Take a glance at upffront.com, and you’ll see we’ve got a brand-new category: ‘Steering Systems’.
In the future, this category will be stocked with all things steering – such as wheels, rudder blades and complete steering systems (coming soon!) – but to begin, we’re kicking off with some terrific tiller extensions.
A tiller extension, as the name suggests, is an extension of the tiller that attaches via a rotating joint.
A sailor might want to extend their tiller for numerous reasons, including:
- To navigate more comfortably (such as further forwards in the boat)
- To facilitate movement in the boat without needing to let go of the tiller (important for single-handed sailors and competitive helming)
- To improve rudder control (and therefore steering control)
We are excited to now introduce six ranges of tiller extensions on upffront.com, from three big players: Spinlock, Harken and Ronstan.
First, we’ll take a look at Spinlock.
The alloy, telescopic, EA tiller extension range from Spinlock is unique, colourful and powerful. Built to tackle rough conditions, the tiller extension’s asymmetric handle makes light work of steering, reducing strain on the hand and wrist and offering accurate and precise control. The asymmetric handle also facilitates two handed helming which is useful for larger, tiller steered, keel boats.
In contrast, Spinlock’s alloy, telescopic, EJ tiller extension features a slimmer, straight handled which is better for a smaller, more confined cockpit.
Both are available with either ‘Swivel’ or ‘Diablo’ rotating joints; the stainless steel ‘Swivel’ joint enables precise control, whilst the ‘Diablo’ joint returns the extension to a vertical position when not in use – popular with single handed sailors.
The EA & EJ tiller extensions are available in five colours (black, orange, blue, silver and yellow) and four lengths: 600mm - 900mm, 750mm – 1200mm, 950mm – 1600mm, 1350mm – 2000mm. The EA & EJ models are interchangeable and handles can be bought as accessories and changed depending on conditions.
Spinlock also offer the fixed length EJB tiller extension. The lightweight, non-tapered EJB is manufactured from anodised aluminium and utilises a ‘Spinflex™ joint’ which allows effortless 360 degree rotation.
The EJB comes in three fixed lengths: 600mm, 900mm and 1400mm and offers a secure and durable grip with its unique triple wave shaped handle that allows several comfortable hand positions..
Next, we are also excited to be stocking Harken tiller extensions.
Perfect for those searching for a ‘no frills’, high quality product, Harken’s simple and lightweight tiller extension boasts a non-tapered, anodised aluminium body. A non-slip, UV protected, foam grip is perfect for either full “dagger grip” or “fingertip” steering. The universal joint smoothly rotates 360 degrees in a full and effortless motion and this fixed length tiller extension is available in black, in 6 lengths: 600mm, 760mm, 840mm, 915mm, 1070mm and 1220mm.
Finally, we also have two tiller extensions from Ronstan. Ronstan’s ‘Battlestick’ is the self-professed ‘next generation of sailing weaponry’ and is available in two materials: alloy or carbon composite.
Precisely engineered, the carbon model features a fixed length, tapered profile which maximises resilience at the helmsman’s end, whilst combining optimal stiffness and durability, with minimum weight.
In contrast, Ronstan’s alloy ‘Battlestick’ combines a fluted (grooved) section, to reduce weight whilst increasing strength. It has an ergonomic EVA grip which transitions to an end knob, that is larger in diameter, ensuring safety and encouraging positive hand positioning.
Both the carbon and alloy ‘Battlestick’ utilise a 360-degree universal and are available in black, in 5 fixed lengths suitable for all classes and preferences: 610mm, 840mm, 1030mm, 1250mm and 2500m.
Finally, there is a range of four telescopic alloy ‘Battlesticks’, which achieve a maximum length of 2490mm (with 960mm of adjustment) with single or split EVA grips .
If you have any questions about tiller extensions, please feel free to email us at [email protected], or click the link below to see our full range:
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Fresh In: Tiller Extensions!