Mount
Sira[ Top | Mini | Mt. Sira | Return to Racks ]
The Mini was a prototype that never went into production. The bars are titanium tubing (same type) with hollow aluminum inserts to absorb and dissipate heat. The frame is ASTM grade 6 6Al/4V titanium alloy, but only 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) in diameter instead of the typical 3/8 inch (9.55 mm) used on the other racks. The narrow frame keeps the bar weight down as well. With only three bars, the hyperbar is essential. None of the bars pivot, so the frame opens on the side much like the Titan I and II. When Larry went to normal pivoting bars, this design became obsolete.
Despite the fact that this rack weighs only 181 grams - about the same as a typical figure 8 - it is one of the strongest devices in my collection.
[ Top | Mini | Mt. Sira | Return to Racks ]
Mt.
SiraThe Mt. Sira was named after my friend Ed Sira, who asked Larry Howell to produce a small U-frame rack for him to sell. This rack is what I normally use as my short-drop device, since it is the best device of its size and weight that I own. Like the other Howell-N-Mann racks, the frame is ASTM grade 6 6Al/4V titanium alloy, and the bars are titanium tubing (same type) with hollow aluminum inserts to absorb and dissipate heat. The long fourth bar makes bar control easier. Thanks to the hyperbar, I've been able to use this rack on wet 9 mm. rope that was so fast that eights had to have the rope passed through twice in order to maintain control.
This rack is fantastic - there is no need to use a constant friction device caving any more. I give it four stars.
URack391.html/070318
©2007, Gary D. Storrick