APS - Ronstan Series 55 Orbit Blocks

Orbit Blocks - Series 55, Auto-Manual Ratchet (RT)

Bettering the world’s ultimate ratchet block is no mean feat, but that’s exactly what the Ronstan Series 55mm Ratchet Orbit Block has done. It still provides the 20:1 holding power of its Series 60 predecessor, but due to the sophisticated sheave cross-hole geometry (Patent pending) it delivers superior rope wear performance, lighter weight and is the only ratchet block available that can be set in manual mode or full automatic engagement mode1 - all this for the price of a manual-only ratchet block. Control switches on both sides allow for port or starboard use in manual mode and the NC machined alloy sheave and ingeniously simple mechanism ensure reliability and long service life. Series 55 Ratchet Orbit blocks™ also come standard with all the Orbit Block™ hallmark features; Dyneema® rope link head, composite cleat arms and our composite C-Cleat. Essential equipment on racing dinghies and sportsboats, when you want the most holding power you can get.

In Auto mode the ratchet mechanism engages automatically when load is applied to the block, but switches off when the load is released to allow the sheet to run out smoothly and freely. This is particularly beneficial for rapid sheeting out in bear-aways at the top mark and for tacking asymmetric spinnakers.

In Manual mode the ratchet mechanism can be switched on or off as required. This is still often the preferred feel for mainsheets by many top sailors. In the end manual or auto mode often comes down to personal feel preference. Try the block in both modes and make up your own mind – you really can’t go wrong.

Applications:
- Dinghy mainsheets on boats such as Optimist, Laser, 470’s and 49er.
- Multi purchase catamaran mainsheet systems on boats to 8m (26ft) – RF56331.
- Sportsboat mainsheet systems using RF7 mainsheet swivel cleat unit.
- Spinnaker sheets on dinghies – especially modern asymmetric classes such as 29er, 49er, I14, etc.
- Sportsboat and small keel boat spinnaker sheets (lateral lead blocks).
- Control line applications on larger yachts.

Materials:
Sheave: Hard anodized Aluminum
Ball Bearings: High compression strength carbon black Acetal
Housing/Cheeks: Toughened, glass fibre reinforced Nylon
Rope Link: UV stabilised, multi-strand impregnated SK75 Dyneema®

Ronstan Series 55 RT Orbit Blocks - Auto-Manual Ratchets
Part #	Description	Sheave Diameter		Max Rope		M.W.L.		Breaking Load		Weight
Part #	Description	in	mm	in	mm	lb	kg	lb	kg	oz	g
RF56100	Single w/ Swivel Head (Metal)	2-5/32	55	3/8	10	550	250	1,430	650	2.90	82
RF56101	Single	2-5/32	55	3/8	10	550	250	1,980	900	2.80	78
RF56111	Single w/ Becket	2-5/32	55	3/8	10	550	250	1,980	900	2.90	82
RF56121	Single w/ Adj. Cleat	2-5/32	55	3/8	10	550	250	1,980	900	7.10	200
RF56131	Single w/ Becket, Adj. Cleat	2-5/32	55	3/8	10	550	250	1,980	900	7.20	205
RF56151	Cheek, Clockwise	2-5/32	55	3/8	10	550	250	1,980	900	2.70	76
RF56151A	Cheek, Counter-Clockwise	2-5/32	55	3/8	10	550	250	1,980	900	2.70	76
RF56331	Triple w/ Becket, Adj. Cleat	2-5/32	55	3/8	10	1,650	750	3,300	1,500	12.20	345
RF56511	Fiddle w/ Becket	2-5/32	5	3/8	10	550	250	1,650	750	3.80	108
RF56531	Fiddle w/ Becket, Adj. Cleat	2-5/32	5	3/8	10	1,650	750	3,300	1,500	8.60	231

Product Review:
This product has been reviewed on APS' Blog, The Stern Scoop; take a look for more information.

RF56101	55mm Orbit Ratchet: Single	Price: $76.46	RF56151	55mm Orbit Ratchet: Cheek, Clockwise	Price: $66.26
RF56151A	55mm Orbit Ratchet: Cheek, Cntr-Clockwise	Price: $66.26	RF56331	55mm Orbit Ratchet: Triple w/ Cleat	Price: $186.96
RF56511	55mm Orbit Fiddle, Becket, Auto	Price: $74.76	RF56531	55mm Orbit Ratchet: Fiddle w/ Becket, Cleat	Price: $109.61
RF56100	55mm Orbit Ratchet: Single w/Swivel Head	Price: $76.46