Overhead Pulley systems (bungee cord)

[ChiliPepper]

Hi All, it's been a while since I've posted on fencing.net. Anyway, my fencing salle will be moving soon in a more permanent facility and I'm exploring the possibility of installing overhead bungee cord systems instead of floor cords and reels.

I know there's a few different companies that make those systems, but I was wondering which are the most durable and hassle-free (I really don't like the idea of the wire slipping off the pulley, wires twisting, etc.) as well as cost-effective. If you have any experience with systems by the following companies: PBT, Triplette TCA, Swordmasters, Prieur, as well as other that I may not know of, please do let me know.

Thanks a bunch!! PS: If I do end up replacing the current floor reels with the overhead kind, then I'll have a whole bunch of used Favero floor reels available for sale too :-)

[DangerMouse]

The best and cheapest ones are the ones you make yourself.

[Purple Fencer]

Virtual Scoring Machine and V-Reels....just sayin' (drop me a pm)

[SJCFU#2]

If you have any experience with systems by the following companies: PBT, Triplette TCA, Swordmasters, Prieur, as well as other that I may not know of, please do let me know.

Of the various vendors mentioned here, Tripplette TCA has the best price ($197), and my experience has been that they are decent (all be it nothing outstanding). American Fencer Supply However as DangerMouse said, if cost is the driving concern then you're probably best off making it yourself.

Sword Masters appears to have used the nicest selection of plugs, sockets and cables. Unfortunately at $335 they are also among the most expensive.

As far as twising is concerned, that sort of problem tends to depend more on installation than make - if you install it with twist in the bungee cord then you'll have problems with wires twisting. Geometry can also make difference - laying out the cables so they form a wide "<" as they enter and leave the pulleys helps to prevent twisting.

Finer points of bungee system design have been discussed in a number of threads over the years, starting with this one from 2001, followed by this one from 2005, another one from 2005, and this one from 2009 (just to name a few).