Acrofab Texas is proud to offer two exceptional portable aerial rigs: the Quad and the Tripod. We also offer a Quadripod rig package for those wanting the best of both worlds, and more options! (All are engineered for safety, durability, and ease of use, but each offers distinct advantages tailored to different aerial needs. Understanding these differences will help you select the perfect rig for your training, performances, and space.
The Acrofab Texas Tripod Rig: Agility and Solo Setup
The Acrofab Texas Tripod Rig is renowned for its simplicity and portability, making it an excellent choice for solo aerialists or those with limited setup assistance.
Advantages:
- Effortless Setup & Breakdown: The Tripod rig is designed for quick assembly and disassembly, often taking less than 10 minutes to break down. A key advantage is its single-person setup capability, allowing you to get your rig up and ready for practice or performance with ease, even if you’re working alone. This makes it incredibly convenient for park sessions, outdoor training, or events where you’re managing setup independently.
- Portability: Its lighter weight and three-leg design make it highly transportable, fitting comfortably in most vehicles.
- Adjustable Heights: Tripod rigs are available in various adjustable heights, typically up to 20 feet, allowing you to adapt to different spaces and apparatus.
The Acrofab Texas Quad Rig: Stability, Space, and Strength
The Acrofab Texas Quad Rig, with its four-leg design, offers superior stability and a larger footprint, catering to more demanding aerial practices and multiple performers.
Advantages:
- Enhanced Stability and Space: The four-leg configuration provides a significantly more stable base, especially at greater heights. This increased stability is crucial for dynamic movements and offers more working space underneath the rig.
- Accommodates Multiple Performers: With its robust design, particularly with the 6-foot header option, the Quad rig provides ample room for two performers simultaneously. This is ideal for duos, partner acrobatics, or workshops requiring more space.
- Superior Weight Capacity: The Quad rig is built to support more weight. For example, a 16-20 ft Quad rig has a static load Safe Working Load (SWL) of 400 lbs and a dynamic load SWL of 1200 lbs, compared to the Tripod’s 350 lbs static and 850 lbs dynamic load (for a 16-20 ft rig). This higher capacity is essential for heavier apparatus, more dynamic movements, or the combined weight of multiple artists.
- Setup (with Assistance): While a Quad rig can be set up by two people who are strong and familiar with the process, it is highly recommended to have three people for the most efficient and safest assembly. Setup typically takes 20-30 minutes with a team.
Maintaining Your Acrofab Texas Rig: Longevity and Safety
Both Acrofab Texas Quad and Tripod rigs feature durable, weather-resistant powder coatings, designed to protect them from the elements. However, even with these coatings, proper maintenance and storage are crucial for extending the life of your rig and ensuring continued safety.
- Regular Cleaning: After outdoor use, especially in damp or dusty conditions, wipe down all metal components with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt, debris, and moisture. For stubborn grime, a mild soap solution can be used, followed by a thorough rinse and drying.
- Inspect for Wear: Regularly inspect the powder coating for any chips, scratches, or signs of rust, particularly around connection points and areas of high friction. While the coating is weather-resistant, damage can expose the underlying metal to corrosion. Touch up any minor damage with appropriate rust-inhibiting paint if necessary, or consult Acrofab Texas for guidance.
- Hardware Check: Pay close attention to all bolts, set screws, and connection points. Ensure they are clean, free of rust, and securely tightened. Lubricate any moving parts (like pulley axles if applicable) with a suitable, non-corrosive lubricant designed for outdoor use.
- Proper Storage: When not in use, especially for extended periods, store your rig in a dry, covered area. While weather-resistant, prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, extreme temperatures, direct prolonged sunlight) can still degrade the coating and components over time. Disassembling the rig for storage in its transport bags can further protect it from environmental wear and tear.
- Rope and Pulley Care: Remember to maintain your pulley system components as outlined in our previous article. Ropes should be kept clean and dry, and pulleys should be inspected for smooth operation.
By investing in an Acrofab Texas aerial rig, you’ve chosen a high-quality, durable piece of equipment. With proper care and attention, both the Quad and Tripod rigs will provide years of safe and exhilarating aerial experiences.