Using the Bartlett Footstrap Control System (FCS) - a footstrap release mechanism

I thought I'd give my impressions of the footstrap release mechanism that Matt Bartlett has developed (Footstrap Control System) after using it on my windfoil board after a few sessions. I have been using my foilboards without footstraps after having a number of minor ankle and knee injuries associated with falling with foilboard and having my feet getting stuck in the footstraps. I have been windsurfing for over 40 years and have never had a significant footstrap-related injury even when crashing in the surf. A small windsurf board doesn't have as much mass and seems to move with the leg during a fall. I keep my footstraps fairly tight on windsurf boards and come right out without any drama during a fall. A foil creates a situation where there is a lot of mass that is preventing the board from moving with your legs when you crash. Yes, I tried very tight footstraps and very loose footstraps on the foilboard and managed to get relatively minor injuries in both setups. So, I took off the footstraps which is mostly ok but makes hooking into the harness a bit scary at times.

I recently saw a post where Matt Bartlett was discussing his development of a footstrap release mechanism that can be attached to a footstrap. I checked out the informational video where Matt explains his solution to the footstrap conundrum associated with foilboards quite well and decided to order a set of FCS for my front footstraps. After using the FCS for several sessions, I am solidly impressed with his design and execution.

I installed the FCS on the rear attachment point of the front footstraps and started out by setting the release tension fairly light. I ended up increasing the tension a bit after testing and found that I really like this system. I did the unintentional crash test dummy routine on a few jibes and a breached foil and the footstrap released without fail when required. There were times that I crashed and came out of the footstrap without the FCS releasing since my foot came out of the strap cleanly without getting hung on the strap. The FCS have not yet released unexpectedly while I have been hooked into the harness. After a foot strap release, I didn't have any issues getting the footstrap put back in the release mechanism.

The FCS is really working for me. This is the first time that I've felt relatively safe while using footstraps on a foilboard. I'm guessing most people have been using footstraps with foilboards for years without any injury, but for those who are concerned about potential footstrap injuries or have taken their footstraps off for injury prevention might find that the FCS system provides a safer way to foil with footstraps. Kudos to Matt for using his design and machining skills to develop this system.

I also tried the FCS system for the similar knee injury issues. I was using half straps until recently. I am also impressed with the system and giving me confidence using foot straps. It is however a little pricey.

My injury was caused by my foot slipping back into the strap during a jibe and then not being able to twist out as gust gust hit me. (Spiral fracture of the fibula.) All if these seem to address the catapult situation pretty well, but not my case. So I reluctantly will continue to foil strapless.

I like that last set though, very clean.

Good to know. That is exactly what happened to me. I have friend who just bought a set or your system. I'll take a look.

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WillyWind said..
This is another very similar product I am curious about:

ventores.com/pages/footstrap

They look neat. Don't seem to ship to Australia though. Looking at the design - suspect it wouldn't have the release range of the FCS design. But tidier.

My Bartlett FCS arrived this week. It took about 3 1/2 weeks from order to delivery to Australia. Matt was great to deal with. Installation was very straightforward. I installed them on my front footstraps, I have a Slingshot half strap on the rear. I had my first session with the FCS yesterday. I set them at the mid point tension. I could open the FCS with a reasonable tug with my hand. It opened once during a breach catapult. Reinstalling on the water was easy. A couple of times I pulled FCS open with my hand when climbing on the board to uphaul. I'll try some more tension - about 3/4 on my next session.

I have just started trying to foil. I'm finding the ankle stretching problem is a big worry, 'specially since I broke one windsurfing a few years ago when the board decided to flip underneath me in choppy water.
Would it be a good idea to just undo the screw at the back of the strap while I'm trying to get some flight control, so I have it there to guide foot placement, but without risking injury so much?

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Mr Milk said..
I have just started trying to foil. I'm finding the ankle stretching problem is a big worry, 'specially since I broke one windsurfing a few years ago when the board decided to flip underneath me in choppy water.
Would it be a good idea to just undo the screw at the back of the strap while I'm trying to get some flight control, so I have it there to guide foot placement, but without risking injury so much?

Put a piece of webbing down flat and screw it into the strap holes. You can get the webbing from any sail loft. Maybe even a strip of EVA deck pad, perhaps the sticky back will be sticky enough to not need screws. If webbing is tight you can't get under it and it won't trip you but you will be able to feel it under foot. The back foot placement is the most important, it's nice to have a marker on center that starts about 4" forward of the foil mast. If your back foot is that far back you should be able to launch. I started going strapless for fear of ankle injury, this was before Bartlet and Franck released their products. I quickly learned that I much prefer strapless for the clean deck and freedom to adjust stance to balance pitch. The only reason I will go back is when or if I decide to jump.

The webbing can be used for carry handles too.