High Load Thimbles – Why, When, Where?

Also known as low friction rings these handy bits of hardware are used across many different areas of a sailboat. But they’re nothing new. In fact the high load thimble has been around for some time, just in slightly different forms. Originally made from wood and used on old style tall ships for adjusting running rigging and then more recently moulded in plastic to create light-weight, cheap alternatives. And now, CNC machined from high grade aluminium. But why, when and where should you use a high load thimble?

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What is a high load thimble?

Why use a high load thimble?

When should a high load thimble be used?

Where can a high load thimble be used?

High load thimble sizing guide

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

COP26 is taking over news headlines around the World as countries are pledging to reduce carbon emissions and do more to reduce, reuse and recycle. So, what are we doing here at Allen to reduce our impact on the planet? 

In mid 2019 we introduced our first eco-friendly block range – The plain bearing block range.

Wrecker Race Report

The series is sponsored by Allen Sailing with support from Admiral Trailers, and TracAce Limited

The Sailing Southwest annual winter pursuit race series kicked off this weekend with the opening event at North Devon Yacht Club at Instow.

Events planned to follow include:

Penzance Pirate at Penzance SC on 14^th November

Christmas Cracker at Paignton SC on 5^th December

Sutton Bingham Icicle at Sutton Bingham SC on 30^th January

Roadford Rocket at Roadford SC on 20^th January

Channel chop at Portishead SC on 12^th March          

Starcross Steamer at Starcross YC on 27^th March

Exmore Beastie at Wimbleball SC on 3^rd April

XHL Block Range

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.