Snowsled
Pulks - Features
Pulk features (on all laminated shells)
Laminated shells, whether fibreglass or Kevlar, are manufactured by a vacuum process, which gives the ideal fabric to resin ratio, without cavities, to produce mouldings of the highest strength.
The rounded egg-shaped front and gentle 'attack' angle helps deflect impacts and reduce stress.Turning is made easy by the shape of the keels at front and back, and also the ‘rocker’ along the length of the keels (slight convexity) on pulks 2.0 m and longer.
Fibreglass pulks have good impact resistance and loading ratios (maximum payload:unladen weight) of around 12:1, using over 80% woven fabrics. They are, however, heavier than Kevlar for the same maximum design payload.
Kevlar pulks are the ultimate for high performance, with loading ratios of up to 18:1. They are made to order, and reinforced in key areas to produce the flexing characteristics required.
Where kite traction is intended, Kevlar pulks are recommended because of the high speeds achievable and consequent high impact stresses on the laminated shells. Kevlar is also recommended for travel through pack-ice.
NB. In real-life situations, particularly where the absolute priorities of low weight and high impact resistance are compromised, pulks can never be guaranteed completely damage-proof. As always, the end-user is responsible for how they are used, and must exercise due care. And to state the obvious, pulks are NOT designed for hauling over moraine/rocks/runways, etc-plastic runners and gel coats scratch very easily, resulting in increased friction and greatly increased wear.
Both runner sections are machined from ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene, which has outstanding low temperature characteristics. Except for a retaining bolt at the front, the face of the runner is completely smooth, and can be slid off for replacement.
The support rails for the runners are located in a groove in the runner keels, to resist sideway impact. They are either riveted or bolted, depending on whether or not they need to be guaranteed waterproof.
Standard covers are made using a high tenacity, proofed and UV inhibited nylon, and have nylon adjustable webbing straps and lifting handles bolted to the pulk shell. None of the metalwork will rust.
Covers have full length heavy duty YKK zips with two sliders and pulls, opening from the centre for easy access and packing.There are lifting handles at each end and a further two either side.
Both runner sections are machined in virgin ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene, which has very good low temperature characteristics. Except for a retaining bolt at the front, the face of the runner is completely smooth. The runner can be slid off for replacement.
The support rails for the runners are either riveted or bolted into the groove, depending on whether or not they need to be guaranteed waterproof. The groove protects the runner assembly from sideways shock.
Standard covers are 500 denier red proofed Cordura with nylon adjustable webbing straps and lifting handles bolted and riveted to the pulk shell. None of the metalwork will rust. Covers have full length zips with two sliders opening from the centre for easy access and packing.
There are lifting handles at each end and a further two either side.