How to choose the pulley(s)?

Whether you're an occasional boater, a regular sailor, or a serious racer, choosing the right pulleys is essential to optimizing the performance and longevity of your running rigging. First, between the number of manufacturers, their multiple ranges, and all the models on the market, there are almost an infinite number of pulleys!

To help you find your way around, we have decided to classify our pulleys not according to the manufacturer but according to our own criteria. Here are the explanations for making your choice from the Micro, Inox, Classic, Classic ball bearing, Composit and Composit ball bearing ranges.

1. Micro range: lightness and compactness (>Link)

Micro pulleys are ideal for applications requiring low loads and reduced weight. They are often used on sailboats under 6m, dinghies, or other boats for tension-free adjustments. Their compact size makes them ideal for maneuvers requiring little friction.

✅ Made of stainless steel, with a diameter of less than 25mm.
✅ Harken: Air, Holt: Mininox, RWO and Viadana: Micro Inox

Ideal for:

✅ Low -load applications
✅ Small sailboats and dinghies

2. Stainless steel range: robustness and longevity (>Link)

Micro , these pulleys offer good load resistance . They are suitable for the increased adjustment of the cunningham, downhaul, mainsail edge, etc. on dinghies, small sailboats and other sport catamarans.

✅ Stainless steel cheeks, with a diameter greater than 20mm up to 30mm.

✅ Harken: Micro, Holt: Dynamic, RWO and Viadana: Stainless Steel Series

Ideal for:

✅ Settings with moderate tensions
✅ All boats under 6m

3. Classic range: reliability and versatility (>Link)

Classic pulleys are designed for general use on all types of boats. They combine a robust structure with excellent load capacity, making them suitable for many common applications. Their ball-free operation makes them very competitive for good performance.

✅ Friction, from 20mm to 57mm.

✅ RWO: Nova

 

Ideal for:

✅ Versatile use
✅ School dinghies and catamarans, occasional outings.

4. Classic ball range: fluidity and efficiency (>Link)

Classic ball bearing pulleys offer the same great features as Classic pulleys, but with a ball bearing system that reduces friction and improves performance. They're particularly suited to maneuvers requiring increased responsiveness. The most extensive range, you'll find pulleys for every situation!

✅ Ball bearings, from 20mm to 57mm.

✅ Harken: Classic/Bullet, Holt: Line Series, Viadana: Ball Bearing

 

Ideal for:

✅ Regattas and sports sailing
✅ Applications requiring low friction

5. Composit range: lightness and modernity (>Link)

Composit pulleys are made of composite materials, offering an excellent compromise between strength and lightness . They are an alternative to metal pulleys, with good resistance to UV and salt water.

✅ Friction, from 20mm to 57mm.

✅ Holt: Composit

 

Ideal for:

✅ Applications where weight is a key factor
✅ Common maneuvers

6. Composit ball range: priority given to performance (>Link)

These are the most advanced and demanding of composite pulleys. Thanks to their integrated ball bearing , they offer optimal friction reduction and better energy efficiency for fine and dynamic adjustments.

✅ Ball bearings, from 20mm to 57mm.

✅ Harken: Carbo, Holt: Composite, Viadana: Composite

 

Ideal for:

✅ High responsiveness with optimal speed
✅ Regatta, Training, Sports Sailing.

In summary:

RANGES yachting.fr	Harken	Holt	Viadana	Rwo
MICRO	Air Blocks	Mininox	Microphone	Microphone
STAINLESS STEEL	Microphone	Dynamic	Stainless Steel Series	Stainless steel
CLASSIC				Nova
CLASSIC BALLS	Classic / Bullet	Line Series	Ball bearings	Series
COMPOSIT		Composite
BALL COMPOSITE	Carbo	Organic	Composite

Summary Table of Ranges by Manufacturer.

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