Earlier this year we introduced the Tylaska LT100 Light Air Snap Shackle, and it has quickly proved to be an extremely popular addition to the Tylaska range.
Originally designed as an ultra-lightweight snap shackle for light air spinnaker sheets, the LT100 has found its way into plenty of other jobs onboard. Its lightweight Delrin construction, smooth trigger operation, bright colour options and relatively inexpensive price make it a handy solution wherever a lightweight, non-marking, quick-release connection is required.
Now there is a smaller option – the new Tylaska LT80 Light Air Snap Shackle.
Tylaska LT80 vs LT100 – What's the Difference?
The concept is essentially the same, but the Tylaska LT80 takes everything we like about the LT100 and packages it into a smaller format.
While the LT100 is based on the size and geometry of Tylaska's T12 Trigger Snap Shackle, the new Tylaska LT80 corresponds to the smaller T8.
Tylaska LT80 dimensions: overall length (C) 88.9 mm, upper attachment diameter (A) 16.4 mm and lower attachment diameter (B) 13.5 mm. Weight is 21 g. Part number TY1073.
At just 21g, it is an exceptionally lightweight alternative to a conventional stainless steel snap shackle for applications where loads are low and minimising weight is important.
For performance sailors, its primary application remains light air spinnaker sheets. Removing unnecessary weight from the clew helps a spinnaker remain responsive and filled when the breeze disappears – exactly the conditions for which Tylaska developed the LT range.
Tylaska LT80 for Light Air Spinnaker Sheets
One of the things we have learned from the popularity of the LT100 is just how useful these shackles are around a boat.
For non-structural, low-load applications, their Delrin construction has several advantages. They are extremely light, corrosion-free and, importantly, much less likely to mark gelcoat, paintwork or spars than a stainless steel fitting.
That makes both the Tylaska LT80 and LT100 useful for all sorts of everyday jobs, including:
- Attaching and organising fenders
- Securing boom tents and covers
- Sail locker organisation
- Lightweight line and equipment connections
- General quick-release attachments onboard
And, as Tylaska themselves point out, they can even find uses away from the boat – including dog leads!
Tylaska LT80 or LT100 – Which Size Should You Choose?
The arrival of the Tylaska LT80 makes the range particularly useful.
Choose the Tylaska LT80 when you want the smallest and lightest option. Choose the Tylaska LT100 where a physically larger snap shackle is more convenient. Neither is intended to replace Tylaska's stainless steel trigger snap shackles for structural or high-load applications.
The Tylaska LT80 Light Air Snap Shackle weighs just 21g and is available in Red, Green and Black, making colour coding easy as well as adding a splash of colour to the boat.
Small, lightweight, inexpensive and surprisingly useful – judging by the success of its bigger LT100 sibling, we suspect the new Tylaska LT80 will soon be finding its way into plenty of sail lockers and toolboxes.
If you have any questions about Tylaska LT80 Air Snap Shackle or any other snap shackles, please feel free to contact us and talk to one of our sailing experts or click below to see our full range:
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New Tylaska LT80 Light Air Snap Shackle – Smaller, Lighter & Just as Versatile