AFTERMARKET 700% stronger bearings 03/07/2023 Save article Harken’s new Zircon blocks are the company’s most efficient small boat blocks. SHOW FULLSCREEN Harken’s Zircon block has low-friction ceramic ball bearings Features of the blocks include industrial ceramic ball bearings mounted inside caged races. The cages have been developed to keep the bearings apart, so they don’t bunch up, touch and stop each other making it a free-running, low-friction block. “Give an unloaded Zircon block a strong spin, and it spins an incredibly long time,” explained a Harken spokesperson. “Ceramic is a more familiar name for the metallic oxide Zirconia. Zircon bearings are more than 700% stronger in compression than stainless bearings of the same size so, they will not deform if used within the recommended load limits.” The bearings will also absorb less energy before starting to roll, making the blocks more responsive, especially in light airs. “Zircon feels like you can push the line out,” added the spokesperson. “At top wind range, you can rig more mainsheet purchase so you can physically trim harder—but still ease through those additional sheaves when the wind lightens up. “In the lightest air, trimmers feel they can actually push the sheet out.” The blocks are available in single and double blocks, with or without beckets, and in 40mm and 57mm sheaves. Topics Blockdinghy sailingMasts, spars, sails & riggingPerformance sailingsail trimming

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