broken strings

[user]

My fingers are bleeding because the string catches when I pull it so it rips the string out of my hand. New strings have been send but the same thing is happening. I have been unable to get it started in spite of trying various the techniques. can anyone offer advice?

rodger
-------------------------------------------------------

Interesting to hear this Rodger...I recommend in this case that you wind on the cord (until there are only the usual 2/3 inches remaining), invert the ball so that the 2/3 inches of cord is now dangling down vertically toward the ground. If you are right handed, hold the ball in the right hand and take the cord with the left. (Or vice versa)

Give a quick sharp pull STRAIGHT DOWN (not left, or right, forward or back...but straight down! :-) and the rotor should now be hitting 2500/3000rpm and there should be no cut on your fingers to boot! Actually, that is most odd Rodger...I have watched 1000's of people start the splendid spheres and while I have heard the odd 'zing' as a cord tip almost snags because it was pulled out off centre, I have never seen anyone cut themselves from this...it is most odd!

At this point, slow, lazy turns will see the rotor build speed and away you'll go...hope this helps and with kind regards, Rory

[user]

The main reason for string getting stuck around the rotor is you not pulling your hand away from the Powerball far enough.

Or, you are not pulling it away from the ball vertically (you are pulling off to the side and so the cord can sometimes snag in the small gap between the rotor and the sphere body) - pull it away vertically and this will stop.

If you're still finding it happens, don't wrap the string round your finger...just grip it, so if it does get stuck and rips itself out of your hand it won't cut you.

Finally, with some practice it's very easy to start the Powerball without the string...I haven't used the string for over a year now, and can do one-handed starts like Akis.

Tim Bridle