AnnuAl Buyers` Guide
Transcription
AnnuAl Buyers` Guide
Special Advertising Section Annual Buyers’ Guide If you’re reading these words, chances are you’re a roper. If you’re still reading these words, chances are you want to get better. Every year, our team at Spin To Win Rodeo gathers together the latest and greatest—as well as the time-honored and proven—supplies to help you improve your game. Whether you’re a header or a heeler, looking for a new rope, a better dummy or a video to watch, this guide will help you get your arms around what’s out there and what you should consider. When you get that right rope and spend a little time practicing, you’ll be ready to hit the arena in stride and, as we like to say, spin to win. By Julie Mankin *Prices subject to change FAST BACK ROPES Fast Back’s newest release, the Redline, is also its best seller, and is the rope of choice for two-time world champion Patrick Smith, as well as NFR heelers Dakota Kirchenschlager and Dugan Kelly. This bright red rope is forgiving, consistent and durable, while its four strands and special blend help it hold up under pressure and heat. “It has enough body and grip that it won’t run on the saddle horn, and when it comes tight, it stays closed and doesn’t open back up to let you slip a leg,” says rope-maker Al Benson. James Phifer Photo On the other end, Fast Back’s most popular head rope, the Mach III, has been a best-seller for more than 10 years. The three-strand, 100-percent nylon rope is used by greats like Speed Williams, Clay Tryan, Keven Daniel and Brady Tryan. Most users believe the Mach III gives you the most feel and control over your rope for your money. Redline Heel Rope: $43 to $46, Mach III Head Rope: $34 to $39 fastbackropes.com, (800) 479-1851 Annual Buyers’ Guide Special Advertising Section DRIVEN Just as Patrick Smith nearly won a third gold buckle this December, he released his first instructional video. Called Driven, the DVD offers entertainment and information all rolled into one, including 80-plus rodeo runs and interviews with Patrick’s family and friends, as well as detailed instruction for heelers. “It was time for a new roping video,” explains Smith. “Technology has advanced so much and this video features angles and camera shots that have not been seen before.” The video offers a segment addressing mental preparation and how Smith TIME MACHINE Walt Woodard has always been a fan of roping dummies. In fact, his dad built his first sled out of an old hot-water heater. Up until now, however, he always felt there were two things missing. “I believe headers need to be reminded to stay wider and not get in behind steers; plus they need to practice seeing the steer’s neck bend to set up the correct handle,” says Woodard. That’s why Walt and company designed the Time Machine so that the neck bends to the left before the horns collapse to release your rope. You only get your rope back if you were in the correct position. And the other thing? The Time Machine has front legs like a steer, so if a heeler tries to throw out of time, he or she will miss. “We believe you shouldn’t be rewarded with a catch if you throw when the hind legs are forward,” says Woodard. “It doesn’t work on a steer and it won’t work on the Time Machine.” personally deals with pressure, as well as some candid remarks about the ups and downs of his rodeo journey. “I’ve been thinking about this for a long, long time,” he says. “I wanted to offer ropers something that hasn’t been done before. We really tried to think outside the box while creating this DVD, and I’m very proud of it.” Driven is available at your local Western store, including Teskey’s Saddle Shop and NRS. You can also order through Smith. Driven: $59.95 patricksmithroping.com, (325) 669-0011 KING ROPES If there’s one company in America with more old-school cool than any other cowboy retailer, it’s King Ropes (recently featured on the Discovery Channel). Visit the picturesque King family ranch outside Sheridan, Wyo., in springtime and you’ll likely glimpse dozens of fresh ropes stretched out in the sun. “Part of what makes our ropes so popular is our curing and aging process,” said Danny Morales, who’s worked at King Ropes nearly 34 years. “Heat from that sun helps set the wax into the rope, so the hondo always stays straight. Plus, they break in a lot quicker with less runs.” New this year are Kings’ 3/8 scant “light” head and heel ropes, available in a blue-green or red color. It’s their answer to the market trend toward smaller and smaller ropes. But don’t worry about the King brand coming out with any fancy rope names—you still just ask for a King in a nylon or blend, three or four strands. Most agree that timing is the most important aspect of heeling. If you’ve never been sure if you’re in time, the Time Machine will tell you. And don’t forget to get a cap. The wildly popular King Ropes hats are spotted everywhere from Brazil to Australia, where Kings commonly ship their home-tied 40and 60-foot ranch ropes. Time Machine: $3,200 Head Ropes: $29 to $37, Heel Ropes: $35 to $42 timemachineteamroping.com, (855) 277-7673 kingropes.com, (800) 443-8919 4 spintowinrodeo.com March 2013 Annual Buyers’ Guide It’s hard to find more body in a smaller, faster package. The secret is in the special nylon blended into the Nitro’s body. The smaller diameter makes it light and snappy, but the rope maintains massive tip weight as you swing and keeps its shape. Cactus has offered some of the industry’s best ropes throughout the past 20 years, including the Xplosion (from the Relentless line) favored by defending world champion header Chad Masters, who incidentally also used a Cactus rope to win his 2007 championship. Nex Calf Roping Dummy: $350 heelomatic.com, (888) 433-5464 THE ROPE SHOP Back in 1982, The Rope Shop started as Rocky Mountain Ropes in a garage in Idaho Falls. Since then, owners Steve and Allison Geisler have built the shop into one of the largest sources of cowboy ropes in the industry, thanks in part to acquisitions of Gator Ropes in 1999 and Magnum Ropes in 2003. Originally a wholesale manufacturer for nearly 30 years, The Rope Shop now offers its products (everything from dummies to horn knots to ropebags) directly to the public. In addition to Gator and Ropervision products, you can order ropes by Magnum and Rocky Mountain, plus the Eclipse. Gator’s four-strand Gripper came out last year and offers a strand of poly and three strands of nylon, giving it great balance and stopping power on the horn. The even newer four-strand Gator Annihilator added a strand of poly, and the weight makes it a great-feeling head rope in an 11/32 super scant or 3/8 scant—and 33 feet long. Nitro Head Rope: $36 to $42 You can also custom-build your own personal rope. You choose the size, length, material, number of strands, color, lay, kick and even the eye position. Not only will The Rope Shop build it, but they’ll put your name on the tail. Nitro Heel Rope: $39 to $45 Three-Strand Ropes: $30, Four-Strand Ropes: $36 cactusropes.com, (800) 774-6946 theropeshoponline.com, (800) 447-6259 6 spintowinrodeo.com March 2013 Sturdy, wide base prevents tipping, slipping or sliding. Made of a hide-like material that won’t let your rope slide. • • HEELOMATIC.COM 888.HEELING (888-433-5464) “It’s become our top-selling heel rope, and the head rope’s not far behind,” said Cactus rope-maker Barry Berg. “We started designing the Nitro as a heel rope only, but began testing a head-rope version for Matt Sherwood. Matt won the world twice using our Mini Mag, but was curious about a slightly larger-diameter rope. Now, the Nitro is his favorite.” Ground-Driven Trainer: $3,095 - Joe Beaver 8x World Champion Calf roper - It’s no surprise the home page of BobFeistInvitational.com features Cesar de la Cruz pulling off a perfect shot with his neon green Nitro from Cactus. Sales of the rope have gone crazy since de la Cruz helped develop it over a year ago, and the seven-time NFR heeler enjoyed his best season since 2007 using it. “CALf ROpING TRAINING wILL NEvER bE THE sAME.” Beaver has been roping bales of hay and various dummies for 25 years, and says this is hands-down the best dummy on the market. angle of head forces you to keep your tip down. “We’ve been working with Joe for years to make the perfect calf roping dummy,” said Bruegman. “It has a long neck that ensures you’ll practice roping the neck like Joe teaches, which will make your curl kick back up like you want. The angle of the head makes you keep your tip down and it’s got a hide-like material that won’t let your rope slide.” • Just as that motion mimics a steer in tow, Heel-O-Matic has also recently introduced a revolutionary dummy that closely resembles a calf at a dead run. Designed with roping kingpin Joe Beaver, the Nex Calf Roping Dummy compares to The Bones with the added bonus of a visual target to look at as you deliver your rope. long neck ensures you will practice roping the neck and make your curl kick back up. With 16 years’ development and expertise behind it, the patented hop of HeelO-Matic’s ground-driven trainer makes it one of the most sought-after practice aids in team roping. According to general manager Chip Bruegman, the realistic hop is what sells it. • HEEL-O-MATIC The NeX Mobile Calf RopiNg TRaiNiNg SySTeM by Heel-O -Matic CACTUS ROPES Special Advertising Section King’s saddlerY king ropes King 100% Nylon King Tied Green Classics 57 & 60 Thread Polygrass and 4 Strand 60 Thread Polygrass All Sizes of Treated Poly Ropes 9.5 - 11.0 57 & 60 Thread Syn. Grass Brannaman Horse Ropes Long Ranch Ropes Steel & Rawhide Hondos Nylon Calf Strings King’s Skid Boots Tod Slone Felt Pads King’s Saddlery - King Ropes 184 N Main Sheridan, WY 82801 ph. 1-800-443-8919 • 307-672-2702 • email. kingropes@fiberpipe.net SWR’S ANNUAL BUYERS’ GUIDE Annual Buyers’ Guide BETTERDALLY WRAP BETTERDALLY WRAP Special Advertising Section Special Advertising Section Each night during the 2012 NFR, you may Each noti night during the 2012 NFR,Patrick you may have ced that world champ have noticed that world champ Patrick Smith was calling for time using a “better” Smithwrap was than calling for time using a “better” dally inner-tube rubber. The dally wrap than inner-tube rubber. The in BetterDally Wrap company was founded BetterDally Wrap company was founded in 2009 and has since come up with a product 2009 and has since come up with a product that outlasts inner tube rubber, holds better that inner tube rubber, better in all outlasts conditions, and doesn’t ruinholds ropes and in all conditions, and doesn’t ruin ropes and jeans. jeans. The strips come in red or black and have The strips come in red or ablack have been lasting ropers up to year.and In the been lasting ropers up to a year. In the fall of 2012, BetterDally also revamped falldesign. of 2012, BetterDally also revamped its Now, instead of a package its design. Now, instead of a package containing a swell wrap, main body wrap containing a swell wrap, main body wrap HOT HEELS HOT HEELS and Double-Lock wear strip, you get three and Double-Lock you getthat’s three Double-Lock wearwear stripsstrip, in a system Double-Lock wear strips in a system that’s easier to install and interchange. Plus, the easierwrap to install interchange. the swell lays fland atter and tighterPlus, to your swell wrap lays flatter and tighter to your swells, eliminating twisting or puckering. swells, eliminating twisting or puckering. Also, the company has moved from Also, the company has moved from Washington to the heart of rodeo Washington to the heart of rodeo country—Texas—and now offers a fresh country—Texas—and nowinstallati offers aon fresh website and detailed new video. website and detailed new installation Need another great bonus? You’ll lovevideo. the Needlongevity another great bonus? extra in your ropesYou’ll whenlove theythe extra burn. longevity in your ropes when they don’t don’t burn. BetterDally Wrap: $34 (including shipping) BetterDally Wrap: $34 (including shipping) ALONG CAME A SPYDR The 5-strand weave of packs more material in a smaller diameter, for a feel like nothing else. dallywrap.com, (800) 299-8437 dallywrap.com, (800) 299-8437 CLASSIC ROPES CLASSIC ROPES Search The Classic Real Deal Hot Heels has always been a trail blazer in the market for realistic Hot reliable Heels has always been a trail blazer in the market for realistic and roping dummies. It has the patent on its groundand reliable roping dummies. It has the patent on its grounddriven hop and realistic stride, as well as on its fold-back release driven Hot hopHeels and realistic stride, as well as on itsrunners fold-back release horns. also came up with moveable that have horns. Hot Heels also came up with moveable runners that have since been copied by similar dummies. since been copied by similar dummies. One thing that has not been copied, however, is the durability One that has been copied, however,with is the durability of thething product. Hotnot Heels is the only dummy a four-year of the product. Hotit’s Heels is the only four-year warranty, because a product that dummy typicallywith lastsafor decades. warranty, because it’s a product that typically lasts for decades. The machine can be set up to start a beginner or challenge a The and machine be set re, up introduced to start a beginner challenge a pro, now can the Crossfi just lastor spring, features pro, and now the Crossfire, introduced just last spring, features an extra timing function that makes it impossible to rope out of extra timing function thatare makes out of tian me. While other dummies easyittoimpossible catch and to funrope to rope, time. While other dummies are easy to catch and fun to rope, Hot Heels believes practice should be tough so you can better Hot Heels practice should be tough so you can better prepare forbelieves live steers. prepare for live steers. Sales of Hot Heels have increased every year for 11 years. Sales of Hot for 11 years. Customer satiHeels sfactihave on, inincreased fact, doesevery mostyear of their adverti sing Customer satisfaction, in fact, does most of their advertising for them. for them. Crossfire: $3,095, Original Hot Heels: $2,895 Crossfire: $3,095, Original Hot Heels: $2,895 ropehotheels.com, (712) 947-4198 ropehotheels.com, (712) 947-4198 72 10 spintowinrodeo.com March 2013 spintowinrodeo.com March 2013 It’s rare in this industry for a new rope to dominate sales It’s this rarelong, in this industry for a hasn’t new rope dominate sales for but the Spyder hadto a bit of trouble for this long, but the Spyder hasn’t had a bit of trouble since it was used to win five of the 10 rounds at the since NFR. it was used to win five of the 10 rounds at the 2010 2010 NFR. Classic’s patented five-strand rope was the latest result of Classic’s patented five-strand rope was the latest the company’s Coretech technology. It twists five result strandsof the company’s Coretech technology. It twists five around an oversized core to deliver snap as well asstrands tip around The an oversized corebut to deliver snap as favored well as tip weight. rope is small powerful, and by guys weight. ropeand is small powerful, and favored by guys like CoryThe Petska Luke but Brown. like Cory Petska and Luke Brown. “Our core helps stabilize the rope and give it a lot more “Our core stabilize the rope andeasy give to it ause.” lot more balance andhelps rebound, making it really says balance and rebound, making it really easy to use.” says production manager Craig Bray. production manager Craig Bray. In business now since 1986, Classic is the king of brand In business Classicamateurs is the king of pros brandswing loyalty, as a now hugesince chunk1986, of today’s and loyalty, as a huge chunk of today’s amateurs and swing a Classic or Rattler rope. That’s proven in the contipros nued a Classic or Rattler rope. That’s proven in the continued wild popularity of The Heat, introduced in 2009, plus old wild popularity of The Heat, introduced 2009, plus old favorites the Powerline Lite and Rattler’sinGT4. favorites the Powerline Lite and Rattler’s GT4. “People know they can always come back to a Classic rope “People know they canperforms always come a Classic because it consistently well,”back saystoBray. “We rope put a because it consistently performs well,” says Bray. “We put a lot of pride in the quality of our product.” lot of pride in the quality of our product.” Four- and Five-Strand Ropes: $39 to $46 Four- and Five-Strand Ropes: $39 to $46 classicrope.com, (800) 654-7864 classicrope.com, (800) 654-7864 March 2013 spintowinrodeo.com March 2013 spintowinrodeo.com 73 11 Features: /RZ3ULFH5HPRYDEOH%RG\IRULQ7RRO0RVW5HDOLVWLF&RUQHU$YDLODEOH 6ROLG5HDO)HHO/HJV0DNH)DVW5XQV6PRRWKO\ :D\%UHDNDZD\+RUQV6PRRWK'DOO\ www.smartroping.com SWR’S ANNUAL BUYERS’ GUIDEGuide Annual Buyers’ ROPE-O-MATIC ROPE-O-MATIC Special SpecialAdverti Advertising sing Secti Section on WILLARD WILLARD ROPES ROPES Call and place your order today. Founded Founded almost almost 30 30 years years ago, ago, Rope-O-Mati Rope-O-Matic c isis the the home home of of Buford— Buford— “The “The Smartest Smartest Dummy Dummy in in the the World”—and World”—and the the Jakesteer, Jakesteer, used used and and endorsed endorsed by by world world champion champion Jake Jake Barnes. Barnes. Buford Buford isis the the only only mechanical mechanical roping roping dummy dummy that that you you can can practi practice ce on on by by yourself. yourself. That That means means no no waiti waiting ng around around for for aa partner partner who who may may not not have have the the same same commitment commitment to to practi practicing cing that that you you have. have. ItIt benefi benefits ts both both headers headers and and heelers, heelers, and and off offers ers both both an an automati automaticcshut-off shut-off and and aa speed speed control. control. That That means means you you can can adjust adjust your your practi practice ce pace pace to to what what works works best best for for you you and and increase increase the the speed speed as as you you progress. progress. The The Jakesteer Jakesteer isis the the portable portable heading heading dummy dummy that that you you can can throw throw in in the the back back of of your your pickup pickup or or in in your your trailer trailer for for those those quick quick warm-up warm-up shots shots you you need need before before the the competi competition tion begins. begins. Jake Jake Barnes Barnes says says it’s it’s the the best best dummy dummy on on the the market. market. Now Now owned owned by by the the Unruh Unruh Families Families of of western western Kansas, Kansas, the the same same high high quality quality of of workmanship workmanship and and service service goes goes into into each each and and every every Buford Buford and and Jakesteer Jakesteer that that avid avid ropers ropers have have come come to to expect. expect. Buford: Buford: $4,750, $4,750, Jakesteer: Jakesteer: $375 $375 rope-o-mati rope-o-matic.com, c.com, 800-828-3895 800-828-3895 Dennis Dennis Willard Willard started started tying tying his his own own ropes ropes as as aa teenager, teenager, from from coils coils he he bought bought at at aa local local hardware hardware store. store. More More than than 30 30 years years later, later, Willard Willard Ropes Ropes isis sti still ll owned owned and and operated operated by by Dennis Dennis and and Jeanie Jeanie and and their their two two kids kids out out of of Rockdale, Rockdale, Texas. Texas. Today, Today, they they ship ship ropes ropes all all over over the the world. world. They They also also off offer er aa complete complete line line of of other other team team and and calf calf roping roping supplies. supplies. You You can can choose choose from from any any of of six six diff different erent team team ropes ropes in in three three or or four four strands, strands, in in an an array array of of highly highly visible visible colors colors and and sizes sizes that that include include 3/8 3/8 ultralite, ultralite, 3/8 3/8 scant, scant, 3/8 3/8 true, true, or or 7/16 7/16 scant. scant. Willard Willard also also off offers ers fifive ve diff different erent calf calf ropes ropes to to choose choose from: from: the the original original three-strand three-strand poly, poly, the the four-strand four-strand poly, poly, the the syngrass syngrass or or the the polygrass. polygrass. Willard’s Willard’s newest newest calf calf rope rope isis the the X-Calibur, X-Calibur, made made of of 100 100 percent percent polyester polyester so so itit doesn’t doesn’t change change with with weather weather conditi conditions ons and and has has very very litt little le stretch. stretch. Team Ropes Ranch Ropes Tie Down Ropes Bits & Spurs Pads & Leg Gear Roping Supplies photo by Will Brewster 800-447-6259 The The company company also also calls calls its its piggin’ piggin’ string string the the best best on on the the market market today. today. In In fact, fact, the the Black Black Tail Tail Speedster Speedster isis used used and and endorsed endorsed by by several several top top PRCA PRCA ropers, ropers, including including Adam Adam Gray, Gray, winner winner of of the the 2012 2012 NFR NFR average. average. Team Team Ropes: Ropes: $31 $31 to to $32, $32, Calf Calf Ropes: Ropes: $34 $34 to to $40, $40, Piggin Piggin Strings: Strings: $13 $13 to to $14 $14 willardropes.com, willardropes.com, 800-827-7613 800-827-7613 SMARTY SMARTY Today, Today, we’re we’re all all about about added added features. features. Does Does the the car car have have DVD DVD and and navigati navigation? on? Does Does the the iPhone iPhone have have aa share share widget? widget? That’s That’s why why itit was was tough tough for for Allen Allen Bach Bach to to build build aa roping roping machine machine that that doesn’t doesn’t hop. hop. But But at at the the risk risk of of appearing appearing to to take take aa step step backward, backward, he he had had to to go go with with his his conscience conscience on on what what would would most most help help customers. customers. Instead Instead of of making making aa complicated complicated product product to to rope, rope, he he designed designed aa tool tool to to help help ropers ropers with with perfect perfect fundamentals. fundamentals. His His four four gold gold buckles buckles have have aa way way of of proving proving that that ifif you you practi practice ce correctly, correctly, it’ll it’ll carry carry over over into into your your performance. performance. And And that’s that’s not not to to say say Smarty Smarty doesn’t doesn’t have have essenti essential al special special features, features, like like aa realisti realistic c corner corner you you can can ride ride as as aa As As an an early early roping-machine roping-machine developer, developer, Bach Bach heeler heeler and and aa lift lift-off -off body body you you can can helped helped create create aa hop hop that that mimicked mimicked aa real real rope rope on on the the ground. ground. What’s What’s more, more, steer. steer. Over Over titime, me, he he and and other other top top ropers ropers itit can can be be easily easily broken broken down down to to take take noti noticed ced the the hopping hopping moti motion on was was actually actually with you. you. causing causing inconsistencies inconsistencies in in people’s people’s mechanics. mechanics. with Basically, Basically, they they turned turned the the machines machines off off or or Smarty: Smarty: $2,150 $2,150 disconnected disconnected the the belt belt and and practi practiced ced with with the the SWR smartroping.com, smartroping.com, 888-908-9047 888-908-9047 swr legs legs in in aa stati stationary onary positi position. on. 76 14 spintowinrodeo.com spintowinrodeo.com March March 2013 2013 March March 2013 2013 spintowinrodeo.com spintowinrodeo.com 77 15