How to choose the pulley(s)?
Whether you are an occasional boater, a regular sailor, or a full-time racer, choosing the right blocks is essential to optimize the performance and longevity of your running rigging. Firstly, between the number of manufacturers, then their multiple ranges, and all the models on the market, there is an almost infinite number of blocks!
To help you navigate this, we have decided to classify our blocks not by manufacturer, but according to our own criteria. Here are the explanations to help you choose from the Micro, Stainless Steel, Classic, Classic Ball Bearing, Composite, and Composite Ball Bearing ranges.
1. Micro Range: Lightness and compactness (>Link)
Micro blocks are perfect for applications requiring low load and reduced weight. They are often used for sailboats under 6m, dinghies, or on other boats for low-tension adjustments. Their compact size makes them ideal for maneuvers requiring little friction.
✅ Stainless steel, with a diameter under 25mm.
✅ Harken: Air, Holt: Mininox, RWO and Viadana: Micro Stainless Steel
Ideal for:
✅ Low-load applications
✅ Small sailboats and dinghies
2. Stainless Steel Range: Robustness and longevity (>Link)
Micro, these blocks offer good load resistance. They are suitable for geared adjustments of the cunningham, vang, mainsheet foot, etc. on dinghies, small sailboats, and sport catamarans.
✅Stainless steel cheeks, with a diameter from 20mm to 30mm.
✅Harken: Micro, Holt: Dynamic, RWO and Viadana: Stainless Steel Series
Ideal for:
✅ Adjustments with moderate tensions
✅ All boats under 6m
3. Classic Range: Reliability and versatility (>Link)
Classic blocks 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-less operation makes them very competitive for good performance.
✅ Friction, from 20mm to 57mm.
✅ RWO: Nova
Ideal for:
✅ Versatile use
✅ Dinghies and training catamarans, occasional outings.
4. Classic Ball Bearing Range: Smoothness and efficiency (>Link)
Classic Ball Bearing blocks offer the same qualities as Classic blocks, but with a ball bearing system that reduces friction and improves performance. They are particularly suited for maneuvers requiring increased responsiveness. This is the most extensive range, where you will find blocks for all situations!
✅ Ball bearing, from 20mm to 57mm.
✅ Harken: Classic/Bullet, Holt: Line Series, Viadana: Ball bearing
Ideal for:
✅ Racing and performance sailing
✅ Applications requiring low friction
5. Composite Range: Lightness and modernity (>Link)
Composite blocks are made from composite materials, offering an excellent compromise between strength and lightness. They are an alternative to metal blocks, with good resistance to UV and saltwater.
✅ Friction, from 20mm to 57mm.
✅ Holt: Composite
Ideal for:
✅ Applications where weight is a key factor
✅ Running maneuvers
6. Composite Ball Bearing Range: Performance first (>Link)
These are the most advanced and demanding composite blocks. Thanks to their integrated ball bearing, they offer optimal friction reduction and improved energy efficiency for fine and dynamic adjustments.
✅ Ball bearing, from 20mm to 57mm.
✅ Harken: Carbo, Holt: Composite, Viadana: Composite
Ideal for:
✅ High responsiveness with optimal speed
✅ Racing, Training, Performance sailing.
In summary:
| YACHTING.FR RANGES | Harken | Holt | Viadana | Rwo |
| MICRO | Air Blocks | Mininox | Micro | Micro |
| STAINLESS STEEL | Micro | Dynamic | Stainless Steel Series | Stainless Steel |
| CLASSIC | Nova | |||
| CLASSIC BALL BEARING | Classic / Bullet | Line Series | Ball Bearing | Series |
| COMPOSITE | Composite | |||
| COMPOSITE BALL BEARING | Carbo | Organic | Composite |
Summary Table of Ranges by Manufacturer.
👉 Need personalized advice? Discover our complete selection on yachting.fr and find the ideal block for your needs!