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How To: Select The Best Spreader Bar For You

 

There are currently 4 unique spreader bars in the AK range.

In this article, we will do a recap of each spreader bar’s purpose and guide you through the process of selecting the one that suits your needs best.

 

 

 

 

SPREADER BAR RECAP

 

CARBON AEROBAR

akdurablesupplyco-AK_Carbon-Aerobar_img-01-1How To: Select The Best Spreader Bar For YouHow To

Primary Purpose:  Freestyle Kiteboarding.

Key points:
1. One-piece molded composite spreader bar.
2. Dual FAA quick release.
3. Integrated ergonomic bar pad.

Harness Compatibility:
The webbing buckles are compatible with all
harnesses with 25mm and 40mm webbing slot options.

TRY IT

 

 

STANDARD SPREADER BAR
akdurablesupplyco-AK_Standard-Spreader-Bar_Hook-OptionsHow To: Select The Best Spreader Bar For YouHow ToPrimary Purpose: Kiteboarding or Windsurfing.Note: Hook choice.

Key points:
1. Traditional hook and bar pad.
2. Simple push release clip.
3. Compatible with all harnesses.

Harness compatibility:
Compatible with all AK harnesses.

TRY IT

 

 

TUCK-IN SPREADER BAR

akdurablesupplyco-AK_Tuckin-Spreader-Bar_img-01How To: Select The Best Spreader Bar For YouHow To

Primary Purpose: Kiteboarding.

Key Points:
1. Tuck-in tabs prevent pivoting & upward movement.
2. Simple push release clip.
3. Reduced hook twisting & riding up of the harness.

Harness Compatibility:

Suited to AK Waist harnesses – specifically the Synth.

TRY IT

 

 

SLIDING SPREADER BAR

akdurablesupplyco-AK_Sliding-Spreader-BarHow To: Select The Best Spreader Bar For YouHow To

Primary Purpose: Kitesurfing.

Key Points:
1. Wave specific.
2. Wide range of motion when hooked in.
3. Double spliced spectra slider allows the chicken
loop to attach and run freely along the rope.

Harness Compatibility:
Suitable for AK Waist harnesses.

TRY IT

 

 

 

VIEW THE COMPLETE KITE ACCESSORIES RANGE

 

 

 

COMPARISONS

 

Tuck-In vs. Standard for kiteboarding/windsurfing:

While the AK Standard spreader bar is a traditional hook and bar pad combination, the Tuck-in
spreader bar is designed to minimize the movement of the harness up your torso.

Suited for any harness, the AK Standard Spreader Bar is available in either a kitesurfing hook or windsurfing hook option.  For the all-around waist harness rider, the tabs on the Tuck-in spreader bar slide into the harness and prevent pivoting, giving you a real locked-in feel.

Both the Standard and Tuck-in spreader bar pads utilize a combination of foam and neoprene for soft contact between yourself and the bar.

akdurablesupplyco-AK_Synth-Harness_Flo-Jung_Sam-Tomé_20141-2How To: Select The Best Spreader Bar For YouHow To

Flo Jung captured by Sam Tomé.

 

 

Tuck-In vs. Aerobar

For those looking for a unique, ergonomic spreader bar, the Carbon Aerobar offers high
performance and comfort.

Since the Tuck-In spreader bar has been designed to lock into the harness
and prevent pivoting, the Carbon Aerobar has been designed in such a way that it works with the curve of your body. Featuring a molded bar pad and ergonomic form, the shape of the Aerobar enables increased freedom of movement.

 

akdurablesupplyco-AK_Synth-Harness_Flo-Jung_Sam-Tomé_20513-1How To: Select The Best Spreader Bar For YouHow To

Craig Tompkins (Product Designer) captured by Sam Tomé.

 

SCENARIO GUIDE

Scenario 1:
You are a windsurfer or a kiteboarder and you’re looking for a spreader bar to suit any of your harnesses.
We recommend the Standard spreader bar.

Scenario 2:
You need a better range of movement when surfing.
We recommend the Sliding spreader bar.

Scenario 3:
You feel that your current spreader bar slides up or pivots constantly.
We recommend the Tuck-In spreader bar.

Scenario 4:
You are a Freestyle kiteboarder who is looking for an ergonomic, lightweight spreader bar that features a unique release mechanism.
We recommend the Carbon Aerobar.

 

 

Size Guide

Suitable for size XS – S riders:

Aerobar: 25cm / 9.8″

Tuck-in: 20cm / 7.8″ or 25cm / 9.8″

Sliding: 20cm / 7.8″ or 25cm / 9.8″

Standard: 20cm / 7.8″ or 25cm / 9.8″

 

Suitable for size M riders:

Aerobar: 28cm / 11″

Tuck-in: 25cm / 9.8″ or 30cm/ 11.8″

Sliding: 25cm / 9.8″ or 30cm/ 11.8″

Standard: 25cm / 9.8″ or 30cm/ 11.8″

 

Suitable for size L – XL riders:

Aerobar: 28cm / 11″

Tuck-in: 30cm / 11.8″

Sliding: 30cm / 11.8″

Standard: 30cm / 11.8″

 

akdurablesupplyco-AK_Spreader-Bar-Sizing-Guide-1How To: Select The Best Spreader Bar For YouHow To

 

 

 

Next Article: The Synth – Behind The Design

akdurablesupplyco-AK_Synth-Harness_Flo-Jung_Sam-Tomé-2How To: Select The Best Spreader Bar For YouHow To

Take a look behind the scenes with Craig Tompkins, the designer behind the Synth harness, featuring Curv®.

“Craig is an Industrial Designer based in Cape Town, South Africa. Having grown up in and around a workshop, his interest in building and creating things began at a young age. After he completed his professional training in Industrial Design, he took an interest in developing well refined, functional products…”

 

 

Next Article: AWSI AK Product Overview

akdurablesupplyco-AK_Hydrofoil-PreviewHow To: Select The Best Spreader Bar For YouHow To

Take a look at the AK Hydrofoil & Board range at AWSI, presented by The Kiteboarder Magazine.

Clinton Filen walks us through AK Durable Supply Co.’s offering of 2022 wingsurfing boards at AWSI in Hood River, Oregon…

Watch Video

 

 

Next Article: Pathways – Featuring Dale Staples

akdurablesupplyco-AK_Dale-Staples_Pathways_HomeHow To: Select The Best Spreader Bar For YouHow To

Join us as we delve into the life of former QS surfer turned all-around waterman, Dale Staples. From his childhood on the coast, competition career, to bringing new life into the world with his partner, Murf. Film maker Tao Faren-Hefer takes a fly on the wall approach to unpack what has lead Dale from a dedicated surf career, to the hydrofoil…