tow line safety release (Comptech and Samson)

[Duncan]

Over in this thread (warning, graphic pics), the Comptech Swivel Release was mentioned (load range 100-800 pounds). But it is pricey

I just saw this less expensive safety release from Samson that has a load range of 200-800 pounds (but not adjustable on the fly).

Anyone have any feedback on the Samson model?

Opinions on how much this would improve line safety?

[91Terminator]

I dont like the samson design because you have to buy the pins after you sheer them off.

[91Terminator]

The definitely increase safety a bunch we use pins on our ski team all the time cant do certain things without them.

[Duncan]

The definitely increase safety a bunch we use pins on our ski team all the time cant do certain things without them.

What sort of pins do you use? Brand or link much appreciated!

[91Terminator]

The ones we use are for show skiing mainly but are not limited to it.

But they are for a human to release you. The are not load releasing, a human has to pull the pin its a very simple design.

http://www.lakeelmosports.com/produc...&cat=52&page=1

http://www.lakeelmosports.com/produc...&cat=52&page=1

http://www.lakeelmosports.com/produc...&cat=52&page=1

http://www.lakeelmosports.com/produc...&cat=52&page=1

[91Terminator]

Need anything else let me know.

[kerlee]

Does anyone know if the comptech will fit on the alpha z tower

[Duncan]

Does anyone know if the comptech will fit on the alpha z tower

I do not know for sure, but I assume the Comptech would fit. The problem may lie in flipping the tow ball over for the light or possible interference/wear on the bimini. The other "problem" is it is $500.

The $99 Samson solution seems like a much more in-line approach. 91Terminator's point is well taken -- you would have to buy pins, which are $5 apiece. I guess it comes down to how often you pop a pin in a non-emergency situation (clearly popping a $5 pin to avert an emergency is well spent). Non-emergency popping would seem to be a function of pin strength, with less safety for less pops (ie, choosing a tougher pin decreases non-emergency pops but at the expense of requiring more force during an emergency).

I notice that release loads are not specified for the pins other than 200 lb light or 800 pound ultraheavy.

[jbort]

u can buy alot of pins for $200-300

[zad0030]

There are plenty of releases around for trick skiing but they are all made for pylons not towers.

[Bakes5]

Love my Samson bullet release. I bought it when I caught my chin in the handle on a failed gainer on a sky ski last year and about broke my jaw. The trick is, buy a bunch of pins and leave them in the boat. Replacement is faster than uncoiling a rope. I've had mine for about a year and only broken one of the light pins when somebody dove on my sky ski and didn't let go. I still have about 15-20 of them ready to go for the next 10 years. Just be really careful when you go back to not run over the rope....also, probably common sense but you should not use this on rope that stretches I would think.

If you have a chance of wrapping yourself in the rope, you should get a release. Sampsons is simple and works great.

[airjorgy]

I own both releases.....

I know the comptech is very expensive but overall not a better release out there. It is adjustable and also has a manual option release as well. It is very user friendly and you just
set it and forget it. Consider the cost of one major trip to the hospital and you quickly realize that $500 is really nothing. We spend thousands of dollars on boats and equipment and another $500 just seems not very much for the safety it provides.

The Samson release I take with me and keep on my rope when I go ride on other boats where there is not a release. It just provides something very portable and less expensive that works
extremely well. Keep in mind you just want the releases to work
when they need to. The $5.00 for pin is really nothing. I been using the samson all summer and have not broken a pin (i use the 600 lb one).

The rope is absolutely the most dangerous item on a boat. I can tell you dozens of stories where friends of mine have lost toes, fingers, or suffer broken bones and torn biceps by putting body parts thru the handle. Many of them happened before they bought releases and the lesson was learned the hard way.

Either of the releases you pick, you will be happy with.
Hope this helps.

Air Jorgy

[ragboy]

I have a samson one sitting next to me. They work as promised, but a couple of issues. It is designed to only work with thin wakeboard type ropes. To work with wakesurf ropes, you would have to get an extra little rope for it, and I had the darndest time getting that done, or getting some ordered if I needed them. Also, if you have a wakeboard rope, and leave this thing on it, all the time, its PERFECT for you. If you like to switch ropes, and wakesurf also and want to use it on all, its a bit of a pain. The guy who makes them for samson, didn't really see my point with this stuff, he rides an air chair that is just about it, one rope. On all the time. Thats not how most people work.

Lastly, the pins are cheap, but there is another issue with them. It is very hard to tell if they are "worn". After use, a 600lb pin may break at 400lbs, or some lower number if they have taken close to 600lbs, and didn't break. The maker told me you need to inspect them for marks or wear. That may not be much of a safety issue, because what does it hurt if the pin breaks, you just fall and get another. But what if it breaks when you are being whipped, or on the outside, and another boat is coming, and it breaks and you fly into the path of the boat.

It is for that very reason above that I never helped developed to be used for safety and wakeboarding and wakesurfing. The maker, not samson, didn't want me to promote the use in wakeboarding or wakesurfing for that very reason, he didn't want to be liable.

Anyway, I think its a good product, but definitely not set and forget. If you don't check the pins, you could produce another safety issue you were not prepared for.

[Duncan]

Excellent feedback above.

For those who have used the release for wakeboarding, which pin strength seemed to be the best balance (ie, tradeoff of non-emergency pops and safety). In other words, what is the estimated max normal load on a wakeboard line?

If I use this for surfing, I would assume the lowest release would be used. At $99, I might just buy two, one for wakeboarding and one for surfing to eliminate switching between ropes.

[Skidude]

I have a samson one sitting next to me. They work as promised, but a couple of issues. It is designed to only work with thin wakeboard type ropes. To work with wakesurf ropes, you would have to get an extra little rope for it, and I had the darndest time getting that done, or getting some ordered if I needed them. Also, if you have a wakeboard rope, and leave this thing on it, all the time, its PERFECT for you. If you like to switch ropes, and wakesurf also and want to use it on all, its a bit of a pain. The guy who makes them for samson, didn't really see my point with this stuff, he rides an air chair that is just about it, one rope. On all the time. Thats not how most people work.

Lastly, the pins are cheap, but there is another issue with them. It is very hard to tell if they are "worn". After use, a 600lb pin may break at 400lbs, or some lower number if they have taken close to 600lbs, and didn't break. The maker told me you need to inspect them for marks or wear. That may not be much of a safety issue, because what does it hurt if the pin breaks, you just fall and get another. But what if it breaks when you are being whipped, or on the outside, and another boat is coming, and it breaks and you fly into the path of the boat.

It is for that very reason above that I never helped developed to be used for safety and wakeboarding and wakesurfing. The maker, not samson, didn't want me to promote the use in wakeboarding or wakesurfing for that very reason, he didn't want to be liable.

Anyway, I think its a good product, but definitely not set and forget. If you don't check the pins, you could produce another safety issue you were not prepared for.

Ragboy,

I am "the guy" you refer to in your feedback above. I appreciate your input, but I just want to clarify some inaccurate statements you made.
I am the inventor/designer of the Bullet Release, not the guy who makes them for Samson. Actually, Samson makes them for me.

You can easily order addition rope sections right on the Samson website. At the time you and I were talking, you requested that I include additional rope section in the package to accommodate the thicker rope hook ups, and I stated that it could certainly be an option, which it is now. I'm confussed why you say you had the darndest time getting the additional rope section..I sent it out to you immediately after you requested it.

There are two issues that are important for me to clear up:
1. I never stated that a 600lb pin would break at 400 lbs if it was loaded up close to 600lbs. In fact, the integrity remains stable. I will say that if you have noticably bent a pin, it is a good idea to replace it. When alluminum bends repeatedly, it will weaken over time.

2. The Bullet was designed for wakeboarding and I fully support the promotion of it in this discipline, as well as wake surfing and foiling. The packaging even has a wakeboarder on it (my son). I did say that I would not endorse this product for tubing/liability reasons. Your statement that I didn't want the Bullet Release to be promoted for wakeboarding and wake surfing is incorrect. I'm not trying to make any waves, but this is kind of a significant misrepresentation.

I do appreciate your honest feedback about the product, and hope there are no hard feelings.

I'd be happy to answer any questions anyone may have regarding the Bullet Release.

Respectfully,

Benton (Skidude)