Harken XD Vang system – Laser

Description

Harken XD Vang system – Laser

In the strict one design Laser class there is a degree of freedom with control systems.

The vang / kicking strap is possibly the easiest of the Lasers control systems to get right.

The Harken XD (eXtra Dimension) Vang system was first introduced in 2005 proving to be both effective & reliable, remaining as the bench mark by which other systems are judged. Originally it was supplied with a 16mm “air block as the secondary block but later with the 18mm “Carbo” block however, both of these blocks work equally well. The 16mm “air” block possibly having an advantage in that it is cheaper, more robust & easier to change the lines (which will be needed from time to time during the life of the system in order to maintain its function, reliability & efficiency).
If looked after reasonably well (kept clean, occasionally lubricated but primarily free of sand & grit) this system has proved to be exceptionally effective & durable.

The system comprises:
1) Harken lower assembly:   Stainless steel construction with integral sheaves & cleat on swiveling mount.
2) Harken upper assembly:   25mm “High strength” forked block with bolted curved hi-load key
3) Harken secondary block, either:   16mm “Air” block or 18mm “Carbo” block (NB Choice of block changes price)
4) Primary line:   3mm Dynema D12 (Red, Anthracite, Pink)
5) Secondary line:   4mm (Red/white, Purple/white, Pink/white)
6) Upper assembly retainer:   Shock cord 3mm

Over the years other manufacturers have tried to come up with comparable vang systems & essentially failed but have introduce single blocks as “upgrades” but with no really measurable improvement other than in increased cost! More recently, since the Harken patent lapsed, Ronstan have produced a similar lower assembly licenced for the ILCA & Nautos for the replica market.

Of course, by themselves control systems do not make you fast although they can prevent you being slow, which is nearly the same thing…
(If you are fighting your controls when others are not then the chance are that you are loosing distance to them.)

Sail & Sport offers the Harken system with either block rigged 15:1 with high quality lines & setting up instructions.

Should you wish for a custom system email us your requirements:   info@sailandsport.co.uk