New Vang block

Eyeper

Active Member
Just when I thought I was all done with the vang.... Is anyone using this?
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Introducing a new Laser/ILCA specific Vang block the A2031XHL-873 from the original Laser hardware supplier and UK manufacturer, Allen. The A2031XHL-873 is an adaptation of the renowned XHL range which also features a removable strengthened Vang key and 1000Kg breaking load.
“It’s smoother to use and so well engineered I can’t see it failing” – Jon Emmett, multiple Laser World Apprentice Masters Champion and Olympic coach. The new A2031XHL-873 is available directly from Allen along with their large range of class legal Laser/ILCA parts which can be seen in their Fitout Guide.
 
The Harken 25 mm Line/Wire blocks (which most of us use as a vang key block) are more compact and have a higher maximum working load. End of story, really.

If the line slips between the cheek and the sheave, use a thicker and/or stiffer line.

The thicker vang key is somewhat attractive if it really stays in without an elastic. (Although the elastic is no major complication.)

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That's the Harken 29 mm "Fly" block. Very similar to the Allen A2031XHL-873 but weighs only half of it. However, compared with the current class standard, the Harken 466, it's 23 % weaker, weighs the same but is bulkier, and costs more than three times as much. Why would one choose it (or the Allen)?

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Good question really. My understanding is that it allowed them to carry an extra Vang key, but it seems like that could be solved with the standard block somehow. I’ll have to track the person down and ask them.
 
I wouldn’t get the harken fly, I have it now and it’s failed after only a few months. I still use it though it just gets jamed
 
£124.44 for the Allen block??? Wow! I like overengineered stuff but this is another level ...
Yes. The Harken 2171 which failed on kellymac's boat is in the same price range, but at least it has a titanium(!) sheave. This one is stainless, so it's hard to understand where the 3x price comes from. But we're definitely in the "fake sophistication" territory again :D

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Yes. The Harken 2171 which failed on kellymac's boat is in the same price range, but at least it has a titanium(!) sheave. This one is stainless, so it's hard to understand where the 3x price comes from. But we're definitely in the "fake sophistication" territory again :D

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This is from a boat at the 2020 worlds I believe. This set up was modeled after another boat at the worlds. I wouldn’t call it “fake sophistication”. Sailors experiment with different rigging. As far as I know these sailors are still using this Vang set up. My needs might not justify the price tag, but apparently they think the option is worth it.
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Interesting that the red mark tape was permitted at this event. It used to be illegal, as it changes the diameter of the vang line (3bii) and does not fall under the permitted functions of Tape (24) and potentially changes the function of the vang line (24). It was always something that needed to be properly clarified in the rules.
 
Interesting that the red mark tape was permitted at this event. It used to be illegal, as it changes the diameter of the vang line (3bii) and does not fall under the permitted functions of Tape (24) and potentially changes the function of the vang line (24). It was always something that needed to be properly clarified in the rules.
I’m assuming it was allowed. I haven’t heard otherwise.
 
Interesting that the red mark tape was permitted at this event. It used to be illegal, as it changes the diameter of the vang line (3bii) and does not fall under the permitted functions of Tape (24) and potentially changes the function of the vang line (24). It was always something that needed to be properly clarified in the rules.
Maybe it's allowed because it's on a static portion of the vang line.
 

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