The Reflex™ 3 joins Harken’s family of furlers for free-flying sails

Harken is pleased to announce that Reflex™ 3 has been added to its popular family of furling systems. With a rated load of 4.5T (10,000 lb), the Reflex 3 fits asymmetric spinnakers on monohulls with typical boat lengths of 13 – 17.7 m (44 – 58′) and multihulls 12 – 16.7 m (39 – 55′); code zero sails on monohulls 12 – 16.5 m (39 – 54′) and multihulls 11 – 15 m (36 – 50′). Pull the furling line on deck and the drive unit reacts reflexively to rotate the unique Reflex torsion cable, instantly transferring torque to the head swivel for a smooth roll-up and tight furl. This is great news for sailors itching to get their free-flying sails out of the forepeak and into the air.

“The torsion cable is the heart of all our Reflex furlers,” said Senior Engineer Greg Hartlmeier. “The Reflex 3 features a larger 13 mm diameter torsion cable with an 11 mm low-stretch Dyneema® core instead of the polyester core used in units 1 and 2. Dyneema provides the extra longitudinal stiffness needed to furl code sails quickly and with great control. Once furled, the cable is still flexible enough so the sail can be lowered, coiled, and stowed.”

Torsion Cable
The Reflex torsion cable is composed of a Dyneema core, a layer of braided stainless steel, and a protective jacketed cover. Its job is to transfer torque to the head swivel, which begins winding the sail evenly and completely top-to-bottom the minute the furling line is pulled. Torsionally stiff, the cable functions as a flexible drive shaft, requiring a fraction of the halyard tension of other cables.

Drive Unit
A unique quick-release modular T-fitting allows a single drive unit to handle multiple sails. The rolled sail easily disconnects with the pull of one spring-loaded pin, and a new furled sail slides and locks into the T-slot. The drive unit’s large diameter provides powerful furling, while its extreme low profile maximizes the sail’s luff length. The hardcoat-anodized 6061-T6 aluminum sheave spins on Torlon® ball bearings to reduce friction. A flexible cowling of impact-resistant polycarbonate alloy lets crew quickly feed the furling line into the drive sheave without tools. Offset holes grip rope securely when furling, with the stripper and feeder working together to prevent line from jamming.

A choice of drive unit attachments to the bow fitting or sprit is offered. The Reflex 3 System for asymmetric spinnakers includes a snap shackle for a quick connection. The Reflex 3 System for code zero sails includes a loop/soft attach/3:1 purchase to control luff tension. Both of these attachments, as well as a more permanent D shackle, are available individually to allow for further customization of either system.

Head Swivel
The low-profile head swivel is extremely lightweight. An integral thimble terminal for the torsion cable saves weight by eliminating eye and pin connections. The compact bearing system reduces weight aloft, while the low profile minimizes luff length. Each sail has its own torsion cable, with head and tack swivels permanently fitted to each sail. Torsion cable and terminal cable clamps are sold separately. A padded cover prevents damage to spars. Cable is sold by the foot.