After nothing but problems i have formed the opinion the xt bases are higher maintenance than my girlfriend, thats saying something.
Maybe you're not using the correct rope!!!
....and the same might go for your North XT base.
They certainly can be fiddly, and bits of them need replacing. I have had one since about 2005 and I have replaced virtually every component on it including: rope, cog, ratchet handle, ratchet springly latchy thing. So yeah, they can be great when they work, but can also be the source of major explosions of expletives on the beach when you want to go for a sail....
Replaced the rope, the spring and the collor which collapsed on me while i was out in the bay, it made a rather baggy sail ( excuse the tech term ) had a nightmare getting back to shore.
