Discussion: SS vs. Billit HP Brackets

[RiverRat]

I am not sure if it is just me but I have seen several skis that have welded SS handlepole brackets and over time they start "peeling" up in the corners of the bracket. I have also seen the pole posts bend slightly. I have a billit XFT bracket and think it is a much better material for this application. Very stery and should not bend or break over time. Does not flex so the bracket will not get that "peeling effect" and it should translate more force to the nose of the boat b/c it is not being absorbed by the components. Any thought?

 

[Takeastand SJ]

I prefer the billit, beef the hell out of the nose and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Sanford]

I would like to see an example of the "peeling effect" on the SS brackets.

When the SS bracket in used in conjunction with the underside plate, its a very strong setup.

Billet alumimum bracket is the less likely type to flex, but I don't like the multi-piece billet brackets (SS bolts + aluminum + salt = bad). The XFT is the nicest "billet" mounts out there, I really like their mount and hood hooks!

Because I ended up going with the X-Metal pole, I had to use his SS mount. I don't see any issue with this combo. But I certainly will miss having a spring on the pole and a pole lock.

 

[DR3]

i have heard of ppl "peeling back" the vertical parts welded to the horizontal on an overextension but the xmetal is a stiff pole so you have less chance overextending but i think if you had a prob pat would for sure take care of you (they're only $125)
but in the end i have heard of ppl doing that

 

[Matt_E]

I prefer the look & weight of the SS bracket.

 

[DR3]

I prefer the look & weight of the SS bracket.

me too, def a big diff in weight. :bigeyes:
ill be getting an xmetal (-4) sometime here in the future:woot:

 

[RiverRat]

I would like to see an example of the "peeling effect" on the SS brackets.

I will see if I can get pics of a bracket that is doing that. My buddies 24/7 ski has his bracket "peeling" and his boat is one of Maros' old personal skis. It will happen over time but I have seen it on numerous boats so I know it is not just an isolated incident. From my obersvation when the pole is trown into a roll, mariot, big throw ect and tortional load is put on the bracket, b/c of the SS material it can start bending. Factor in the length of the HP and that is allot of load put on that area by a rather large lever.

 

[Sanford]

From my obersvation when the pole is trown into a roll, mariot, big throw ect and tortional load is put on the bracket, b/c of the SS material it can start bending. Factor in the length of the HP and that is allot of load put on that area by a rather large lever.

I can possibly see this happening on a huge bail or big over-rotation. However, a little flex isn't a bad thing...with the billet mount it isn't going to flex and the only thing left to give is the fiberglass. I'd rather replace a flexy $125 SS mount. Having said that, I think my body will give (ie. break) before my X-Metal setup will :bigeyes:

 

[SuperJETT]

My 24/7 bracket is over 5 years old and looks brand new.

 

[RiverRat]

I can possibly see this happening on a huge bail or big over-rotation. However, a little flex isn't a bad thing...with the billet mount it isn't going to flex and the only thing left to give is the fiberglass. I'd rather replace a flexy $125 SS mount. Having said that, I think my body will give (ie. break) before my X-Metal setup will :bigeyes:

When installing a billit bracket, or any aftermarket bracket for that matter, I think it is almost a given that you should reinforce the bracket area. More so with a billit bracket that does not flex. The whole idea of the bracket itself flexing is kind of a red flag to me. I wish I could supply a direct comparison but all the ski I have been on have been so different that it would be a hard item to compare directly.

 

[SuperJETT]

When installing a billit bracket, or any aftermarket bracket for that matter, I think it is almost a given that you should reinforce the bracket area. More so with a billit bracket that does not flex. The whole idea of the bracket itself flexing is kind of a red flag to me. I wish I could supply a direct comparison but all the ski I have been on have been so different that it would be a hard item to compare directly.

You'd be surprised, having a little flex can drastically reduce the amount of peak stress any particular component will see. That's probably why my stock pole has never broken (probably will in Daytona since I typed that). Anytime you make something very rigid, the next weakest component is going have much higher peak stress than it would if it were spreak across them.

 

[RiverRat]

My 24/7 bracket is over 5 years old and looks brand new.

You are also running a stock handlepole and have been known to hood ride from time to time :Banane19: JK I should have added that on all the brackets I have seen with this issue they are being used in conjunction w/ aluminum handlepoles. The OEm may previde enough flex to prevent this or it could snap before any bending occurs.

edit.............you must have posted when I was typing Darin, as we pretty much said the same thing.......scary :biggrin: