Why Dyneema Soft Shackles Are Revolutionising Sailing Hardware
If you're still using traditional metal shackles on your boat, it's time to discover the game-changing benefits of Dyneema Soft Shackles. These innovative alternatives are transforming how sailors approach rigging, offering a combination of strength, safety, and convenience that metal simply can't match.
What Makes Dyneema Special?
Our Dyneema Soft Shackles are crafted from RIG12 Dyneema core 12-strand rope – one of the strongest synthetic fibres available. This isn't just marketing hype; Dyneema is renowned in the marine industry for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and durability.
10 Times Lighter Than Metal
Here's a statistic that will change how you think about your rigging: Dyneema soft shackles are 10 times lighter than equivalent metal shackles. Imagine reducing weight aloft or at critical connection points without sacrificing strength. This weight reduction can improve your boat's performance and make handling significantly easier.
Impressive Strength Across Multiple Sizes
We offer Dyneema Soft Shackles in four diameters to suit various applications:
- 3mm diameter: 800kg break load (available in 40mm and 80mm loop lengths)
- 4mm diameter: 1,000kg break load (available in 45mm and 90mm loop lengths)
- 5mm diameter: 1,500kg break load (available in 50mm and 100mm loop lengths)
- 6mm diameter: 2,500kg break load (available in 60mm loop length)
With break loads ranging from 800kg to 2,500kg, there's a size for virtually every application on your boat.
The Easy Open Lanyard Advantage
One of the standout features of our Dyneema Soft Shackles is the integrated easy-open lanyard. Unlike traditional soft shackles that can be tricky to open under load or after extended use, the lanyard makes opening and closing quick and effortless – even with cold or wet hands.
Safety First: Protecting Crew and Decks
Metal shackles pose real risks on a boat. They can:
- Cause serious injury if they come loose under load
- Damage gelcoat and deck hardware when dropped or swinging
- Create dangerous projectiles in high-load situations
- Corrode over time, especially in saltwater environments
Dyneema soft shackles eliminate these concerns. They're soft on decks, won't corrode, and if they do fail (which is rare), they won't become dangerous projectiles. Your crew's safety is paramount, and soft shackles provide peace of mind.
Versatile Applications
Where can you use Dyneema Soft Shackles? Almost anywhere you'd use a metal shackle:
- Attaching halyards to sails
- Connecting sheets to sail clews
- Securing spinnaker tack lines
- Attaching blocks and pulleys
- Mooring and anchoring applications
- Dinghy rigging
Custom Lengths Available
Every boat is different, and sometimes standard sizes don't quite fit your specific needs. That's why we offer custom-length Dyneema Soft Shackles. Contact us with your requirements, and we'll provide pricing for bespoke solutions tailored to your boat.
Making the Switch
Transitioning from metal to Dyneema soft shackles is straightforward. Start by replacing shackles in non-critical applications to get comfortable with the technology. Once you experience the benefits firsthand – the light weight, ease of use, and safety advantages – you'll likely want to replace more metal hardware throughout your boat.
The Future of Marine Hardware
Dyneema Soft Shackles represent the evolution of sailing hardware. They combine cutting-edge materials science with practical design to deliver a product that's simply better than traditional alternatives in almost every way.
Whether you're racing and need to save weight aloft, cruising and want safer deck hardware, or simply looking for more convenient rigging solutions, Dyneema Soft Shackles with Easy Open Lanyards are an investment in better sailing.
Ready to upgrade your rigging? Explore our range of Dyneema Soft Shackles and discover the difference for yourself.