Team Allen sailor Ross “Rossgo” Banham brought his latest foiling craft, the SWITCH One Design by Element 6, to the Allen factory for a full refit. Working alongside Ben, Ross upgraded key control systems to reduce friction and enhance performance. Along the way, they shared some classic boat chat—check out the video below for a full tour and behind-the-scenes insights.
For more detailed info including images please visit the Allen Website.
Below, we’ve (Allen) compiled a detailed fitting guide listing all the Allen components used in the upgrades, along with alternative options to suit different budgets and needs.
Please note: At the time of filming, no class rules were in place. The hardware replacements listed are based on our alternatives to the OEM-fitted hardware, with a few exceptions where doubles have replaced two single blocks.
Control Line Take-Ups
Floating’ On Wing Turning Block
Primary Block Option: A2020 – 20mm Dynamic Block (2x)
Alternative Block Option: A2020P – 20mm Plain Bearing Block (2x)
Installation Tip: Tie the shockcord take-up directly to the block strap for a secure and lightweight attachment.
Rope: Shockcord 4mm – 1900mm
Rear Wing Bar Double Block
Primary Option: A2022Tii – 20mm Double Dynamic Tii-On (2x)
Alternative Option: A2022 – 20mm Double Dynamic Block (2x)
Installation Tip: If using the A2022Tii cross the Tii-Shackle to get the block as close to the attachment point as possible. (see picture)
Front Wing Bar Block
Primary Option: A2022Tii – 20mm Double Dynamic Tii-On (4x)
Installation Tip: Put the rear block on a longer Tii-Shackle and then whip this one tight with some whipping twine. This will allow the control lines to run with less friction on either side of the Tii-Shackle. (see picture)
Cunningham
King Post Block
Primary Option: A2020-4036 – 20mm Dynamic Block with Offset Lacing Eye (1x)
Alternative Option: A2020SC – 20mm Dynamic Block with Swivel Head (1x)
Installation Tip: A single “strap” block (A2020) will not fit onto the lacing eye. This must be placed into the lacing eye in manufacturing. A2020-4036 will fit directly into the fixing holes on the king post, but the lacing eye will require a bit of “bending” to match the diameter of the mast. This is easy to do with two sets of pliers. A2020SC can be used if you do not want to remove the lacing eye.
Block on Deck Saddle
Primary Option: A2020Ti3 – 20mm Single Dynamic Ti3-On Block (2x)
Alternative Option: A2020F – 20mm Single Dynamic Fork Block (2x)
Installation Tip: A 20mm strap block will not fit directly onto this saddle. If you are not confident with tying the A2020Ti3 tight to the saddle, then the A2020F would be easier to install.
Double Block on Saddle
Primary Option: A2022 – 20mm Double Dynamic Block (1x)
Installation Tip: The A2022 will fit nicely onto the saddle fitted to the boat. We recommend using some sealent when reinstalling to keep the boat watertight.
Location: Floating Triple Block
Primary Option: A2024 – 20mm Triple Dynamic Block (1x)
Vang
Top Cascade Block
Primary Option: A2030XHL – 30mm eXtreme High Load Block (1x)
2nd Cascade Block
Primary Option: A2020XHL – 20mm eXtreme High Load Block (1x)
Alternative Option: A2020Ti3HL- 20mm High Load Ti3-On Block (1x)
3rd Cascade Block
Primary Option: A2020XHL – 20mm eXtreme High Load Block (1x)
Alternative Option: A2020Ti3HL- 20mm High Load Ti3-On Block (1x)
4th Cascade Triple and Single Blocks
Primary Option: A2025 + A2020F – 20mm Triple Dynamic Block with Becket & 20mm Single Dynamic Fork Block (1x)
Installation Tip: The fork block is attached to the becket of the triple. When re-roping the system ensure the lines are aligned correctly for minimal friction.
King Post Triple Block
Primary Option: A2024 – 20mm Triple Dynamic Block (1x)
King Post Large Block
Primary Option: A2040XHL – 40mm eXtreme High Load Block (1x)
King Post Small Blocks
Primary Option: A2020Tii – 20mm Single Dynamic Tii-On (2x)
Alternative Option: A2020Ti3 – 20mm Single Dynamic Ti3-On Block (2x)
Mainsheet
Boom Ratchet Block
Primary Option: A2345Tii – 45mm AutoRatchet Tii-On (1x)
Alternative Option: A21401 – 40mm Pro-Ratchet (1x)
Boom Single Block
Primary Option: A2030Tii – 30mm Single Dynamic Tii-On (1x)
Strop Double Block
Primary Option: A2032Tii – 30mm Double Dynamic Tii-On (1x)
Strop Single Block
Primary Option: A2030Tii – 30mm Single Dynamic Tii-On (1x)
Installation Tip: Use a longer Tii-Shackle for this block to allow it to sit away from the double block. This will reduce wear and friction on the mainsheet.
Accessories:
Hook Primary Option: A.259 – Nylon Hook
4mm Ball Stopper: A8411-4
3mm Ball Stopper: A8411-3
