23102 NE 3rd Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Voice (360) 887-0702 Fax (360) 887-1930
Email TowMeUp@iesonline.cc
23102 NE 3rd Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Voice (360) 887-0702 Fax (360) 887-1930
Email TowMeUp@iesonline.cc
Towing is one of the easiest ways to get high with a hang glider. At TowMeUp.com we all tow paragliders actively from both land based vehicles and boats over the water. Our friends often join us with their hang gliders, and are proof that foot launching a hang glider on tow is no big deal. Just like in the paragliding side of towing, our friends tell us that it has always been somewhat frustrating for them to find a reliable source of well made, quality tow bridles. After testing many different models, and seeking advice from very active tow pilots in the industry, we developed a bridle specifically for the needs of foot launched hang glider pilots. Constructed using the finest structural materials available, and sewn automatically on a computerized pattern tacking machine, each bridle is hand crafted to extremely high standards to give the discriminating buyer the best value for their had earned dollars.
We build this bridle in 2 different styles. The version shown on the left is the standard Y style bridle that connects via a rectangular link to the pilots hips. (Note: We no longer produce the short, straight version that connected to the pilots chest, since the standard Y bridle can be used in the same fashion by taping one leg out of the way, or cutting it off completely). For those pilots who require more adjustability, we have added a series of daisy chains to the long Y bridle, making hookup for various height pilots easy due to the wide range of adjustment possible. NOTE: When using this bridle, it is critical the it is clipped in to the pilots harness at a length that allows the pilot to easily reach the release handles at all times!
In order to keep our prices low, we have elected to manufacture tow bridles in any color... as long as you choose black. Individual tow bridles are only available in this color. For schools or commercial operators who elect to loan out equipment to students and need to quickly differentiate a school or customer bridle we also offer the bridles in bright pink. Pink bridles are only sold to schools or training facilities and require a minimum purchase of 5 bridles. Special colors and custom embroidery are available for an additional charge, and require minimum order quantities. Contact us for details.
Please check out our Safety and instructions page for clarifications on the safe use of TowMeUp.com manufactured bridles. This information is applicable to most bridle types and contains information vital to your safety.
This tow bridle is designed to meet the specific needs of foot launched hang glider pilots who choose to attach their release to the pilots body around the hips. Launching in this fashion with a single release forces the pilot to either route the towline over the bar, which causes the line to pull down on the bar, as the tow angle steepens; or they route it under the bar, which causes them to pop the nose up on takeoff, with a loss of control. This release is designed for pilots who run a Y line from the towline to the release. One leg of the towline is routed over the base bar to the front of the release, while the other line is routed with a bit of slack under the base bar to the rear of the release. In use, the pilot launches with both legs of the Y line connected to their release, but only the line passing over the base bar is tensioned on launch. Once the pilot climbs to an altitude above 100 feet or so, the pilot signals the winch operator to reduce tension, and releases the upper line. The lower line then becomes tight, and since it is routed under the base bar, the tow can proceed without the line interfering with the base bar. In an emergency the pilot can pull both release handles simultaneously to completely separate from the towline.
The bridle is attached to both sides of the harness near the pilots hips, as in the photo above left, or using the single bridle attached to a point near the center of the harness around the pilots waist. Note: Your harness should be suitably reinforced in this area to ensure structural integrity of the harness is not compromised. Ideally these points are reinforced and are co located with the hang loop mounting locations to aid in transmitting the tow forces up through the glider.
Before connecting to the Y line, you need to decide where you want your weak link(s) to be placed. Some pilots use a single link at the apex of the Y so that an overtow situation that breaks the link will release the glider immediately from the towline. Other pilots prefer to use a link on both ends of the line, and often use a slightly stronger link on the lower line to preclude it from being shock loaded and breaking after dropping the first line. Of course if the pilot is overtowed when connected to the line over the base tube breaking the link, they are still connected by the lower link which may, or may not be a good idea. A few pilots solve the dilemma by placing weaklinks in all 3 possible locations. If you are unsure which is the best method to use, please consult your instructor or a USHGA hang glider tow administrator for advice.
Our bridles use a pair of 2 string releases to reduce the forces on the closing pin so that it will release easily from all anticipated normal or emergency flight conditions. It has been extensively tested, but we always recommend that ALL pilots should carry an easily accessible hook knife to severe the weaklink, line, or tow bridle in the event of a release malfunction!
The first line to be connected to the release is the line that comes over the base bar, and will be the line tensioned during the launch phase. The photos below show hooking to the system using 2 weaklinks.
Please note that each set of strings for the release uses 2 cords. One is longer and thicker (hence stronger) than the other cord. You must ALWAYS connect the longer cord through the weaklink or towline or the release can hang up upon release. (Please check out our Safety and instructions page if the reason is not immediately obvious to you).
To attach to the towline, loop the longer, thicker cord through the weaklink (it's the blue one shown in the photo above left). Loop the thinner, shorter cord through this blue loop (see photo above right , and it would be the red/black cord). Take this cord and pass it through the grommet hole. (See photo below left).
Pass the curved pin attached to the longest release cord through this cord to secure it. (See photo above right). Note that the pin is oriented with the curve so it "hangs" over the cord. It is secured inside a pocket to keep it from snagging and releasing on launch. Connect the line from underneath the base bar to the remaining release in a similar fashion by routing it as shown above, and secured as in the photos below.
Does it really matter which line goes to which release you ask? Experience has shown that when the lines are tensioned, it is highly unlikely that the curved pin will slip out and cause a premature release, however, looking at the photo above right, you can see that the release line going to the front release is longer, making it easier to "shake it loose" if you were to launch on the rear release. Tensioning the cord securing the front pin by launching on that cord first makes this very unlikely. That's why we "hang" the curved pins on the release loops. It doesn't particularilly matter, but it makes them less likely to shake loose on launch. A small consideration perhaps, but why not stack the deck in your favor.
The release handles are stacked together so that in an emergency, you can grab and pull both handles simultaneously to quickly release form the towline. (See photo below left).
Typically, the pilot launches, with tension on the forward release, which attaches to the line going on top of the base bar. Once safely aloft, but before climbing high enough for the line to pull against the base bar, the pilot identifies the release handle (colored white in the picture above right), pulls it, and is connected to the tow through the lower line that runs under the base bar. At the top of the tow, the pilot pulls the remaining release handle (colored red in the photo below) and is separated from the tow line to go X/C, or our favorite, waste altitude frivolously to land and tow up again.
The standard double release hang gliding tow bridle shown above sells for $65 / each. It does not include the rectangular links shown in the photo, but we do have these available on our site.
The long double release shown above includes a series of daisy chain type loops, any of which can be used to attach the bridle to the pilots harness with standard links or carabiners. This bridle is shown in the top right photo and sells for $70 / each.
For quantity purchasers, if you order and pay for 5 tow bridles, we ship you an extra bridle at no charge (this amounts to a 20% discount). If you order and pay for 10 tow bridles, we ship you 3 extra tow bridles at no charge (this amounts to a 30% discount). For special colors, embroidery, or custom manufactured bridles please contact us for pricing.
5/32" Stainless Steel quicklinks are available for a really slick attachment to your harness. These links are 1 inch wide and fit our bridles perfectly. They have a working load limit of 440 pounds and a breaking load of 2,205 pounds. They sell for $6.65 /each, or $12.50 per pair.
If you need a custom length bridle, or have a specific need, please feel free to contact us. We're always happy to help out.
This Page last updated 20 May 2003 Copyright TowMeUp.com All Rights Reserved
