. The minimum run can be a bit daunting, but it's usually not more than a few thousand dollars. In total, a reasonable investment for even a small outfit like APS, or even an independent supplier.