Spinlock PXR Cam Cleat - Easy Release of High Performance Control Lines
by Dave Proctor 1 Jul 2023 09:00 BST
Spinlock PXR Cam Cleat - Easy Release of High Performance Control Lines © upffront.com
Spinlock Ltd is a British company, based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where for the past 40 years they have been designing and manufacturing their market-leading range of rope control devices. The company emphasises that all of their products are still produced at their own facility.
One of their newer range of products is the PXR Cam Cleat, made from a hard anodised alloy. This range of cleats provides fast and precise control for hand-tensioned lines, and is particularly suitable for use with high-performance lines.
Its unique rocker design means that lines can be secured and released easily, with the minimum of effort, even when the lines are under load, and the cleat's 'through' design, resists accidental de-cleating.
One of the features of these cleats is that they have a unique three-stage release control adjustment, making them easy or harder to release, depending on the line you wish to apply the cleat to, and your preference.
Spinlock explains that the first and hardest setting is for halyards, which are not adjusted very often, the second setting is a general mid-setting, and the third and loosest setting is suitable for often-adjusted lines like sheets and vangs.
For mounting, the SW-series of these cleats comes with a swivel mount. The T-series version (cleats with retro bases), uses the same (27mm and 38mm) hole centres as traditional cam cleats, allowing direct retrofit anywhere without drilling. The VP is a pivoting sheave and cleat unit for the mast base or track.
This range also comes in two sizes, the smaller of which is described as particularly suitable for accommodating lines up to 6mm, and the larger size for lines between 8 and 10mm.
Their design makes them particularly suitable for spinnaker halyards, where an easy and fast release system is of great importance.
Comparing other styles of cam cleats, which are currently on the market, it is apparent that in using the more basic systems, the cleats often require the crew member to pull the respective line and lift it at the same time. This pulling movement is obviously harder when the line is under tension.
The simplest of cam cleats are the open-toothed style. Whilst these are simple and relatively inexpensive, the teeth are subject to wear, and it is too often that you will find the cleat releasing accidentally if you move or knock the line unless the line is under tension.
Summary
- Designed to allow accurate and quick control of lines
- Innovative three-stage release control adjustment
- A rocking action that keeps release effortless even under sail in high winds.
- Three mounting options and two different sizes of cam cleat.
- Particularly suitable system for spinnaker halyards as they allow for easy and fast release.
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