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"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.
My friend called me and told me that we should do a fancy bike ride with a newly formed social and fashion group. Well my first thoughts about a bike ride in fancy classical attire were: first, I didn't have anything to wear and second, that I didn't have a bike. We briefly discussed wardrobe ideas, and we figured out something that I could do my eclectic clothing. Of course I figured I could run it on stilts... I checked the route and would probably be able to keep up with the bikes or at least take shortcuts if needed. I reluctantly agreed to attend the 11AM meetup.
Wow there were hundreds of riders in dapper and elegant attire at the start line. Many photographers and reporters had shown up, amazed at the crowd, and it completely stymied the organizers.
Of course the stilts were a big hit. Of the 300+ dandies and quaintrelles participating, I was the only dandy on stilts. The pace was exceedingly leisurely so I initially kept pace with the very front of the group and although many came whizzing past me on the downhill, I never ended up behind.
Getting straight to it today. Here we are with my continuation of my review on the PowerStrider CZ series. If you have not read my initial impression I would recommend you do so before continuing.
But for those that have. I've made a brief video review in the video below. (Click the view original post button if you're viewing this from facebook) Please read a more detailed article following the video.
After getting some more in depth time on these powerstilts I have really taken note of their aspects that shine and the ones that leave you grumbling. Let's take a closer look at what I've discovered!
On one specific outing. I put on my powerstilts in front of my apartment. My end destination was the park across the street by the Mississippi River. I sat on the front step to my apartment building to gear up. I ended up struggling to get everything fastened correctly. I think I sat there for a good 5 minutes focusing on my foot straps alone.
Needless to say the frustrating nature of having plastic bindings was really becoming apparent. But after I put them on correctly, got up and went on my way. I was again very pleased with the weight of this set. They simply disappear on your feet. This made my quick jaunt across a cross walk, and down a small bike path to my end bocking destination very painless, and simply fun.
I ended up deciding to see how well they'd hold up in a serious jumping session. So I went at them for as long as I could. Again, very pleased with the fact it really seemed the height I was reaching was well OVER what I could on other models.
However, in putting some serious effort and work into the springs. I noticed something else fairly annoying. That again, went back to the bindings and now the foot pad.
I noticed that under heavy forces my heal would slide to one side or the other. This resulted in my landings being uneasy, unbalanced, and at times down right scary. This is due to a variety of factors.
The removal of the support rods. The Removal of the plastic foot plate. The Plastic Bindings.
In other models the support rods ended up holding my heel in place. I'd wedge it in there, and it would never move. By having room to move combined with the plastic heel of the foot pad. My foot never went anywhere. But with these I ended up at times feeling like I was walking like a duck. Even nearly clacking my springs together when landing. This was simply annoying!
I'd imagine that this could be rectified by tightening down the bindings even more so than normal on the rear strap. But again, the stock bindings are to frustrating. I kept having to sit back down after a few minutes to readjust so my heel would not slide.
I will admit that the new design certainly looks appealing. It's sleek, and sexy. But in use, I find myself already wanting to modify it. Deal breaker? Not quite, but something everyone should seriously consider before investing a lot in these? YES.
Moving along. I was very pleased to find that in my rough sessions. I did not have to readjust the cuff mechanism. Which had been a major worry of mine. They hold up great, and are very convenient to adjust for other users or to remove to store. This is something I hope other brands take note of. It seems to be in the direction of where others should go.
I absolutely love that the bushings are SILENT. I said it before in my last review, but the only noise I've heard while using these stilts. Is the noise of my hooves hitting the ground. I've been waiting for them to make a noise. But even after being rough on them. They remain completely silent.
However, I wish the nuts and bolts on this model could hold up to similar wear and tear claims. So far I've found myself readjusting and checking bolts after every use. Not out of good habit, but out of necessity. Because sure enough, after a couple hours I can feel something come loose.
In this phase of testing, I've had to tighten the hoof assembly on the spring. I've had to tighten the bolts from the support arc to the spring. I've had the stopper that's designed to keep the spring from bashing in the back of the foot pad come clear off. Due to the bolt coming loose.
Yes, it's good to check all your nuts and bolts after each use. But with other models, I've never actually had to adjust them as often as with these.
So to recap, the things that still shine to me are this;
The weight. They're light and feel great.
The height I can get. less energy for more height. Outstanding.
The no noise factor. No annoying CLACK CLACK.
The Cuff Mechanism works great. Adjust for yourself easily, then adjust them for a friend with as much ease.
Now the things that make me grumble;
The bindings! Cheap, annoying, ugh!
The slipping heel. Give me good bindings, or something to keep my heel from sliding around!
The nuts and bolts. I don't want to have to adjust these EVERY time I come back in from a session.
Now that I've had some time on these my opinion is that they are still a decent design. They are still worthy of maybe one day purchasing. The negatives aspects for the MOST part weigh less than the positives.
I get about another week on them before my review is done. I feel at this point that my opinion will remain the same. But time will tell all. Please come back here later for my conclusion.
And for an added bonus here is a video of XDbockerChris on them. Ignore the audio in this, it was windy so you can't hear anything I'm saying. xD
Continuing from the first initial review here. Your local Davenport, Iowa affiliate has received the new PowerStrider CZ series also known as the olympics, or the jumper pros. I will have them for an intensive three weeks review. My first impressions are as follows.
These Powerstilts have had a noticeable design change. First glance you'll notice an absence of the support rods to the foot pad. The removal of the plastic footpad. To be replaced by a simple aluminum one. A new cuff tightening mechanism, the frame being directly bolted to the spring at the lower diagonal rod, and the removal of most of the metal for the hoof assembly.
Close inspection reveals that the length of the spring is actually longer than what other models in the past has offered. In theory this should allow for greater return, translating into greater height.
Upon first picking them up. The first thing that's apparent is the weight. Due to the stripping of other past design parts, these are noticeably lighter than any past stilt I have used. The night I received them, I put them on and ran around for about 20 minutes. The difference in weight might be slight. But the feeling is HUGE. They feel great on your feet.
Now whether the changes to the frame are positive and whether the new lightness comes at a price are yet to be seen. But as of now in my first impression, and a few hours use on the stilts. They seem to hold up fine.
The change to the foot pads certainly look a lot sleeker. In actual use however, I've found that my heel has room to slide slightly. Due to the fact there is nothing there to hold it in place as the old support rods, and footpads used to do. Now I have large feet (size 16 US) so I'd imagine users with smaller feet would have similar if not worse problems. The remedy to the issue is solved by tightening the straps even more so than normal. But this is difficult in the rear strap. The toe strap however, seemed fine.
The bindings on a whole on the other hand are perhaps my largest complaint thus far. They're painted metallic, but are cheap plastic. This results in the user having to struggle to get the straps tight enough. Due to the plastic teeth not "biting" hard enough. Are they usable? Yes. Brand new they get the job done. They don't come loose once tightened. But an advanced user may become frustrated at the annoyance of the bindings and opt to upgrade once they start to wear.
Looking down the stilt. You'll notice that the lower diagonal frame from the footpad to the spring has been changed. To a new aluminum curved bar design. Which instead of clamping around the spring, bolts directly through it. This design has been done before in the past and has always brought much worry from the powerbocking community. But in my initial use. The design seems to be solid. The new bearings are absolutely smooth and silent.
In use I have gotten no "CLACKS" or frame wobbles. The only noise I have heard so far is the sound of my hooves hitting the ground. The bolts through the spring have so far remained tight and secure. I have not needed to readjust them.
I'm actually very interested in this portion of the stilts design. I am regularly a poweriser advanced user. I use 90120 springs, and can get full compression at will. The powerstriders I have received for review are 70kg springs. They're nice and responsive and give back great energy return. Yet, either due to the new method the spring is attached or from the added length of the spring. I have to put considerable effort to reach the bottom 90% of the spring.
I have also been able to reach very good height with less effort as my previous stilts. Now, will this design hold up? Will the bolts wobble through the spring? Will the springs wear to fast? That is yet to be seen, and more testing is needed. Luckily, this review will have 2 more parts over the rest of the weeks I have them.
Continuing on down the stilt you'll spot that the hoof assemble has completely changed. It no longer goes up the bottom quarter of the spring, and instead just sits very simply at the bottom. This has proven to be a major weight reducer.
The newest change to this design is that instead of replacing the entire assembly. The rubber hoof pads can just be unscrewed off by themselves and replaced. As mentioned in the initial review. This may be a good thing, or proven to be a weak point. So far I have put the stilts through a 2 mile run down a bike path to purposely test hoof wear and they held up fine.
The only negative aspect that has shown itself thus far. Is that the assembly that remains attached to the spring worked itself loose by a hair resulting in a slight vibration as I ran down the bike path. This was easily rectified by readjusting the bolts. I'm paying close attention to this portion of the stilt in my future tests, and plan on putting it through another intense run, followed by a jumping session.
Quickly popping back to the top of the spring. You'll notice that the cuff attachment mechanism has been changed. Initially I was very skeptical at the new design. But it has so far held up without need to readjustment.
Overall my initial thoughts of this new model are;
I like them. The design is sleek and sexy. They're uber light and nearly disappear on your feet. The springs are smooth, and the energy return is impressive. The height I've attained so far has surprised me. I remain skeptical at the cuff mechanism. I am also keeping a close eye on the hooves. I dislike the bindings, but they are not a deal breaker.
If they survive the rest of my testings, and are reasonably priced. I would say this model is the next on my list of things to buy.
As an added bonus. Take a look at the following video of my first test run on the stilts. Keep in mind that the video was taken on a windy day, and from my cell phone.
Keep an eye out for the following portions of my review. I'll be sure to include a more detailed video, and tons more information.
Something often over looked when starting out powerbocking. Is having correct posture combined with Jumping Technique. Many people start out by doing a jump, head looking down at the ground to see where they land. Seems like the safe method right?
THIS IS WRONG!
This may seem like a good thing to do. But by tilting your head down to look at the ground. You bring your center of balance forward, and you bend your body. As you come down into a landing, the curve of your body ends up absorbing some of the shock your springs desperately needed to send you flying just a bit higher.
It's true that you need to be aware of your surroundings. But look with your eyes, and not your head. Always try to look about 20 feet or so ahead of you. This will keep your body up straight, and not shift your balance.
This is a vital skill to get down, it really helps you out. Even if it doesn't seem like it would. For instance, if I look down at the ground, jump and try to do a Split Kick Double Grab, I can get my hand to my toe, but not my other hand to my back spring. BUT when I look up and forward, I'm able to grab my toe, and grasp my back spring. Little things DO matter!
This last Sunday on the 27th of September. The Midwest area had a small meetup. We all traveled to Plainfield, Illinois to get together and Powerbock, and discuss all things Powerbocking.
The local members of the XD Bockers, Chris and myself meet up with BboyVC at Renwick Skate park. We each had a 2 and half hour drive. But it ended up being well worth it. Despite the low turn out (this time).
Arriving at just after 11AM. We all checked out the park on what it had to offer.
Free public park, features: mini ramp-funbox-4ft quater- 6ft quater with declining hieght. Pyramid with down rail and ledge. Cement hips allow you to roll into the park, there are two down rail down the hips. no running water no electric port-o-johns
Strapping our Powerstilts on. We headed to a nearby basketball court to essentially warm up. After several minutes of jumping, bounding, and stretching our muscles. We headed to the park to jump off a grind box, attempt to walk along a grind rail, and to each take turns showing off tricks, and our jumping technique.
It was a real good time. For about an hour or so, split kicks, spring grabs, straddles, toe grabs, 180s, and 360s could be seen in the park. Which was surrounded by two local soccer games. After taking turns jumping off the 6 foot ramps, and attempting to vault their back guard rails.
I actually broke a stopper coming down from a split kick to toe grab. So I had to put my powerstilts up for the meet. At which point we all attempted a new method of getting off the ground unaided called the "Eltovator" (I'll get a tip guide to this soon).
Here is videos of my success.
Here is XDbockerChris
After pulling that off several times. We moved to other zany antics in the grass as shown...
BboyVC took the chance to show off his flips. He actually landed nearly all of them. Of course the videos I have are of his bails.
following that he attempted a cartwheel.
Needless to say at around 4pm we were all pretty much wearing down. Practicing that weird method of getting up turned out to be very taxing. I'd strongly urge anyone else that attempts, to try it in the grass first. The chance for injury is far greater.
After cooling off by a closed concession stand for half an hour. We all headed off to Mcdonalds for some dinner before heading our own ways back home. Overall the meet turned out to be a good time. Hopefully, with more planning our future meets will be even bigger, and better. Keep an eye here for more future announcements of meet ups, and be sure to keep an eye on the XD Bockers facebook group for more planning details.
For more details on the past event. Please check out it's official event page here.
If you are unable to view the videos. Please click the "View original post" button in the note section on facebook.
In Summary: This new model has a good design and offers innovative features and impressive weight reduction without compromise in performance... I'm excited about this model, but how well will they hold up? More testing is needed.
The Details: Shipping for this model consists of a smaller box and the lighter weight is immediately evident. The reason the box is so small is because the leg cuff is not attached. I actually think this is a smart move because it saves on box volume and assembled stilts still need to be adjusted and fitted by the end user. The stilts are not symmetrical, so the user needs to figure out right and left during assembly. (Remember the buckles should be on the outside when attached.)
Impressions while putting them on. Again the lightweight nature of the stilts is very nice. The footpads are minimal but it saves on weight and they look cool. Wearing boots, the front foot strap was a little tight, so it seems like people with unusually wide feet may need to add washers or do some tweaking to get a comfortable fit on the front foot strap.
Unfortunately the metallic-painted buckles are completely plastic. So they won't have the durability, grip and power that a metal buckle would offer. They do work nicely, so out-of-the-box they seem fine.
The instruction manual goes beyond the normal operating instructions and offers some good tips for learning and doing tricks. Unfortunately it's been translated mostly into "ingrish" and could use some editing by a native English speaker. I also noticed that the content was slightly different between the Chinese manual has different content! For example, the English version of the manual offers tips and photos from the Swebounce website while the Chinese version doesn't seem to have the photos and descriptions of jumping tricks.
The Cuff is comfortable and easy to adjust thanks to an innovative new clamp that can be loosen or tighten for adjustment via one lever and a thumb screw. The cuff is adjustable in the usual ways, so be sure you check to make sure the height and centering are correct.
A detachable hoof is a great idea, but one drawback is that the rubber hoof gets metal screw attachments sticking into it, which kind of makes those become weak points for wear. Of course, it is very nice to be able to just replace the rubber part without replacing an entire hoof assembly.
Starting out the first thing to note is how the bBearings are super smooth on these. Whisper quiet, There is no "clack"! The reduced weight of the stilts seem to make everything a little bit easier. The springs are nice and responsive and don't bottom out from running or jumping big. I'm in the middle of the 70kg weight range, so it seems that they are well calibrated.
Jumping and running works the same as any other pair of stilts but the lighter weight of the PowerStrider Olympics (CZ) feels good with every step.
After a couple hours of running and jumping, getting yogurt and hanging around town on these stilts there aren't any noticeable scratches, and the springs are pretty pristine considering that there is no spring cover. Inspecting the cuff attachment points, the single-screw and lever seems to have held them tight and there aren't any signs of splitting or wear on any of the parts. Wear on the hoof seems normal.
So far we are excited by the PowerStrider Olympics (CZ) since there don't seem to be any inherent flaws or design compromises. They offer good design, impressive weight reduction, and some other innovations.
More Testing is needed since we've only been on the stilts for one day. DC Power Stilts wants to see durability and performance over time, with a range of conditions. We will most likely endorse it if it hold up.
Pricing and economic factors are going to be important to the overall picture and DC Power Stilts will need to examine that to know whether we can offer this product or whether it will be a good value to our customers.
One key thing to remember when you're out having a blast on your powerstilts. By either standing high above the crowds, running at great speed, jumping really high, or by pulling off some insane tricks. When you land, and sit down to take them off. Be sure to inspect your stilts after each use.
Look them up and down to ensure that all the bolts are secure, nothing is lose, and everything is in tip top shape. Doing this will help you get the most out of the life of your stilts.
If you do eventually find a problem, fix it and don't hesitate to get replacement parts! Doing so early on will save you loads down the line if that simple part ends up causing major damage later.
For DC Customers, I also have Poweriser stilts in every category and size, so that you can buy stilts and take them home without paying for shipping! FYI, make you appointment today for demos on Labor day weekend.
DJ Bothwell, 23 of Davenport; His Brother Christopher 17. of Oquawka, IL and their friend Josie Grant, 18 use power stilts to jump around Wednesday in Dankwardt Park. DJ Bothwell was in town giving a Demostration, and stayed to play with his brother and friend. Most users can Balance and walk in 10 minutes, and advanced users can leap 6 feet and run 25mph.
Taken from the Burlington Hawkeye on July 31st 2009. This article features nearly all of the XD Bockers. That afternoon, we put on a short demo for a camp, and then bocked for a couple hours for some skaters, and our own fun.
Want to show off just how much air you're really getting? Try a split kick, it really helps people realize just how high you actually go. Put on those safety pads and give this one a go!
Split Kick
Basically, As you jump in the air, pull one leg behind you, and kick the other infront as far as you can. The further you can stretch the better it is. Flexibility and timing is key.
This is actually one of my favorite tricks. It looks great in photos, and is easy to do once you've mastered the basics, and can maintain balance in air. To get the best split kicks, I've found that varying what you do with your arms in air helps a lot. Bring one arm up, one back, ect. Variety is key in making the entire trick nice.
You can now join DC Power Stilts on Facebook! When you do, you'll get tips and updates from this blog automatically delivered right to you. As a subscriber, you'll also be the first to learn about new products, sales, and community events since they will pop up on your feed. Anyone may comment or post, so we hope that you'll also participate.
This last weekend, this local affiliate from Davenport Iowa. Spent a short time bocking for the crowds at River Roots Live, and Ribfest. A local street festival which has combined with previous years paid concerts, and a crazy rib eating event. To create some super finger licking, and tapping goodness for free.
On August 22nd, I went out during a spare hour and bocked around the closed streets. Taking in the sights, and sounds of the free concert.
I just so happened to be captured by a photographer taking in pictures of the event.
D. J. Bothwell of Davenport bounces along second street in downtown Davenport wearing his jumping stilts while taking in the music and food Saturday afternoon at the River Roots Live Music Fest and Ribfest.
Time to pull off one of my favorite basic tricks! Strap on those pads and keep reading to learn about spring grabs!
Spring Grab
This trick can be pulled off in dozens of varieties, each a different trick. But at the base, is the spring grab. In mid-air bend back and grab one of your springs. Bring your leg back closer to your hand to help out. Takes practice, but looks cool. You can see XDvandalJake and myself both pulling these off in the photo.
Another more advanced version of this trick is called the Double Spring Grab. Essentially instead of just grabbing one spring with one hand. You take both hands back and grab both springs. As always, don't forget to give yourself time to land with any variation of the spring grab trick.
Read to learn how to trick? Let's get our safety gear on, and get to it. Today we'll be covering a very simple trick to do. That looks great on camera.
The Star!
The star is a very simple trick to pull off. It's basically a modified trampoline trick fitted for powerbocking. At the height of your jump. You bring out you legs angled from you, and raise your arms up at an angle. The point is so that you resemble a star in mid-air. Don't forget to give yourself time to land!
This ones fairly easy to pull off. Theres no special tricks, only just timing and practice.
The art of using Power Stilts; Jumping, Running, Moving aggressively and artfully; performing super-human feats while wearing stilts; bocking, having fun!
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.
