- Ball Bearing

Less friction, ultimate performance - Ball Bearing Orbit Blocks™ boast the highest strength-to-weight ratio available. This is achieved through all-composite reinforced polymer materials and a Dyneema® rope link head. Their precision design allows the optimum number of ball bearings in loaded areas and eliminates them in inactive areas. Ineffective mass is reduced even further through fibre-reinforced composites in the block head, cleat arms and beckets.   Ultra lightweight. Highest working load in its class. Simple and secure attachment. The Dyneema® Link is easily fitted and is retained securely by a moulded retainer clip. Low profile and compact. Fiddle block flexibility. High performance cleating Used for sheets and control lines on dinghies, sports boats and small keel boats. Control lines on larger yachts.

• Lightweight - Kilogram for kilogram of working load, BB and RT Orbit Blocks are the world's lightest. To gain peak performance, we engineered out the heavy steel load straps, head post, shackle, full-length fasteners, and cleating accessories. Through extensive research and development, we replaced virtually all metal components with high-tech polymers and fibre equivalents. The unique orbital design allows the bearing to only be in the active areas of the floating sheave. This minimises the mass of the inactive return race and hub. Weight and bulk are further reduced in the different block configurations. The ball bearing single and becket block has a through-sheave becket arrangement. The result? The lowest weight possible. Multi-sheave blocks have only single intermediate cheeks and an ultra-light and efficient head arrangement. This gives a 30% weight saving advantage over the nearest competitor. Other brands just link together their single blocks. This results in unnecessary double cheeks between each sheave, held together by a heavy steel channel across the top of the block.

• Highest working load in its class - The orbital ball-bearing arrangement gives the largest possible bearing race diameter. This maximises load performance. The proven Ronstan 2-stage bearing system features high compression grade acetal ball bearings and a secondary full-contact bearing. This gives minimum friction across the full working load range. The floating sheave and bearing system is supported by a fibre-reinforced load frame. The design was computer modelled to be stress optimised. The Dyneema® Link is produced from FSE Robline SK75 fibre, which is 10 times stronger and lighter than steel, and provides the final connection from the block to the load point.

• Simple and secure attachment - The Dyneema® Link is easily fitted and is retained securely by a moulded retainer clip. The flexible link can be left with one end attached to the block when fitting - no more lost shackle pins. The system is compatible with Dyneema®/Spectra® strops, webbing and carbon connection points - much more so than steel loop tops or shackles.

• Low profile and compact - The flexible Dyneema® Link provides controlled rotation and 0° or 90° orientation. It connects directly to the head of the block rather than to an intermediate head post. This reduces weight and gives the lowest possible profile while allowing full articulation. Beckets have been carefully designed to minimise height.

- Rachet

Less fatigue, more control - The world’s best ratchet block is now even better. It has all the holding power of its predecessor, but with superior rope wear performance. It’s lighter, and it’s the only ratchet block with both manual and full automatic modes.   Control switches on both sides of the block remain accessible whether fitted on port or starboard side, and the NC-machined alloy sheave and simple mechanism ensures superb reliability and durability.   It is essential equipment on racing dinghies and sports boats, and when you want the ultimate holding power.   Manual, Auto and Auto+Manual blocks. Awesome ratchet block holding power. Simple and secure attachment. Smooth easing of sheets. High performance cleating.

Ratchet Block Click-off


Bottom line: "...the RF56101 is our Best Choice for grip among ratchet blocks in this size. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into the design and engineering of this block. It has a great grip and is the most versatile of the group."

CONCLUSION "Overall, the Ronstan was the most impressive with its grip, versatility, and lightweight design."

Full article click here

• Automatic and manual ratchet in one block - Now you can enjoy the flexibility of setting up your ratchet blocks to suit yourself. Ronstan is the only company that offers a ratchet block with both auto and manual engagement modes*. In auto mode, the ratchet mechanism engages when load is applied, but switches off when it’s released. This lets the sheet run out smoothly and freely- great for rapid easing of the sheet and for gybing asymmetric spinnakers.
  
  In manual mode, the ratchet mechanism can be switched on or off as required. This is the preferred mainsheet set-up for many top sailors. Try the block in both modes and see which you prefer – you really can’t go wrong.
  

• Awesome ratchet block holding power - Quite simply, Ronstan Ratchet Orbit Blocks™ have the highest holding power available. The sophisticated NC-machined sheave features Generation 2 of our patented sheave cross-hole geometry. Its holding power is up to 25:1, almost double that of our nearest competitor.
  
  The unique sheave design has 12 gripping faces which directly resist loaded line movement. Traditional designs have only 8 faces with an angled resistance to line movement. Our Generation 2 design has straight resistance faces which both distribute the load and minimise rope wear. These faces are offset from the radial line, to draw the rope down into the gripping area when under load.
  
  

• Simple and secure attachment - The Dyneema® Link is easily fitted and is retained securely by a moulded retainer clip. The flexible link can be left with one end attached to the block when fitting - no more lost shackle pins.
  
  The system is compatible with Dyneema®/Spectra® strops, webbing and carbon connection points - much more so than steel loop tops
  or shackles.
  

Orbit Blocks™ - Roller Ball

Specify the Best - Roller Ball Orbit Blocks™ are a no-compromise product range developed to meet the demands and expectations of the very dedicated and increasingly professional racing sailor, with characteristics including: The highest strength-to-weight ratio. Minimal friction loss, especially when working at high loads. Totally reliable and trouble free performance. Simplicity of design and construction to facilitate maintenance and servicing. Elegant, functional styling and finish.

• Bearing System - The Orbit sheave has captive Acetal or Torlon^® ball bearings for side thrust loads, eliminating the need for side retainer plates. This reduces weight and allows for a wider bearing surface that can accommodate longer Torlon® needles - achieving a substantially higher strength-to-weight ratio.

• Design Simplicity - There are only 3 primary components to the block: the twin side pieces, sculptured from solid high grade alloy, and the one-piece sheave with its captive ball bearings. Bearings are easily rinsed clear of salt and debris.

Ball Bearing Blocks

Trim for Speed - Ronstan's Ball Bearing and High Load blocks, conceived and engineered for the demands of competitive sailing in skiff, Olympic and sports boats classes, have rapidly become the international choice for high performance hardware. Use on boats of all sizes for sheets, fine tune and control line applications. Highly efficient, low friction bearing systems for optimum sheeting and trimming performance. Comprehensive range of sizes and configurations offers solutions for powerful multiple purchase and cascade systems. Practical features designed into the blocks provide extra versatility.

• Ball Bearing Blocks - meet the high performance demands of running sheet applications with a unique two-stage bearing system. Stage 1 - Under moderate loads, Acetal ball bearings ensure minimum friction. Stage 2 - Under heavy loads, where deformation of ball bearings alone would result in increased friction, a sliding Acetal bearing on a polished stainless steel race takes over, maintaining low friction performance. Regular flushing with fresh water to remove salt and sand will maintain optimum performance over a long service life. These blocks are an excellent choice for main and jib sheets, spinnaker sheets and control lines.

• Aluminium Cheek Plates - For extra performance Series 60 and 75 BB blocks have alloy cheek plates and a screw-together construction for ease of servicing.

High Load Blocks

Ultimate High & Static Load Performance - High Load Blocks are based upon the same race winning design concept as the Ronstan high performance Ball Bearing blocks, but utilise a full contact bearing for ultimate performance in high load or prolonged static load applications.

• The Ideal Block for High Load Applications - Wear resistant sheave materials, either in lightweight, self lubricating polymer or in alloy with special purpose bushes, are suitable for use with rope or wire. High Load blocks provide outstanding static load performance and are typically used for halyards, backstays, etc.

Roller Ball Blocks

Reliable Performance - These blocks with Torlon® rollers and Acetal ball bearings have the strength and durability to meet the requirements of racing and cruising. High load capacity. Minimal friction across the working load range. Reliable, trouble-free performance. Simplicity of design and construction facilitate maintenance and servicing.

Torlon^® Roller and Ball Bearing Sheaves

The self-contained alloy sheave packages provide reliable, low-friction performance at high loads. The high axial loads are carried by Torlon® roller needle bearings, while side thrust loads are taken up by Acetal ball bearings.

All Purpose Sheave Option For Ultimate Durability

Available in selected models, the full contact plain bearing delivers extreme durability and low maintenance for low speed applications.

• Alloy Cheek PlatesBlock cheeks are manufactured from the highest quality alloy for maximum strength. The cut-away design minimises weight and allows easy fresh water rinsing of salt and debris from the bearings.

All Purpose Blocks

Use them anywhere - Ronstan’s All-Purpose Blocks are a great all around solution. Self-lubricating Acetal polymer sheaves running on polished stainless steel races perform equally well with dynamic loads and high static loads. For durability and a long service life, these blocks are the right choice for sheets, halyards and control line applications for cruising and racing. Available in 40, 50, 60 and 75mm (19/16", 2", 2 3/8" and 3") sheave diameters to suit a range of rope diameters and load requirements. Features like adjustable cleat arms and Captive LockT universal heads offer the same versatility usually found only in Ball Bearing blocks. The comprehensive range of sizes and confi gurations offers solutions for every application.

• Dynamic and High Static Load Performance. UV stabilised Acetal sheaves provide bearing performance on a polished stainless steel race that performs equally well with dynamic and static loads. Sheave design features side ribs to minimise weight and enhance strength. Self-lubricating Acetal polymer minimises friction and ensures dependable load bearing reliability.

• Series 75 AP Blocks feature a self-lubricating Oilite^® bronze bearing running on the polished stainless steel race to provide the high load capacity required of this range.

• Stainless Steel Cheek Plates and Straps - For ultimate strength and durability Series 60 and 75 AP blocks have grade 316 stainless steel cheek plates and load straps. Cheek plates have a black chrome fi nish and are fl ared at the rope entry and exit points to minimise rope chafe.