Laser Rigging Guide - Old Style Kicker
Step-by-step guide to rigging the conventional 6:1 kicker system
Below you will find step by step instructions on how to rig the Laser® Kicker using the conventional control systems. If you require information on how to rig and use the deck led Racecontrol system you will find this info in our Information Sheet section of Hints & Tips.
Rigging an efficient 6:1 kicker control utilising the conventional system is now possible due to rule changes to allow blocks to be used, resulting in an ideal upgrade before possibly moving onto the 15:1 Race Kicker.
Attach the first micro ball bearing block (Ronstan RF20101) to the bottom of the top block using a tang loop or shackle. Attach the other micro block to the end of the 6mm main line and feed over the top roller of the top block.
Next pass the main line through the top roller on the bottom jammer; and then back through the top hanging block.
Now the 3:1 part of the kicker needs to be fixed in order to enable us to make the unit 6:1 using only one line. This is essentially a neat knot around the bottom jammer block. Start by passing the tail of the line through the bottom hole in the cheek of the jammer.
Pass the tail around and behind the line to start the locking action (when under load the tension secures the line). Next you need to replicate this on the other cheek of the block.
Pass the rope around to the other side, and execute the previous move in reverse. Start by passing the line in between the cheeks and exit through the free hole in the side cheek.
Ensure that as the rope tail comes out from the cheek you use it to lock the 'round the block' part of the line.
From this point adjustments to the length of the kicker are easily made.
Now with the 3:1 locked, take the free tail of the line and pass it through the micro block at the top of the kicker, then down to the jammer, around the pulley and then OUT!
Check the overall length of the kicker. We measure from the top of the Kicker Key to the pin on the swivel/base and set all our vangs at 63cm.
This should be a basic setting that can be tensioned or loosened for windy and light settings. Note that the 63cm is the maximum off it should be able to go off - at this point, the little block is at the top of the key block.
Now that the length is set you can start a rope handle. We do this by making a quick release loop, and then passing another loop through it and continue till you have 10 - 12 inches of handle, making sure not to let the tail through the loops till you're finished. To finish and secure the handle off pull the rope tail through the last loop.
Finish the handle by tying a bowline to make a loop. You should now have just enough tail left to tie to the centreboard handle - making the control line much easier to find when on the water.