DC Power Stilts Appears on ABC7

DC Power Stilts was chosen to appear on Good Morning Washington on May 20, 2015.  Workout Wednesday is a segment devoted to finding fun new ways of getting exercise.  Eileen Whelan and Julie Wright hosted most of the filming while on stilts!  Please watch the clips below, and spread the word about powerbocking as a workout!

Thanks also to Jordan for coming out to help!

Segment 1: Intro

Segment 2: Walking

Segment 3: Jogging

Jumping Stilt Modifications for Traction in Winter

The 7 League Boots and Poweriser Stilts come with a durable polyurethane hoof that is designed to optimize the balance between traction and durability on most surfaces.  However the stock hoof is fairly poor on a wet or slippery surface that you might encounter in Winter time.

But there is good news!  You can turn an old (or new) bike tire into a set of Tyre Socks which will give you more traction.  Mountain bike tires would be best for mud and water while snow tires would be best for ice and snow.

(More details: Instructables.com)

Another modification idea/approach: Attach Snow Spikes

 

 (source: Fly Jumper Forum)

Spikes from http://www.icespike.com

7s Stilts Strap Recall: Free Warrenty Replacements

It has come to our attention that several DC Power Stilts customers in the USA have been having problems with the straps that come with the 7LeagueBoot GT Cobra.  The issue is that the straps that initially came with the stilts were not made strong enough and will break / crack with normal usage. (see image to the left)

Because DC Power Stilts puts customers first, we suggest that all users of the 7s upgrade this part to the new DC Power Stilts Foot Strap Upgrade, and will be sending them out free during 2015.  All orders of the 7s stilts from 2015 onward will ship with this upgrade already installed.

The upgrade is much stronger is more comfortable, and can be installed with just a philips head screwdriver and an adjustable (or 8mm) wrench.

To qualify for the free upgrade you must:

• Have bought your 7s Stilts directly from DC Power Stilts
• Not have made a previous warranty claim regarding your foot straps
• Have a US shipping address
• Submit your information to DC Power Stilts during 2015:
• Purchase date
• Email address used for purchase
• Customer name
• Current address

DC Power Stilts Social Media Channels

Lots of crickets over here in the blog!  We still are powerbocking, helping people find stilts, evaluating models and brands of jumping stilts, promoting the sport, and even writing about jumping Stilts.

... But the blog has been quiet.

We've found that Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube are slightly more interactive ways to connect with our community so please check us out, comment, like, share & follow our social media channels:

Twitter @Powerbock

YouTube: DC Power Stilts

Jumping Stilt Reviews: Poweriser, 7 Stilts, Air-trekker, PowerStrider

When it comes to jumping stilts, spring stilts, Powerisers, and Powerbocking in general there seems to be a fair amount of Brand Confusion.

The difficulties start at the generic name for jumping/spring/power stilts and the sport of powerbocking. Adding to it is the fact that stilts made in the same factory are often named and branded differently by each importer and customer. Even the model names can be designed to confuse.

The USA enjoys having multiple brands of stilts available for purchase. As an expert, instructor, and independent dealer, DC Power Stilts is in a good position to review all brands of stilts brands to offer and to evaluate jumping stilts on their merits.

The major brands and models available in the USA are as follows:

Poweriser
Models: Standard, Advanced, Kids

The first licensee of the German patent, Hitech & C Co was the company to start mass production and consumer pricing to the market. Essentially they created the recreational market for spring stilts. Manufactured by a Korean company in the Philippines, their production quality has been decent over time. Although their design improvements are mostly related to making the product cheaper to compete better with the Chinese brands, they offer a good warranty and generally hold up well. Poweriser currently hold the patent for inventing the popular kids-sized stilts and generally stands by their products and offers a good value.

Verdict: We offer and recommend this brand for their durability and value.

Air Trekker & Chinese brands
US Models: CZ-Adult, CZ-Extreme, Youth, M115

Broken and stripped parts

The Guangzhou Up Wing Sport Goods Industry in China started as a knock-off producer, with PoweriZer (note the Z instead of S), but the confusion was ended via a court case that forced them to change the product name. They currently manufacture stilts under the following additional brands: PowerStrider, Upwing, Pro Jump, Fly Jumper. The Chinese have brought prices way down by lowering the manufacturing quality.  Many of their stilts were shipped with springs that snapped in half right out of the box (see photo).

On the plus side, the Chinese company has innovated design-wise by copying and mass producing the designs of some of the high-end stilts. As a result, they had some misses like the ill-fated tilting footplate models, but they also had some hits like the CZ Aluminum model which are under eight lbs each instead of ten. Being 20% lighter makes a big difference. While the design of the CZ stilts are very good for the price, the problem is that they suffer from cheap manufacturing and don't hold up with serious use. We recommend the PowerStrider Brand but they closed their doors after being unable to profit due to warranty claims from production quality. Parts for this brand is still available via the Air Trekker line and website.  

Verdict: These are the cheapest which makes them a good choice as a novelty gift or item, but these stilts break in various ways for those who regularly use them. 

The 7 League Stilts
US Models: GT Cobra

In answer to the demand for higher-quality mass produced stilts, stilts enthusiasts in Europe formed Future Tech to refine, improve, and test the designs for mass production in China. The 7 league Boots brand has higher quality parts and some design improvements: the springs are a bit more responsive, the cuff is held more tightly in place, and they are much more durable overall. Their 2012 introduction to the USA market didn't go smoothly because there were several fixes required to be made by the importer.

Verdict: Even though these are the most expensive stilts on the market, DC Power Stilts was impressed enough with this brand to acquire them and now offers the GT Cobra for sale in North America.

Other Brands ($1,500+)
If you would like more information about some of the $1,500+ import or custom build options, send your question and we'll respond with more info.  Generally the mass-produced brands above offer 99% of the same function for a much better value.

Happy Holidays (Last minute Shipping)

Merry Christmas, and happy holidays! There is nothing like watching someone you care about open up a large wrapped box on Christmas and their amazed expression as they realize they have been given an awesome pair of power stilts.
Now I want to help make that magical moment happen. I get lots of logistical questions this time of year because the moment is fast-approaching, and FedEx isn't as fast as Santa's sleigh. Our standard shipping methods are USPS and FedEx Ground. The following shows FedEx shipping time. Note that it also takes about one full business day to process and pack the order. We'll work to try to ensure fast shipping times this season.

7s Stilts (7 League Boots)/everything else by FedEx Ground

DC Power Stilts is happy to send you items using expedited delivery but the shipping cost is approximately twice the amount for FedEx 2-3x the amount for 2-day, and around 3-5x times for FedEx overnight.

New 7s Stilts & Black Friday Discount

This time of year offers many, crisp cool days for outdoor fun and exercise without sweating too much, it's also the season of goodwill and generosity.  Share the gift of a higher perspective!

Announcing the 7s Stilts!
DC Power Stilts has noticed that 7MeilenStiefel (7 League Boots) are the preferred brand for serious bockers in Europe. After putting them through the test, we found that these are the highest-quality jumping stilt in production, which is why we are now offering them to our customers in the USA!

The 7s stilts offer many innovations and are perfectly suited for the teen or adult who wants a highly adjustable, high quality product at great value.
> What makes 7 League Stilts GT Cobra so great?

Thank You
We haven't thanked our stilts community enough for supporting DC Power Stilts so we are offering this deep discount to help you find out about this new product:

BLACK FRIDAY COUPON
Take $70 off each pair of 7s Stilts with the coupon: OhThank7

You can use this coupon right now!  You don't have to wait, or wake up early, or wait in line.  This coupon is good until Dec 1, 2012.

Be a Gift-Giving Hero
Stilts come in a big box, which looks great wrapped under a tree, and there's no better feeling than watching someone receive an awesome gift.  On the other hand, who is more deserving of awesome gift than yourself?

Lets Move for Youth Fitness!
Poweriser Kids Stilts are an awesome way to get kids moving and having fun. Moving faster and standing taller is a huge incentive to get kids outside and doing something easy and safe to use. A perfect gift, still just $195. (for kids 66-110 lbs, ≈ ages 8-12)

5-Star Service:
Customers love us, and we strive to provide consistent 5-star service!  Our goal is to offer quality goods at fair prices and upfront shipping rates to anywhere in the continental USA.  Pay no shipping fee when you pick your order up.
> Unfiltered Feedback (let DC Power Stilts try to earn your 5 stars too.)
> DC Power Stilts Web Shop

7 League Boots GT Cobra Initial Impressions

Well I've had enough time after my unboxing video to get a general idea of how these stilts perform straight out of the box. Check out the video below to find out all about it.

Now that you've watched that video let's actually look at them in use. Here is Chris of XD Bockers first try on them.

He takes a bit to become accustomed to the stilts, but warms up to them later in the day as seen in our easter meet video.

In short I found the build quality of the stilts to be great. The lower joint assembly was really silent in use, the springs were smooth although a bit to soft for me. The hooves were fantastic and provided excellent grip. The Cuffs were very comfortable and held up secure.

I'll be doing another follow up for my final verdict in a couple weeks. So if you haven't already please subscribe and watch for it.

7 League Boots GT Cobra Unboxing

Hey everyone! It's been a while, recently I just received a set of 7 league boots GT Cobras. Here is the unboxing video!




I've already had a chance to try them out and will be following up with my first impressions within the next couple of days. Be sure to watch for it!

Happy Holidays from DC Power Stilts

December 2011 - Happy Holidays!

> Sign up to get the newsletter via email

Happy holidays from DC Power Stilts!

We give thanks for your support of the powerbocking community, and for being a part of DC Power Stilts.

It is not too late to be a gift-giving hero!
You can put an awesome big-box gift under the tree whether you are buying sleek set of Poweriser Kids for kids or getting Poweriser Advanced for your teen or kid-at-heart.

Time is running out!
Complete your Poweriser order by Thursday and you can take advantage of our ground shipping rates to anywhere in the Continental US, with arrival by the 25th. 

We also offer expedited shipping services if needed overnight or in 2-days.  Or pay no shipping! Our DC Headquarters is fully stocked with a pair of stilts in every size and you can load them up right into your sleigh.
> Contact us to schedule a pickup

New Lesson Formats:
We still offer 10 Minute Tryout Lessons and Private lessons.  Due to customer demand, we have formalized our special event format to make it easier to get your friends a chance to go stilt walking.  Lessons make a great gift too!

PowerStrider closes its USA warehouse
DC Power Stilts is brand-independant!  We share what we know about the current trends regarding equipment.  We'll test and evaluate new brands and only endorse items that would offer solid quality for a good value.  We'll let you know when we endorse a product and offer you the best of what is available.

Stay tuned, you'll be the first to know when a product meets our standards!

5-Star Service:
Customers love us, and we strive to provide consistent 5-star service!  Our goal is to offer quality goods at fair prices and upfront shipping rates to anywhere in the continental USA.  We also offer free customer pickup.
> Unfiltered Feedback (let DC Power Stilts try to earn your 5 stars too.)
> DC Power Stilts Web Shop

Want to organize powerbocking meet-ups?
> We'll help!  Become a DC Power Stilts Affiliate

> Sign up to get the newsletter via email

Newsletter: May 2011 - Spring Stilt Season

Dear Friend,

Thank you for being part of the powerbocking community, and for your support of DC Power Stilts. We have already attended the first national bocking meetup (Bock The South) and we are gearing up for the biggest meet ever: Capital Bocking USA.

Please Join us @ Capital Bocking USA: June 24-26, 2011
Experts on stilts from across the country will again descended upon Washington DC, leaping, bounding and performing acrobatics in competition. You can join us to compete, learn, spectate or help!
Lets us know that you are coming:
> Learn More
> Order your shirt and/or RSVP on Facebook

Schedule a Private Lesson...
DC Power Stilts is the only business on the East Coast to offer beginner, advanced, and intermediate instruction. You can skip the awkward beginner phase, jump into impressive tricks, or get live, video analysis so your big stunts are smooth and graceful!
> Private lessons and Free Tips

Bring an Unforgettable Experience to your Next Event
DC Power Stilts can bring an unforgettable stilts try-out experience to your next event. People at your event will partner up to share a new exciting and memorable experience. 100% interactive and fun.
> Lets set something up

5-Star Service
Customers love us, and we strive to provide consistent 5-star service! Our goal is to offer quality goods at fair prices and upfront shipping rates to anywhere in the continental USA. We also offer free customer pickup.
> Unfiltered Feedback (let DC Power Stilts try to earn your 5 stars too.)
> DC Power Stilts Web Shop

Start a Local Powerbocking Club
> We'll help! Become a DC Power Stilts Affiliate

Bock The South 2011: Video

Thanks to David, Ann-Marie, Randy, Nick, Josie, Kathleen, and Doug for all attending and making Bock the South a blast!



Video Source


See you at Capital Bocking 2011!

Bock Report: Easter Bock

Hello all!

We had a fantastic Easter. The XD Bockers went out to the park. Totting bunny ears, and baskets full of easter eggs. We had a fantastic time handing them out to kids of all ages at the park. Not to mention enjoyed hopping around.

Watch our events video to see us at it.

Alternate link here.

Don't forget to make time for Bock the South! It's coming up fast on the first weekend of May. See you out there!

Bock The South 2011

Mark your calendars for May the 7th through the 8th. The XD Bockers of Savannah, Georgia are hosting the first annual Jumping Stilts meet up event for the Southern United States.

Powerbockers from all over will travel to Savannah, GA. To meet up, and participate in some powerbocking.

Check out our Event Flyer. Excited? Print it out and show some friends. Don't forget to RSVP on our Facebook Event page!

Keep an eye out for more event details as they come!

2/11/2011 XD Bockers meet

Source

Above you'll find the last video edited together by our club. It basically is just some random clips at one of our most recent meet ups. In it we gave a lot of walking lessons, and did some light bouncing around.

If you happen to be in Georgia and have wanted to get a free walking lesson and a chance to try out. Do not forget that it's available through XD Bockers

We plan on releasing more videos throughout the season as the weather continues to stay nice. Keep an eye out here for any release!