The ultimate Pro-Tow Barrel release for hang gliding!  Often, the simplest design is the best.

Light-weight - weighs only a couple of ounces

Tiny - hangs down after release from tow the least.  This makes it the easiest to stash away in your chest zippers or produces the least drag if you leave it hang during flight.

Easiest to pull - uses a straight stainless steel pin which has the benefit of maintaining the same, sharp angle to the barrel-wall throughout the entire pull.  This is important when releasing under excess tension (ie an emergency situation).  Curved pins have slightly higher pressures during the release process...every bit helps in the case of emergency!

Rubberized barrel - no exposed metal barrel to scratch your helmet or visor

Strong - uses Spectra  - your glider will break before the release will!  Colours will vary based on what we have in stock.

Over-all length is only 6" (excluding the pin)...and the barrel cannot come off as the rope at the base is doubled-up rendering the barrel unable to slide off if/when removed from your harness.

It's prudent to have as many options to release from tow ropes as possible. We recommend having a barrel release on either shoulder and of course carry a hook knife in case both barrel releases fail. Replace your weak-links often but never count on them breaking!

Even though Instinct is a big fan of stationary/scooter-winch towing, we strongly recommend AGAINST using barrel releases for ANY winch towing (payout, scooter, stationary) due to barrel releases not being able to release if there is no tension on the tow rope.

on why NOT to use your shoulder barrel release first if you are also towing from the keel.  IF it snags on the tow rope, it would induce an instant tuck and you can never count on your weak-link breaking