What is this sport called?
Since there are a number of brand name products on the market,
there is a move afoot to call this sport Bocking or PowerBocking, after
the German inventor of the device -- Alexander Bock. (see .pdf of patent)
Are they dangerous to use?
Yes and no. All sports are dangerous if you do something stupid. If
you use the product properly, practice with it a lot, and aways wear proper safety
equipment you should be fine.
I've heard of something called "Kangaroo Shoes". Is
this the same thing?
No. Kangaroo shoes are something entirely
differently. Instead of one vertical leaf spring, they have two horizontal leaf
springs mounted to the bottom of a shoe. If you are looking for Kangoo Jumps (aka
"kangaroo shoes"), you can find them here.
What is the difference between Powerisers, Powerskips and Velocity
Stilts?
Powerskip is the original product that was developed in
Germany by Alexander Bock. Powerisers are a Korean copy of his invention.
Velocity-Stilts are a high-performance professional-grade version of the product.
Which type should I buy?
There are a number of factors to
consider including how experienced you are, how much you want to spend, and to some extent
where you live.
What model would be best for my weight?
Model 7090 - for users that are 160-230lbs (70-90 kg)
Model 5070 - for users that are 130-160lbs (50-70 kg)
Model 3050 - for users that are 70-130lbs (30-70 kg)
But there are other factors that need to be considered when deciding which model is best
for you. If you are near the top of a weight range, you are more likely to bottom
out the springs when jumping, but you will probably lose some weight over time if you jump
on a regular basis. If you are near the bottom of your weight range, the springs
will be hard to compress initially but will soften a little over time - and you can also
swap out the original bushings and replace them with Lee's replacement bearings which
will allow the springs to flex more easily. (Availability may be limited.)
How old do you need to be to use them?
Assuming you are in reasonably good shape, there is no age
limitation. Your physical condition and weight will be more a determining factor
than your age -- although, it does help to be 16 years old in your head.
Where can I buy them?
A number of sources can be found via our Get High link.
How much do they cost?
$350 to $1,500 -- depending on which type you purchase new.
Used pairs can be often found for less through private sales.
Does it hurt when you fall?
Sometimes. It all depends on how you fall and what
you are doing at the time. If you are simply jumping up and down when you fall, it
probably won't be too bad. If you are running flat out and you trip, you can loose a
lot of skin. And if you are attempting a flip and you land on your head, you can
wind up in a wheelchair for life - no joke. Practice, wearing proper safety
equipment and, again, not doing anything
stupid
will help you avoid injury.
How long does it take to learn how to use them?
Some people strap them on and are jumping that first day.
Others need to practice their balance by walking in them for a few days and work
their way up to jumping. Practice and you will learn. Don't be in a hurry, and
you will learn it better.