I was installing my right side net tonight, had gotten it positioned just about where i wanted it, and tensioned it a bit using the ratchet. I then thought I'd try the quick release function, so I pulled down on the yellow strap and the little ring that connects it to the quick release pin did this:



Needless to say the net did not release. I didn't really have a lot of tension on it, but even still the little wire ring supplied with the net wasn't up to the task of pulling the pin. I replaced it with a key ring of appropriate size, and put a little drop of oil on the quick release pin/spring assembly and tested it a few times. It works much better now, the key ring seems much stronger than the ring that came with the net.



I'd assume that the quick release design was tested and that ring deemed sufficient, and it's my first time working with one of these, so I'm not sure if it wasn't something I did that caused the pin to bind and/or the ring to fail. Either way, it occurred to me that I was much happier discovering it tonight in my garage rather than in a more urgent situation. I thought I'd post my discovery here as a reminder for those using a right side net to test the quick release to make sure it's working as it should. With tension on the net it's going to go POP, so maybe pad around it or drape a towel over it to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

 

What brand right-side net was that?

 

That should not happen even if you didn't pull it perfectly. In a panick situation the driver is going to grab and yank w/o considering perfect alignment. Is that a Schroth?

 

 

I had the same problem with mine and had to replace the ring that it came with. It's a good reminder to everyone to practice their safety procedures including a right side exit.

 

Same brand as I installed and same result when I first tested it. I replaced it with some safety wire fed through the pull pin,made into a loop and spun shut. The release pin is small dia and the hole in the pin weakens it further. I suspect the end of the pin could break off at the hole if pulled real hard or at a sharp angle. Can't figure out how they can offer the net like this as the rest of the net and hardware looks well built.

Dive shops sell cheap little plastic cutters with a hooded razor blade made to cut webbing and fish line. They work well even one handed. I have 2 in the car set in easy reach for cutting webbing if I get tangled or a release fails. Too many fish line snags while on wreck dives I guess....

Schroth, are you listening?

 

Installing one this week. Thanks for the heads up. Ill definatly make sure everything is strong and safety wired if needed.

Jeff

 

In all seriousness, it's a good idea to check these snap shackles as soon as you get a chance. If this is the one I'm thinking of, it has good strength and is cost effective, but exhibits horrible quality control. We perform 100% incoming QC on these units and reject ~20% of them.

There is always the forged titanium alloy versions you can buy as an upgrade -- at $1,800 apiece.

 

^ + 1

 

Can't get out my right side, passenger seat is in the way....

 

My right side net has an actual buckle and is very easy to detach.

 

We sell Schroth and this is the first I've heard of this problem. We have a Safety Solutions installed in our 968 and have had no problems (Schroth wasn't making these at the time we installed it).

I will make sure Schroth is aware of this problem. If anyone has issues, please contact the dealer where you purchased the item or Schroth direct - 800.884.BELT.

 

Spoke to the guys at HMS - Schroth's NA importer and they also said the "quick fix" is to use a keyring in place of the ring. They will be consulting with Schroth Germany about the issue but in the meantime, a replacement keyring is the temporary solution.

I will be notifying our customers who plan to purchase Schroth of the potential problem.

FYI - We presently have a Safety Solutions net in our car and the ring is very heavy-duty and cannot be pulled apart.

 

Sorry for the delay in checking back in... busy day.

Yes, it is a Schroth (purchased from Apex, btw). I've never seen a Safety Solutions net up close so I don't know directly how the two compare. The Schroth was a few bucks cheaper (not the reason I chose it), shame it seems that could be a result of using cheaper hardware.

I'm admittedly kinda new to this stuff, but another thing that freaks me out a little about these nets is that big ratchet mechanism floating in mid air in front of my dash. I tried it behind the dash and it didn't work all that well so unfortunately that's where it's staying. I wouldn't expect it to go flying completely free, as it's tethered to the front mounting point even if the quick release mechanism failed. However, since we tend to try and minimize the potential for anything to break loose and become a projectile I kinda hated adding that thing to the mix. Can't readily think of another robust way to tension the net though.

 

I had the same issue with a safety solutions net. Mine is a couple or three years old so the newer models might have addressed the issue.