October 2010 Newsletter - Awesome Halloween Ideas

October 2010 Newsletter - Don't Fall Autumn Edition

Happy October! Insanely hot, Summer days are now in the past. Crisp, cool days are perfect for stepping out on your power stilts. Some thoughts and ideas for the season:

Halloween is coming up...
Costume time! How about blowing them all away by adding some stilts... Some costume ideas that work great with power stilts: Burner, Stilt Showgirl, Satyr, SciFi Punk, Parade Jester, Uncle Sam, Demon, Angel, Cheerleader, creature, alien, etc. (Click links to see photo ideas) You'll want to get your stilts ASAP if you don't already have a pair because you will need time to practice.

Remember Stilting over the Summer in DC?
Commemorate and show off your unique skills with a DC-themed "Capital Bocking USA" wicking, active performance shirt. The all-American design is perfect for showing your patriotic during this election season as well. Show off your patriotic red, white & blue for just $28.
(Limited supply, so order soon to ensure you can get one in your size.)

New: Private Event Try-out lessons
DC Power Stilts is equipped to provide try-out lessons for your next event. Over fifty try-out lessons were given at a big opening party put on by the famous PinkLine Project. Let me know if your event needs an interactive component that will make a big splash!

If Autumn leads to a Fall...
Safety gear is so important that DC Power Stilts now carries high-end Triple-Eight Saver Series Protective Gear, and Viking Skate Helmets. Although hard falling is unusual, wearing these cool pads every time further minimizes your risks. Wrist protection is extremely important so I am testing top-of-the-line Triple-Eight "Hired Hands" wrist protection (pictured right). Seems to me keeping your hands safe is worth the $40. Let us know if you would be interested in a pair.

5-Star Service
Customers love us, and we strive to provide consistent 5-star service! Our goal is to offer quality goods at fair prices and upfront shipping rates to anywhere in the continental USA. We also offer free customer pickup.
> Unfiltered Feedback (let DC Power Stilts try to earn your 5 stars too.)
> DC Power Stilts Web Shop

Upcoming Meetup: Rally to Restore Sanity / Keep Fear Alive
October 30 - National Mall, Washington, DC
What happens when political comedians get together to put on a huge show in the middle of Washington DC? No one knows since it's never been done... Lets attend on stilts!
> Let me know if you would like to join us.

Upcoming Meetups: XD Bockers (DC Power Stilts Affiliate)
Weekly - Savannah, Georgia
> Learn More

And finally, please join us on Facebook!
Your feed will immediately get tips, news, coupons, event announcements, videos, and who-knows-what-else.
> DC Power Stilts

Do you know someone who should try walking on stilts? Please FWD this blog entry along! Thanks.

Tips: Springs Break In Period

Powerbocking Tips and Advice:

New Poweriser spring break in period

When you have either first strapped on your brand new set of Jumping Stilts. Or have recently replaced your springs. You'll notice that the spring is stiff and slightly difficult to compress. For a Newbie this is something you won't be able to tell the difference on. But for an experienced user, you'll notice that you won't even get any give in the spring at all.

This is simply due to the way springs are made. Over time the fiberglass in side begins to break down resulting in a softer and more responsive feel.

New users will need to use this period to work on mostly walking, and light running. Try simple Pogo Jumps and Bounces on the spring for a while. Typically about the time you get the basics down your springs will have "broken in" and you'll get the response you need out of them.

A good way to spot Unbroken in Springs against a Broken in Springs is when you wear them. Broken in springs will bounce ever so slightly as you walk. Unbroken in springs will stay stiff as a board and not move at all.

For experienced users it's best to break your springs in by first walking around for a couple minutes. Adjust yourself to the feeling you've almost forgotten about from when you were a newbie. Do a small jump. Walk a bit, and begin jumping more and more.

Springs break down quickest after being nearly bottomed out constantly. Just take it slow and you'll find that you've broken your spring in after only a couple sessions.

Tip: Try a bunch of set ups. Run into a jump, launch yourself from one foot. Land hard utilizing your arms to help bottom. Keep going until you've nearly bottomed about three times.

Mix those up with some hard pogo jumps. Be sure to use both legs equally to keep wear even on both springs.

Remember! If this seems like hard or annoying work. Think of it this way. You're burning a bunch of calories! An average adult will burn nearly 300 calories in 15 minutes of jumping.

Bock Report: Take a Kid Fishing

A couple weeks back the XD Bockers of Savannah, Georgia. Attended a charity event for the Children's Miracle Network. Two Local Members showed up, as well as a guest from the Midwest portion of our group.

Savannah Now a local paper highlighted the fundraiser with a notice towards us in it.

Fishing wasn't the only activity of the day at The Farm. D.J. Bothwell entertained the crowd by doing stunts on his power stilts,

"I saw people doing this on YouTube," Bothwell said. "I started a club in Savannah and I teach people how to do this. I'm here today entertaining the kids."

Bothwell was getting mixed reactions. The kids were delighted, the parents - not so much.

"Some of the kids ask about it, and their parents tell them, 'It's not for kids,'" Bothwell said. "I say, 'Well, actually, it is,' and the parents say, 'No, it isn't.'"

The leaps and somersaults were certainly impressive, and even just running, it was obvious Bothwell was having fun. "It's a full body workout," he said. "I don't think of it as exercise when I'm doing it. It's a lot of fun and you get a good workout as a benefit."

You can view the entire article Here. The online article doesn't have any pictures of us. But the printed paper has a picture of DJ landing from a jump.

You're Invited to go Stilting

May 2010 - Spring into Summer!

Yes, its soon going to be a fabulous day to go stilting. Whether you're doing jumps in your local park, running around town, or going going for a hike in the country, power stilts are a fun, aerobic way to actively enjoy a lovely day.

Get Into It!
If you have been waiting to try it, now is a great time. What is it all about? Some of the latest activities have been posted about below on the Powerbocking Blog. It's easy to sign up for a free try-out lesson.

Connect With --or Become-- An Affiliate
DC Power Stilts believes that you should be able to connect with us at a local level. That is why I support a network of affiliates all across the country who are promoting the sport, having some fun and even earning cash. Affiliates want to help you learn more about the sport.

We are looking for people who want to organize groups, make friends, and have fun on stilts. DC Power Stilts Affiliates get generous commissions, special benefits, and unbeatable prices on gear. A new online affiliate management site even makes it easy to create tracking codes, track earnings and measure your success in real-time when a customer enters your codes.
> Find an affiliate
> Apply to become part of the team

You're Invited to Attend: Capital Bocking USA 2010
Friday, June 25- Sunday, June 27
Last year's largest meet-up event in the USA was featured in the Washington Post and other news. This year it looks like it is continuing to grow. Join with experts on stilts from across the country in Washington DC, leaping, bounding and performing acrobatics in our iconic city. We'll have several events that will include various challenges, for an enjoyable weekend of powerbocking. Suitable for beginners who have their own stilts and can walk on them unassisted.

Last year's comments: "150% fun", "learned alot", "don't hesitate to come!"
> Hurry! Pre-order the shirt for just $20, ($30 after June 3rd)!
> Learn more + RSVP today

Get Outfitted With Our 5-Star Service
Our customers love us, and we strive to provide consistent 5-star service! Our goal is to offer quality goods at good values and upfront shipping rates to anywhere in the continental USA. We also offer free customer pickup. (For shipping rate, add something to the DC Power Stilts Web Shop, and click on shipping.)
> Unfiltered Feedback (let DC Power Stilts try to earn your 5 stars too.)
> DC Power Stilts Web Shop

Upcoming Meetup: Stiltwerks Annual Bock Off
June 18-20 - Las Vegas, Nevada
> Learn More

Upcoming Meetups: XD Bockers (DC Power Stilts Affiliate)
Weekly - Savannah, Georgia
> Learn More

Safety Note:
First-Generation PowerStrider Olympic Stilts came with a clamp screw and wing nut that easily becomes stripped. Stripped clamp screws will negatively affect the performance of the cuff. PowerStrider will replace this part for affected Customers.
> Notice on the Powerbocking Blog
> Contact PowerStrider

Join us on Facebook!
> DC Power Stilts
> XD Bockers (Georgia and Midwest)

Do you know someone who should try walking on stilts? Please FWD this newsletter along!
> Share this note on Facebook!

Safety Bulletin: PowerStrider Olympics

The new generation of the PowerStrider Olmpic Stilts comes with an innovative cuff clamp. However the first design included wing-nuts which will strip the threads of the screw. When this happens, the cuff may loosen up and slip while in use.

Since this problem can manifest itself while the stilts are in use, please be on the lookout for stripped screws and if your stilts came with a wing-nut, contact PowerStrider USA about getting a free replacement under the warranty program.

Note that the current version of the product comes with upgraded parts already.

Last Mondays Meet

On Monday April 26th 2010. The XD Bockers had another meet up in Savannah, Georgia. Our local official members Doug, and Josie turned out for the event. So in total there was three bockers up off the ground.

We drew a rather large crowd by Forsyth Parks Fountain. We performed various tricks, and answered tons of questions.


Before the big crowd hit however. A Local photographer from Dream Weaver Photos captured these pictures of yours truly.













The pictures were taken both by the fountain, and over on the stage. Overall the meet was fun. After the photos, the crowd. The three of us ran and walked all the way to the end of the park before stopping for the day. Which itself is likely a quarter mile or longer.

We'd love to have more people to join us. So don't forget, try outs are available here in Georgia!

Try outs with the XD Bockers

We've had a great few weeks here in Savannah, Georgia. The XD Bockers have held weekly try outs and powerbocking meet ups. Where we have taught many interested individuals how to walk, and to start them on there way into the powerbocking world.



On one weekend, Tancy came out and tried out walking. She ended up snapping a picture of myself, and Doug before she left.






Doug gave a walking lesson to Erica. After just a little while she was up and going on her own. See it IS easy!



Finally, today at our most recent meet. We captured this video (from stilt height!) of another person learning to walk.


Overall we've had dozens of try outs, and hours of our own time out on powerstilts showing off for the crowds and answering questions. If you're local to Savannah, Georgia we encourage you to come out and give it a try!

Picnic and Tryout on 3/14

On Sunday March 14th. The XD Bockers held a surprise try out and picnic meet up. At Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia. It was a nice day out. So our aim was to introduce a lot of new people to the joys of Powerbocking, and to eat some food afterwards. We meet up at around 2 and kept the walking lessons, and fun going until close to 4:30. Afterwards we went inside for a nerdy table top game. (Last Night on Earth!)



First up we had Jason. He took to them quite well after a good ten minutes. He spent a lot of his time making mech warrior sound effects.



While Jason was walking on his own, we had Chris up trying it out.


Then Matt went and took his turn.




Matt did extremely well also!





Here we had Henry up on Stilts. He managed to get the hang of it after only a few short minutes!



Then Sam and a couple other people tried it out. Though the other pictures didn't turn out well, here's sam!




At some random point though. DJ stopped giving lessons and did a short demo.





Josie decided to join in as well.




Overall everyone had a blast. To view the entire photo album from Sunday. Please view the XD Bockers Group Photo Album.

If you're local and would like to attend another one of our events. Please join our facebook group. We'll be doing events weekly!

Try outs available in Georgia

Previously your local Davenport, Iowa affiliate here. I have recently moved to Savannah, Georgia and will now be available to help anyone local. If you would still like contact with a powerbocker in the Midwest please contact me and I will forward you to a Midwest member of the XD Bockers.

For any interested in seeing Powerstilts in action. Either to try out yourself(Please bring your own pads unless you don't mind borrowing mine!), or to just watch another person using them. Please head to our Groups Facebook page or look of for semi-announcements here. We will be hosting try outs, and more weekly in Forsyth Park. Pssst, click that link for a virtual tour of the park.


Hope to see you out there!

More Testing and PowerStrider Olympic Model

Larry (DC Power Stilts Affiliate) and Tyler perform a simultaneous test of PowerStrider Olympic - Aluminum comparing both the cz60-Al and cz110-Al springs.

Most comparisons relate the new model to the well regarded Poweriser Advanced stilts which we all have used extensively in the past.

Pluses we found:

• The lighter weight made a big improvement in control for both pairs of stilts, especially while in the air, and they try to do tricks


• The new cuff clamp quick clip is very nice. It took only 5 minutes to attach the cuffs and get them fitted properly. Our stilts also shipped with Knee bars as an option.


• Performance was smooth and responsive: both sets of springs flex and easily achieve 3ft jumps with little effort compared to the Poweriser Springs.


• Frames performed nicely smooth operation, with no noise at all. With this new design, any clack sound heard by other models of stilts is a thing of the past. The reduction of noise makes it nicer for people nearby and more comfortable to use stlts in indoor spaces.


• Due to the design, both users were able to get much higher over all in jumps, and better response from both weight class springs. Standing height was tad higher. Tyler easily cleared the 6 ft mark on his 110 set. Larry was too light even for 60 set but he still managed to flex the springs fine, and got to a 4 ft height


• Both the frames and springs held up well from dozens of hours of usage.

Minuses and Suggestions:

• Plastic Buckles - Once tight they held up fine, although to improve them, they should make them with metal parts. If you push hard down on them while you ratchet them tight, they do work.


• Stilts do not have a stopper - when bottoming out occurs, it can cause a hit hard enough to put a small dent, and chip mark, in the support tube. We suggest keeping within the limits of the spring range and adding a rubber stopper to prevent this damage.


• Spring Protection - Factory supplied rubber coating, or Tape would improve this model. In the meantime, we suggest you apply your own tape to protect the spring.


• Bolts and Screws - Frequently check the bolts and screws because it works loose over time. We suggest applying lock-tite to reduce this tendancy. Another caveat is that screw heads are soft and will become stripped with automatic tools.

Bottom Line
Overall they both loved this new setup, especially the lighter overall stilts weight, and over all more responsive design. The PowerStrider Olympic - Aluminum stilts are a decent quality product, suitable for pretty much anyone looking for a pair of power stilts.

Testing notes:

• Normal usage such as jumping and running
  Testing immediately revealed a faulty PowerStrider Spring on the 60KG set. It had red marks on it that showed small cracks from the factory. (Warranty replacement springs were tested and performed fine.)


• Over-powering the stilts to see how the PowerStrider spring would respond
  Springs did not suddenly crack, which indicates a safe and gradual wearing of the springs, rather than an unsafe and sudden snap.
  
  Also it was noted, with the over power and over the max weight issue, that the support tube can give and twist some causing frame damage too, if the spring was not able to support the users full weight and power. The frame and spring held fine, no noise or weakness in the spring was found later on after this test.


• Under-Powering stilts to test "responsiveness"
  Both users found these Springs to be very responsive compared to the older model of Poweriser springs


• Assembly and dis-assembly for routine maintenance
  Soft screw heads used were easy to strip. We suggest carefully using non-electric tools on the stilts.


• Testing routine hardware adjustments
  If the mounting hardware is tightened, be careful not to over tighten the support tube hardware, or the spring mounting hardware, as this can bind the frame, or even crack a spring


• Wear and Tear performance over time
  Loosening of parts means that users should frequently check all fasteners, nuts and bolts and maybe even use Blue lock tight on then all to make sure they stay secure!

Poweriser Kids Still in Short Supply

The January Shipment came in and I was able to fulfill all of the pre-orders that have come in since Mid-December. Poweriser Kids Stilts in the USA are still in short supply, due to the US Importer not being able to get them. We are out of Red stilts for now ...

But we have a few pairs of Poweriser Kids 3050 in Blue that are ready to ship. Get your order in pronto for next business day delivery.

The factory has been ramping up production again, so we expect our early Spring shipment to be generous enough to help everyone looking at a pair of Poweriser Springs in time for spring stilts season.

On another note, the prices are about to increase on the kids stilts due to the increased cost of Aluminum raw materials. Still cost is nicely under $200.


I assume this price increase is going to affect most stilt manufacturers.

Professional Review of PowerStrider Olympic - Aluminum

This is Bacchanal Promotions' review of the new PowerStrider Olympic - Aluminum (CZ Series) stilts.

Our first impressions of the new stilts were positive, the most noticeable differences from our other stilts (Poweriser Advanced) were the weight and much more elegant design. Putting on the stilts for the first time, we were very happy with the quick-adjust cuff mechanism, however the plastic bindings were definitely a downside. Walking on them for the first time felt much more comfortable than our other stilts, not only because of the weight but also the streamlined design. The feeling that we might hit the foot-plates together was much less since a lot of the excess materials have been removed, including the stability rods on the side of the feet. We didn't experience any difficulty with the heel sliding out of place, although when our friends tried them on, some expressed difficulty at the lack of lateral support on the heel.

When we were able to test the stilts side-by-side with the Poweriser Advanced model, a number of things became shockingly clear. The difference in weight is extremely substantial. After wearing the CZ series, jumping on the Powerisers made it feel like there were weights attached to our feet. In addition to the weight the streamlined design made it much more comfortable, and the easily adjustable cuff made it simple for each user to customize them quickly for optimal comfort.

Heights: Perhaps the least obvious but most important difference between the two models was the height of the footplate. It seems as though the two-inch increase in standing height also gave the spring extra room to move, which allows for increased response from a softer spring. Though we are able to easily push our Poweriser 90-120 springs to their limit, the Powerstrider 70 springs seemed to have endless room to gain height. The soft PowerStrider 70 springs felt much softer while running and bouncing low, which made jogging and hopping comfortable and less stressful on our bodies. When jumping high, we originally thought we would bottom-out the soft springs immediately, but were pleasantly surprised when we discovered how difficult it was. It requires much more power to bottom-out the Powerstrider springs, and we seemed to also increase our maximum height by at least six-inches. We look forward to further testing to prove that we are actually jumping higher than we ever have before, but initial tests have been difficult due to winter weather conditions.

Our last test was indoors, which made yet another difference abundantly clear. There was almost no noise while walking or jogging on the Powerstriders, and while jumping high the noise was reduced by at least half from the other stilts. The only noise we heard was of the pad hitting the ground, which was of course louder depending on how high we went, but there was no noise from the parts shifting or rattling. This is one of the biggest selling points for us, as we use the stilts professionally, and particularly when we're doing shows indoors it can be quite distracting to have loud clanks while jumping.

The pair we are using has already experienced several hours of use in another test, so it is easier to spot possible durability issues than with a brand-new pair. We noticed of course that the hoofs will need replacing more often than the Powerisers', but since replacement hoofs will be about 1/3 of the cost and are much easier to replace, we find that this is still a better option than the Powerisers. We did notice a slight squeak in one of the stilts, not loud, and can likely be fixed by adding oil to one or both of the pivot points, but we feel it should be mentioned. Also, the top of the spring on ONE of the stilts has a very small amount of wiggle-room. This is nothing compared to the wiggle on each of the Poweriser joints, but we definitely hope this isn't the beginning of a larger issue.

Flipping and other acrobatic stunts are easier on the new models not only because of the weight difference but also the reduced bulk. The Olympics feel much smaller around the feet and legs, and seem to allow easier variation in leg positions.

Bottom Line:
The PowerStrider Olympic - Aluminum (CZ series) moves this sport to a new level, the increased performance and ease-of-use far exceeds anything we have seen in stilts before. The few flaws are tolerable and minute when compared to the benefits of upgrading. We highly recommend these for new stilters, and also for anyone who uses jumping stilts regularly to consider upgrading.

PowerStrider CZ Series: Conclusion

If you haven't already read the first two parts of my month long review of the PowerStrider CZ series. Please take a moment to do so Part One and Part Two.

Which brings us to the final portion of my review. After using this for a few weeks and really getting a solid feel on them. I can confidently measure performance, and now wear.

One of the most commonly modified aspects of all Powerstilts is the hoofs. As they wear down the quickest. When you run, jump, leap, and just walk. Your hooves slowly wear down as what ever surface you're on comes into contact with them. Most PowerBockers typically end up adding bits of bike or car tires to their PowerStilts referred to as "Tire Socks". Is this still required with the PowerStrider CZ Series?



I'll invite you to take a look at the photographs of the hoof wear after a couple hours of use. As you can see there is noticeable wear on the bottom of the soles. There is also a nice size chunk of rubber missing. This is typical of hooves from this brand, and not much different than the others currently out there.

I achieved this wear after a good couple mile run down a bike path. I believe the chunk came out due to stepping on a rock in the path. Overall I'd consider it normal for hoof wear. Not great, but not horrible.



Here you can see a side by side comparison of a brand new hoof, and my worn ones. The hooves at the time of being photographed had some good life left in them. So I'd estimate out of regular use of a few hours a week, you'd get 3 to 4 weeks before being required to switch.

Luckily, swapping hooves are a snap with the PowerStrider CZ Series. Instead of having to remove the entire assembly as pointed out in my previous reviews. All you need to do is remove four bolts, and swap out just the pads themselves.

In the picture on the right. You can see the pad being completely removed. This was really simple to do. The Powerstilts themselves actually came with the allen wrench to get the job done and it worked just as good as any I had in my own personal tool box.

In my opinion, if pricing is fair for the replacement pads. Modifications such as Tire Socks become a thing of the past with this new easy design.

As for the spring wear. I noticed the this series of stilts have no spring covers. They're just painted over, and in my normal use. I managed to take some tiny nicks, dings, and scratches throughout it. I'd highly recommend that if purchasing you should immediately cover them with tape, or another means to prolong the life of the spring. The springs lacking covers are a fairly negative aspect of the stilt, but not something that general powerbockers don't end up modifying anyways.

Overall my conclusion is;

They're light, sexy, and responsive.
My original skepticism over the cuff design is gone. It works great.
The bindings are poor, and need replaced. I'd recommend the Poweriser Bindings.
Hoof wear is normal.
The Springs need better protection.

The PowerStrider CZ series overall is a viable powerstilt to consider purchasing. I'd recommend them.

Is My Kid Too Young/Small for Poweriser Kids?

Q. My child is a little younger or under the weight range, but very athletic and energetic. I'm sure he'll grow into it... Should I buy him the Youth stilts?
Poweriser Kids 3050 are listed for ages 8 through 12 (66-110lbs)

In my experience even the small kids have a blast walking on stilts. Young kids usually pick it right up after a few mins, so balance and coordination is not a problem... but the main issue is fitting.

The ages and weight ranges on the Poweriser Kids 3050 is really just an estimate. The minimum size needed for kids to fit into the Poweriser Kids model stilts is mainly determined by the length of their legs. Fitting on the kids stilts requires a minimum of about 13 vertical inches between the bottom of the shoe and the bottom of the kneecap. The age and weight recommendations are less important than this particular dimension for fitting.

Make Adjustments using a Foam Insert
The 13" dimension requirement of kids stilts can be slightly adjusted by adding foam padding underneath the shoe. If you place a foot shaped piece of stiff foam under the shoe it will lift kids up, and this adjustment may be needed if the foot straps don't fit well with the tightest settings.

Adjusting the Cuffs of the Kids Stilts
Most kids will need to have the leg straps unscrewed and placed in the tightest position (smaller hole). Often even with this adjustment smaller kids will need wrap something such as padding or a towel around their calves to make a snug fit into the top two bindings.

Should you buy if the kids are too small?
My suggestion is to ensure that the kids properly fit the stilts. If the stilts don't fit right when they are first opened and adjustments are not made, it will be hard for the kid to use and uncomfortable as they are learning a new skill. Uncomfortable fit also pretty-much guarantees that they will lose interest in the sport. Fitting and comfort is one of the things that I emphasize, because powerbocking is supposed to be enjoyable!

Whatever you decide, the kids will definitely grow into the stilts before you know it.

As a reminder to parents: An adult should hold their hands and "spot" for the first 10 mins while the kids are first learning to balance.

Recommend: PowerStrider Olympic Aluminum Stilts

DC Power Stilts officially endorses the PowerStrider Olympic (cz) - Aluminum Stilts.

"The newest, most modern stilts offer a minimalist, lightweight design that makes it more fun and less tiring to use. Innovative features have been added: The traditional 'clack' with each step has been cleverly eliminated. These are not THE perfect pair of stilts and the main downside is their higher price. They do work safely and we highly recommend them for regular bockers and first-time buyers."
-David, DC Power Stilts

While we were initially excited by the pretty look of the stilts, we were skeptical of the performance and durability of this new design. DC Power Stilts put them to their paces to see if they would hold up on a variety of real-life conditions. We of course found some room for improvement, but the stilts performed well overall.

You can put your order in at our web shop... shipping is next business day.

Thank you to everyone on my team who has provided feedback on this model, and especially to DJ for his videos and tests.

Click here for all blogs about this model, including critical reviews and some ideas for improving them.