Custom Single and Duo Static Trapeze with Amsteel-Reinforced Cotton Ropes starting at $515
|
|
|
|
We take pride in our trapezes. We TIG weld all bars, hand splice the ropes and hand stitch the elbow covers. Our standard single and duo trapezes ropes are made with high-quality, 100% cotton, 7/8 inch (22 mm) diameter four-strand rope from Langman in Holland. We include a 3/16 inch diameter Amsteel cable core rated for 4900 lbs to keep the rope lengths even and provide structural integrity. Ropes terminate at the top with a small eye splice suitable for a carabiner. We use 8mm Maillon Rapide PPE certified 35 kN galvanized steel links at bottom in our standard trapezes with 22 mm diameter ropes. We use a faux suede upholstery fabric for standard elbow covers though leather is available for increased durability. This style eliminates the need for special carabiners to fit over large thimbles. We use a rope with a tight lay which is harder and takes longer to break in but lasts longer. Note if the aerialist twists against the lay (the direction) the rope is twisted, the rope may bunch or hockle. This happens to all twisted ropes regardless of material or type of core. As a result, Aerial Animals can not be held responsible for hockling of laid trapeze ropes and hockles are excluded from warranty coverage. If you do start to see signs of hockling, it is important that you immediately quit using the trapeze and contact us. We can often repair, or help you repair, mild hockling.
Sizing
Ropes:
You specify the total length from the anchor to the top of the bar. This length includes the top splice and carabiner. The "working length" of the ropes, therefore, is approximately 10 inches less than the total length. We strongly recommend ropes at least 6 1/2 ft. long to ensure adequate working space. Also, we make our ropes under tension to equalize the length of the cover and core. As a result they appear shorter than ordered but will stretch to proper length when weighted. We also recommend that you use the shortest ropes that are convenient for your space. Because the cotton 4-strand stretches more than the Amsteel core, over time the stretch can cause bunching in the elbow covers, most noticeable in ropes over 10 feet.
Bar:
You specify the Working Space on the bar (space between elbow padding - note that this is slightly different than space "between the ropes). Elbow padding is approximately 3/4 inch thick, so working space on the bar is about 1.5 inch less than space between the ropes with a possible variation of up to 1/2 inch due to variations in rope size and padding thickness. Duo trapezes include a "bar end" that extends approximately 3.75 inches past the elbow padding.
Ropes:
You specify the total length from the anchor to the top of the bar. This length includes the top splice and carabiner. The "working length" of the ropes, therefore, is approximately 10 inches less than the total length. We strongly recommend ropes at least 6 1/2 ft. long to ensure adequate working space. Also, we make our ropes under tension to equalize the length of the cover and core. As a result they appear shorter than ordered but will stretch to proper length when weighted. We also recommend that you use the shortest ropes that are convenient for your space. Because the cotton 4-strand stretches more than the Amsteel core, over time the stretch can cause bunching in the elbow covers, most noticeable in ropes over 10 feet.
Bar:
You specify the Working Space on the bar (space between elbow padding - note that this is slightly different than space "between the ropes). Elbow padding is approximately 3/4 inch thick, so working space on the bar is about 1.5 inch less than space between the ropes with a possible variation of up to 1/2 inch due to variations in rope size and padding thickness. Duo trapezes include a "bar end" that extends approximately 3.75 inches past the elbow padding.
Options
- Budget trapeze $370. You pad and sew the elbow covers yourself and provide your own carabiners (Offer limited to stated options)
- Trapeze Type:
- Single Trapeze
- Base price $515
- Duo Trapeze
- Standard bar ends are 3.5" - 4" past the elbow covers. Indicate custom bar ends in Comments.
- Base price $540 (includes recommended solid steel bar)
- Weighted Trapeze
- See below for prices on welded bar weights.
- We also offer removeable weights and include a short end cap to protect the threads during transportation without weights and which can be used as a standard duo trapeze without the ends. Please complete our Custom Order Form below, indicating removeable weight in the Comments section and we will contact you regarding details. All weighted trapeze bars are quoted through our local machinist, an because he is often very busy we cannot guarantee a completion date.
- Over/Under double and Tandem double or triple (side-by-side)
- Submit order for pricing and note type in comments
- Single Trapeze
- Top Connectors:
- 2 Jugglegear Link 2 D 50kN Carabiners $45
- 2 Jugglegear Link 2 Oval 25kN Carabiners $25 (preferred for rigging with swivels and /or a triangle plate to a single point.)
- 2 Maillon Rapide 7/16" Long PPE Quicklink $18 (please note that carabiners are removable, but quicklinks are not removable)
- Ropes (Maillon Rapide PPE 5/16" quicklink bar connector included):
- 7 ft. white 22mm (7/8 inch) diameter 4-strand - included
- black 22mm (7/8 inch) diameter 4-strand - $40 upgrade charge
- over 7 ft in length charges vary by type of rope:
- White 22 mm (7/8-inch) diameter 4-strand rope - $5 per ft.
- Black 22 mm (7/8-inch) diameter 4-strand rope - $9 per ft.
- 24 mm (1 inch) white rope available on request (use Additional Comments in the Custom Trapeze Order Form)
- Ropes only start at $250 (please see rope length discussion below)
- Bars:
- Bar only prices start at $130
- Stainless Steel 1 inch bar, add $40
- Solid steel 7/8 or 1 inch bars (we recommend solid steel for duo trapezes to minimize the possibility of bending), add $20
- Weights (welded) stainless steel only. Standard working space between weight and elbow pad is 4 inches, please indicate changes in comments. Additional shipping charges will apply. :
- 2 inch diameter x 3.875 inch length~ 3.5 lbs. each, add $125
- 3 inch diameter x 2.875 inch length ~ 6.0 lbs. each, add $145
- Tabs below the bar to attach additional apparatus, add $20
- Elbow covers:
- Elbow covers are 2.5 inches in diameter at the bar.
- Faux Suede fabric - included. We found that microsuedes compares very favorably to leather in terms of performance, comfort and durability. We stock all colors in the Signature Series Multi-Purpose Faux Suede from Joann. Please specify in the comments section of the order form.
- Due to the difficulty in reliably sourcing leather, we will only be restocking black leather in an effort to transition to Faux Suede. We will continue with existing supplies of other colors until they are gone. We will be glad to use leather that you supply to us and can recommend PeggySueAlso. We need a minimum size of 18 x 24 inches in 3 - 4 oz., and they can ship directly to us.
- Leather instead of fabric add $40
- For trapeze without elbow covers subtract $120
Current leather colors:
Shipping
Want a Quote?
Please fill out our Custom Trapeze Order Form and I will either send you an email asking for more info or send you a Paypal invoice with detailed itemized billing, including shipping. There is no obligation to buy, it just gets all data in the system and provides you with a solid quote.
- $35 -$45 shipping cost for single and $45 - 55 for duo trapeze. Please note that FedEx now requires Signature Waiver for insurance - our apologies for any inconvenience
- Delivery times can range from 2-6 weeks depending on orders in our queue.
- Non U.S. buyers please be aware that this is a dutiable item and that shipping surcharges may apply.
- Please whitelist [email protected] to receive shipping notifications
Want a Quote?
Please fill out our Custom Trapeze Order Form and I will either send you an email asking for more info or send you a Paypal invoice with detailed itemized billing, including shipping. There is no obligation to buy, it just gets all data in the system and provides you with a solid quote.
Please Read Before You Buy
Static Trapeze or dance / single point trapeze and hockles. We make static trapeze and our trapeze can be rigged from a single point as a dance trapeze. We have noticed a trend toward single point or dance trapeze crocheting and wrapping in the ropes. This has caused hockles or bunching in the ropes. Swivels can mitigate the hockling, but the problem occurs if the rope is held from twisting between the swivel and the trapeze when performing moves such as infinity turns. The rope will still hockle especially if the aerialist twists against the lay (the direction) the rope is twisted. This happens to all twisted ropes regardless of material or type of core. As a result, Aerial Animals can not be held responsible for hockling of laid trapeze ropes and hockles are excluded from warranty coverage. Hockles can sometimes be repaired if they are not too extensive, and we can try to return it to serviceable condition, without cost except for shipping - please email us with a photo for a recommendation.
Cleaning. We generally use a natural soap like Fels Naptha and a small scrub brush. Gently scrub the ropes and if they are really dirty use an OxiClean stick on them. Wait until the ropes are completely dry before using.
Why Amsteel? Amsteel, also known as synthetic steel or Dyneema, is a high-strength, high-tech fiber. AmSteel rope is flexible, spliceable, and resists flex-fatigue and abrasion. It is as strong as steel with one-seventh the weight. AmSteel allows us to provide you with the comfort of cotton and the strength of steel. If you want a more rigid rope we can do steel cable reinforced ropes. Steel is more prone to hockle or kink permanently when ropes are bent or wrapped.
Why integrated carabiner instead of traditional rope thimbles? How many times have you scrambled to find a carabiner that fits over a big rope thimble for a trapeze or lyra rope? I did one too many times! I decided I could use the thimble for the Amsteel inside the cotton rope and splice to connect directly to the carabiner and eliminate the big thimble. Plus most rope thimbles are marine items and anything marine means expensive. Whereas I can buy carabiners wholesale for a good price. Think of the carabiner like the thimble and do not remove it. That will keep the connection properly placed on the thimble and minimize wear and tear.
Why four-strand cotton rope from Holland? It is less likely to "hockle" or pull apart. Only one other fabricator in the US uses four-strand rope. This is a big deal. We buy a tight lay which is a bit harder and takes longer to break in but lasts longer too. Most cotton rope in the US is made for equestrian use and the lay isn't tight enough for circus use. I have never found black cotton rope in the US in a useful diameter. If anyone does, let me know please!
What length trapeze ropes do you need? We measure or determine the rope length from the top of the trapeze bar to the rigging point. So our standard 7 foot rope measures 7 feet from the top of the trapeze bar to the top inside of the carabiner (the rigging point) with 100 lbs. weight. This length includes the knotted splice. We make our ropes under tension to compensate for stretch and they may appear shorter than requested but will stretch to proper length when weighted. First, determine the height of your rigging point and subtract the height you need for your bar from the floor. This is your maximum rope length. Next, determine the length of 'working rope' that you need, which is measurement from the top of the bar to the highest point you will want to grip the rope below the top splice. Add 10 inches for the top splice and carabiner to get the minimum length of rope needed. You will choose your rope length between these two measurements depending on your personal preference and the requirements of your act. Remember, it is easier to add length using span sets and basically impossible to shorten. Aerial Animals will produce a matched set of ropes to within 2% of your ordered length as determined above, but cannot be responsible for miscalculations outside of the parameters stated here. We do not recommend ropes over 10 ft. because over time the cotton 4-strand will stretch more than the Amsteel core and result in "baggy" elbow covers.
Which bar do you need?
Our standard bar is 1 inch hollow 1/8 inch tubular steel. This bar is the most popular choice for shorter single and dance trapeze. Solid steel is the preferred choice for longer bars (more than 22 inch working space) and larger performers doing dynamic moves where bending a bar is a possibility. Stainless steel is preferred in humid conditions where rust is a concern. Please note that our regular steel bars are coated with a clear rust preventative enamel, but that a thin surface rust can occur over time. This does not affect structural integrity and can be removed with sand paper, steel wool or wire brush and recoated with rust coat enamel. This will not happen with stainless steel.
Bar Length
One convenient method is to sit on the floor with hands palm down on the floor pressed to your hips. Then measure the distance between the outside of your hands.
Cleaning. We generally use a natural soap like Fels Naptha and a small scrub brush. Gently scrub the ropes and if they are really dirty use an OxiClean stick on them. Wait until the ropes are completely dry before using.
Why Amsteel? Amsteel, also known as synthetic steel or Dyneema, is a high-strength, high-tech fiber. AmSteel rope is flexible, spliceable, and resists flex-fatigue and abrasion. It is as strong as steel with one-seventh the weight. AmSteel allows us to provide you with the comfort of cotton and the strength of steel. If you want a more rigid rope we can do steel cable reinforced ropes. Steel is more prone to hockle or kink permanently when ropes are bent or wrapped.
Why integrated carabiner instead of traditional rope thimbles? How many times have you scrambled to find a carabiner that fits over a big rope thimble for a trapeze or lyra rope? I did one too many times! I decided I could use the thimble for the Amsteel inside the cotton rope and splice to connect directly to the carabiner and eliminate the big thimble. Plus most rope thimbles are marine items and anything marine means expensive. Whereas I can buy carabiners wholesale for a good price. Think of the carabiner like the thimble and do not remove it. That will keep the connection properly placed on the thimble and minimize wear and tear.
Why four-strand cotton rope from Holland? It is less likely to "hockle" or pull apart. Only one other fabricator in the US uses four-strand rope. This is a big deal. We buy a tight lay which is a bit harder and takes longer to break in but lasts longer too. Most cotton rope in the US is made for equestrian use and the lay isn't tight enough for circus use. I have never found black cotton rope in the US in a useful diameter. If anyone does, let me know please!
What length trapeze ropes do you need? We measure or determine the rope length from the top of the trapeze bar to the rigging point. So our standard 7 foot rope measures 7 feet from the top of the trapeze bar to the top inside of the carabiner (the rigging point) with 100 lbs. weight. This length includes the knotted splice. We make our ropes under tension to compensate for stretch and they may appear shorter than requested but will stretch to proper length when weighted. First, determine the height of your rigging point and subtract the height you need for your bar from the floor. This is your maximum rope length. Next, determine the length of 'working rope' that you need, which is measurement from the top of the bar to the highest point you will want to grip the rope below the top splice. Add 10 inches for the top splice and carabiner to get the minimum length of rope needed. You will choose your rope length between these two measurements depending on your personal preference and the requirements of your act. Remember, it is easier to add length using span sets and basically impossible to shorten. Aerial Animals will produce a matched set of ropes to within 2% of your ordered length as determined above, but cannot be responsible for miscalculations outside of the parameters stated here. We do not recommend ropes over 10 ft. because over time the cotton 4-strand will stretch more than the Amsteel core and result in "baggy" elbow covers.
Which bar do you need?
Our standard bar is 1 inch hollow 1/8 inch tubular steel. This bar is the most popular choice for shorter single and dance trapeze. Solid steel is the preferred choice for longer bars (more than 22 inch working space) and larger performers doing dynamic moves where bending a bar is a possibility. Stainless steel is preferred in humid conditions where rust is a concern. Please note that our regular steel bars are coated with a clear rust preventative enamel, but that a thin surface rust can occur over time. This does not affect structural integrity and can be removed with sand paper, steel wool or wire brush and recoated with rust coat enamel. This will not happen with stainless steel.
Bar Length
One convenient method is to sit on the floor with hands palm down on the floor pressed to your hips. Then measure the distance between the outside of your hands.
Care for cotton ropes:
Trapeze ropes are a soft good and require maintenance. The current trend is too work more in the ropes and wrap up in the elbows. This is going to shorten the life of the ropes compared to when we did tricks on the bar and held the ropes. Covered rope artists replace their covers as often as every 10 months. We recommend any soft good like trapeze ropes be retired after one to five years depending on frequency and intensity of use, how they were stored and the environment in which they were used. To extend the life of your ropes, you will need to "milk" the ropes. With use, the cotton rope will tend to bunch up at the bottom. To minimize this, run your hands along the rope from bottom towards the top before each use. This is called “milking". Also, reverse how the trapeze is hung periodically to even out the wear. While you are at it, apply leather conditioner to your leather elbow covers periodically.
Our trapeze and lyra ropes have AmSteel cores. The AmSteel is there to keep the ropes even length and provide structural integrity. Look and you will see it. It is grey or blue colored. Cotton has stretch. We pre-stretch the ropes and AmSteel. So your ropes may appear shorter than you requested, but once you hang them and put weight on your apparatus, they will stretch to the requested length. Our ropes are made to very close tolerances due to our fabrication methods. If you do notice a slight difference in rope length, this is probably due to variances in the 4-strand cotton and should disappear when weighted. If necessary one rope can be shortened by rotating the top carabiner 1/2 to 1 turn at the anchor in the direction of the twist.
We do not recommend removing the carabiners or quick links from our ropes. They are intended to be an integrated system. However, if you must, be careful not to hook the carabiner gate on the ropes and when you replace the carabiner and make sure you go through the thimble on the AmSteel core.
Trapeze ropes are a soft good and require maintenance. The current trend is too work more in the ropes and wrap up in the elbows. This is going to shorten the life of the ropes compared to when we did tricks on the bar and held the ropes. Covered rope artists replace their covers as often as every 10 months. We recommend any soft good like trapeze ropes be retired after one to five years depending on frequency and intensity of use, how they were stored and the environment in which they were used. To extend the life of your ropes, you will need to "milk" the ropes. With use, the cotton rope will tend to bunch up at the bottom. To minimize this, run your hands along the rope from bottom towards the top before each use. This is called “milking". Also, reverse how the trapeze is hung periodically to even out the wear. While you are at it, apply leather conditioner to your leather elbow covers periodically.
Our trapeze and lyra ropes have AmSteel cores. The AmSteel is there to keep the ropes even length and provide structural integrity. Look and you will see it. It is grey or blue colored. Cotton has stretch. We pre-stretch the ropes and AmSteel. So your ropes may appear shorter than you requested, but once you hang them and put weight on your apparatus, they will stretch to the requested length. Our ropes are made to very close tolerances due to our fabrication methods. If you do notice a slight difference in rope length, this is probably due to variances in the 4-strand cotton and should disappear when weighted. If necessary one rope can be shortened by rotating the top carabiner 1/2 to 1 turn at the anchor in the direction of the twist.
We do not recommend removing the carabiners or quick links from our ropes. They are intended to be an integrated system. However, if you must, be careful not to hook the carabiner gate on the ropes and when you replace the carabiner and make sure you go through the thimble on the AmSteel core.
Inspection:
Inspection should be an ongoing process and should be done before every use. Ropes can be inspected for exterior damage to the cotton 4 strand (which could indicate damage to the Amsteel core). Carabiners or other connectors should be inspected for wear and if more than 10% should be replaced. Connections under the elbow covers are more problematic because they cannot be easily removed. But one of the benefits of our cored construction is the redundancy built into the system. If the core wears to the point of breakage, you will notice an immediate lengthening of the damaged side under load because the cotton 4 strand will be taking all the weight. At this point the ropes (or entire trapeze will have to be replaced). Our bars are fairly indestructible, but you may see a bit of surface rust which can be removed with an abrasive (sand paper or wire brush) and recoated with a rust coat enamel. In extreme cases where a bar has been left outside in wet an marine conditions it may have to be replaced
Inspection should be an ongoing process and should be done before every use. Ropes can be inspected for exterior damage to the cotton 4 strand (which could indicate damage to the Amsteel core). Carabiners or other connectors should be inspected for wear and if more than 10% should be replaced. Connections under the elbow covers are more problematic because they cannot be easily removed. But one of the benefits of our cored construction is the redundancy built into the system. If the core wears to the point of breakage, you will notice an immediate lengthening of the damaged side under load because the cotton 4 strand will be taking all the weight. At this point the ropes (or entire trapeze will have to be replaced). Our bars are fairly indestructible, but you may see a bit of surface rust which can be removed with an abrasive (sand paper or wire brush) and recoated with a rust coat enamel. In extreme cases where a bar has been left outside in wet an marine conditions it may have to be replaced
How We Make Trapeze
The process: First fabricate a bar according to your specifications using laser cut tabs, TIG welded 360 degrees on both sides. We then make and splice the Amsteel cores. Next, we wind the rope over the core and splice the ropes, which are then attached to the bar with Maillon quicklinks. The top spice is finished with the Aerial Animals signature Wall and Crown knot and integrated carabiner. Our elbow covers are sewn by hand. The top of the elbow covers are whipped at to secure them. Voila finished trapeze!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Various Trapezes: Double Double, Triple, Side-by-Side - email for pricing
|
|
|
Use of Aerial Animals LLC’s products is at the Buyer’s risk. By purchasing this product you are assuming all responsibility for your own safety. Buyer understands and agrees that the use of the equipment purchased from Aerial Animals LLC may be dangerous to human safety, may result in injury or death, and present a risk of damage to property, if not used properly. Buyer must routinely inspect equipment for any wear or tear which can occur after repeated use. Use of Aerial Animals’ equipment that is compromised in any way from its original condition must be discontinued immediately. Aerial Animals LLC is not responsible for any mishaps, injuries or damages resulting from the Buyer’s use of the product. Our products are rigorously tested and are safe for aerial training, instruction, and performance. But like any tool, our products are only reliable if used properly. Never forget the dangers of suspending yourself from any height without a safety system in place. Consult a professional rigger to hang your apparatus.
Safety is no accident. Inspect your equipment before and after each use.
Safety is no accident. Inspect your equipment before and after each use.