The Molchanovs A6061 Rope Pulley
Molchanovs pioneered the first freediving pulley system in 2016 and is currently on their fourth generation of pulley systems: the A6061 Rope Pulley. This classic pulley system uses a push lever to lower the line and allows for effortless use and faster handling. It is easy to operate and is designed to accommodate dive lines anywhere between 8-12mm. Distinguishing differences in this particular pulley system include the mechanics, lever design, and handle placement. The angle of the handle is strategically placed towards the buoy and is protected from being accidentally pushed down.
Since the inception of the first-ever freediving pulley system in 2016, we have regularly taken customer feedback and continued to modernize this fundamental safety tool. The A6061 Rope Pulley is the 4th generation of its kind, featuring an updated, minimalistic look and constructed from anodized A6061 aluminum and stainless steel for more durability. A strategically-placed handle makes for safer operation and ease of use, while nylon 9 wheels create less friction, requiring less effort when pulling up the line. The pulley comes in a vibrant orange color to ensure visibility, even in murky water.
The A6061 Rope Pulley is designed for dive lines with an 8-12mm diameter. Instructions are printed directly on the pulley for insertion of the dive line. To release the line, simply push down on the handle; to raise the line, place your foot between the pulley and the buoy with your foot turned outward. Learn why pulley systems are essential pieces of equipment for freedivers and find the written directions on how to set up the A6061 Rope Pulley system
Ease of use
Without a pulley system, freedivers who want to raise or lower a heavy bottom weight (usually between 6-10kg/13-22lbs) would either need to jump on top of the buoy to pull up the weight or pull it up while finning upward in the water. Difficult conditions such as currents or waves can make it even more tiring to do so, and even dangerous in some situations.
With a pulley system, all a freediver has to do to lower a bottom weight is press/pull a lever to let the weight drop. To pull up a bottom weight, a freediver has to put their foot against the mounting point of the pulley system and pull the rope towards them, which takes a minimal amount of effort. Pulley systems allow freedivers to use their whole bodies when pulling up the rope, allows them to take breaks, and also lets them take turns, which saves them a lot of strength, especially after a demanding training session.
Safety
If a freediver is at depth and blacks out, or has trouble ascending, the first priority of their buddy is to get the freediver back to the surface. But if the freediver blacks out at a deep depth the buddy cannot reach, or in the case that the buddy has issues with equalization, the freediver in trouble must be pulled quickly back to the surface using the dive line. This can be exceptionally difficult to do without a pulley system, especially switching between two or more people if the buddy has help from other freedivers.
With the pulley system, the buddy can pull the freediver in trouble back to the surface at a much faster rate, with less effort, and with more convenience. It is also easier to switch between people pulling up the line since the pulley automatically locks the bottom weight into place if you let go of the dive line. The buddy can either pull the freediver all the way back to the surface, or another buddy can dive down and bring the freediver back up once the freediver is at a reachable depth. A freediver must wear a safety lanyard, such as the PRO Freediving Lanyard 2, in order for the pulley system to effectively bring them to the surface.
Carabiner not included.