Ronstan Series 55 Ratchet Orbit Block, Fiddle Becket Swivel
- Brand:
- Ronstan
- Part no:
- RF56510
Image: marinesupplyplus.com
Where to buy
Specifications
- Bearing
- Ball
- Becket
- Yes
- Swivel
- Swivel
This is a Ronstan Series 55 ratchet block with a swivel and a fiddle becket. The sheave is anodized aluminium and runs on acetal ball bearings, while the frame is glass fiber reinforced nylon. The sheave has 12 gripping faces to hold the line, giving up to 20:1 holding power. In auto mode the ratchet engages only under load, so the sheet eases out freely once the load comes off.
Our take
With 12 gripping faces on the sheave and up to 20:1 holding power, the block takes a good share of the strain off your hands once the line is loaded. In auto mode the ratchet switches off as the load drops, so the sheet runs out freely when you ease it.
From our buying guide
Ball-bearing blocks give the lowest friction on lines running under moderate loads. Plain bearings have more friction, but handle very high and static loads.
Check before you buy:
- A ratchet block is rated for the full sheet load.
- Any becket's load limit suits the job, since a becket can be rated below the block itself.
- A soft-attach block will be looked after, since Harken warns soft attachments are prone to wear and recommends them only for regularly maintained race boats.