The eXtreme High Load block range continues to grow with the addition of the new 20mm XHL double blocks, available with or without a becket.
The new A2022XHL & A2023XHL follow the success of the 30mm XHL ILCA Top Block. A block which was explicitly designed for the ILCA vang system. The two new 20mm doubles are no different and have been developed alongside the world’s best ILCA sailors and riggers. However, they are more than suitable for any application which requires working loads up to 600Kg.
Using a block with a 600Kg working load may seem like overkill for a boat such as the ILCA, but with top-level sailors continuing to work harder and drive their kit to the limits more often it would come as no surprise that sailors are now pushing the kit beyond its normal limits, which has lead to top-level athletes wanting a block that can withstand the punishment without compromising on performance.
Revolutionising the high-load small block game, the XHL block range didn’t just step up – it soared. Initially designed to tackle the intense strains of the Moth vang system, this range has now infiltrated sailing classes across the spectrum, from ILCA to IMOCA 60s and everything in between.
What’s the secret sauce that makes the XHL block range stand out?
Enter the game-changing XHL bearing technology.
Picture this: our patented dynamic bearing technology seamlessly blended with a plain bearing peek washer, creating a bearing powerhouse that not only excels at low loads but laughs in the face of extreme static loads up to a whopping 1500kg.
Pair this cutting-edge XHL bearing technology with CNC machined aluminium side cheeks and a precision-turned stainless-steel sheave, and voila—a lineup of blocks tailor-made for vang cascades, halyard turning points, and backstay systems. Essentially, any scenario where your block needs to flex its muscles under extreme static loads while still delivering smooth, low-friction, low-load dynamic performance.
The XHL range caters to your needs with three sheave sizes – 20mm, 30mm, and 40mm – plus single and double sheave variations. And, to top it off, it comes in six vibrant colours, giving you the green light to pimp out your boat or control system. Because who said high-performance gear can’t have a bit of flair?
We haven’t stopped there though! Take your performance one step further with the TiiTAN Block. A further development which features a Titanium sheave and ceramic ball bearings.
Introducing a new Laser specific vang block the A2031XHL-873.
The block which features the same extreme high load dynamic bearing technology as the rest of the Allen XHL range has been specifically adapted to work as the Laser dinghy’s top vang block.
The XHL range was conceived when the Allen design team worked with the World’s top International Moth sailors to create a solution for the extreme high loads, they were putting through the vang.
More recently Allen has been working on feedback from top Laser sailors who are looking for a more efficient top block for their vang. It was inevitable then, that the Allen design team would use the tried and tested XHL block to solve the problem. By adapting the 30mm XHL block to incorporate a stronger vang key the Allen design team has come up with a solution that is not only capable of withstanding the Laser vang loads but also sleek and stylish.
Southeast Sailboats who specialise in providing world-class rigging for the Laser has been using the XHL block and commented: “This extremely free running block makes pulling on the vang easier, and the stronger key will ensure that it will cope with the increased loads imposed by the Laser MkII rig. By integrating the vang key into the block the overall length of the block and key is minimised, thereby not compromising the overall vang operating range. This great block will also help sailors who are currently struggling to pull on enough vang to depower the sail for the conditions, and in addition, make it easier for sailors who want to take a purchase out of the vang system.”
The A2031XHL-873 has a breaking load of 1000kg and comes with a removable clevis pin.
The XHL range has grown
The original 30mm XHL block was released by Allen at the end of 2015, the design was received exceedingly well by the sailors in the high-performance market. This year Allen has expanded the range to include a 20mm and 40mm sheave size to help fill gaps in the market.
The Allen XHL range has been designed to deal with eXtremely High Loads without compromising on low load dynamic performance. By combing the Allen patented Dynamic Bearing Technology with CNC machined aluminium side cheeks and a precision turned stainless steel sheave, the company has created a block range that can take a static load of up to 1500Kg. Perfect for use in vang cascades or halyard turning points where loads can be extremely high.
The XHL range is available in a variety of colours.
The 30mm XHL was originally designed on the feedback of Team Allen sailors who wanted a block strong enough to keep up with the demands of high-performance sailing. Watch the video below to find out how it’s made.
Allen Brothers, based in Essex, is known for consistently developing and upgrading sailing hardware. The company has a team of professional sailors that are always testing and relaying product feedback back to the Allen design team to ensure the hardware keeps up with the demands of modern sailing.
