Ronstan Shocks
When a few of the aluminum Ronstan Shocks landed in the palm of my hand, I immediately started to think about ways I could use them, on the boat and at home. If you’ve got a take-up line, a control-line redirect, or a dinghy spinnaker twing that doesn’t necessarily need a ball-bearing block, one of these little things will do the trick. One weighs 2.5 grams and has a reported safe working load of 385 lbs. (and a breaking load of 770 lbs.). When combined with Dyneema or any other small-diameter slippery rope, there are endless applications. Sailors are using them for lazy jacks, kite bridles, outhaul purchases, roof rack tie-downs, and yes even jewelry for the ladies. Nautical is hip. $17 per pair, www.ronstan.com
