|
|
|
|
An Innovative Freestanding Aerial Rig
Now that it is Spring, there is renewed interest in freestanding aerial rigs. In previous issues of The FlyWire we have looked a tripod and quad rigs. In this issue, I want to discuss an innovative new aerial rig from Todd Spiering at Circus Gear http://www.circusgearstore.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Circus Gear's aerial rig is a cross between a tripod rig and a quad rig (you might want to call it a “quadpod”). Its basic shape is of a four-sided pyramid – a quadrahedron. However, instead of coming to a point at the apex, like you see on some tripod rigs, it has a 30” x 30” hanging frame (sort of a quad crane bar) with places to hang a pulleys and several apparatus.
Features of the Circus Gear Aerial Rig include:
- 20’ x 20’ footprint at full height
- Legs are 2” diameter aluminum tubing (6061) with ⅛” thick walls
- Height is adjustable up to 23’ from ground to rig point
- Rubber feet to protect floors (Stake-down option coming soon for outdoor installation)
- Feet are independently adjustable for uneven ground or to make small adjustments in height
- Can attach double point apparatuses to the square frame
- One ratchet strap ties the legs together at the bottom
I had the pleasure of working with this rig during a recent aerial rigging workshop and was surprised at how easy it was to setup. Like most aluminum rigs, the leg sections are 6 feet long. However, this rig also includes four 3-foot long legs. By starting with two of the 3-foot legs on one side and 6-foot legs on the opposite side, the rig is easier to setup than other rigs because you do not have to lift the rig as high to insert additional legs. This also prevents the feeling that the rig is going to topple over during setup, that you often experience with other rigs. Also, the legs “clip” to one another with pin-clips so they cannot slide-out during setup. While two people could set up the rig, three seems to me to the ideal number. Setup should take about 15-20 minutes, once you get the hang of it. I also like the fact that there are holes in the feet for creating tie-off points for your ropes, when you add pulleys to the rig. A planned addition is a hole in each foot, which will allow users to stake the feet to the ground and forgo the ratchet strap that is currently needed to keep the legs from sliding outward.
The legs are at 60 degrees to the ground so the rig's footprint is a bit smaller than some other rigs (just 20' x 20'), yet it stands an impressive 23 feet tall. The rig is amazing sturdy with a performer doing some pretty good swings, or with two people performing on it (yes, we tried both). At $2,275 it is not the least expensive freestanding aerial rig on the market, but it is an excellent price for such a well-constructed aluminum quad rig, especially one with all the features Todd has included. Todd tells me that he spent three years developing this design, and I think it was certainly time well spent. I was very impressed with every aspect of this rig and I recommend it for anyone wanting a freestanding rig with a lot of features at a great price.
Safe rigging,
-Delbert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
