Footstraps? There is a better way.

[Slidewinder]

When I purchased my Model D fifteen years ago I made several improvements to it. One of those was to get rid of the footstraps and replace them with a mechanical foot hold-down. It self-adjusts to any foot size, is operated by one hand, can never loosen during use, and is disengaged with a quick release. Here is a 30 second video demonstration of it. I built only the one shown. Although I could have patented it, I didn't, so if anyone here wants to make one for their own use, or a thousand to sell, go ahead. [youtube]https://youtu.be/kjRoVdtdeIE[/youtube]

[Sakly]

It looks really nice and solid, easy to use. Good job

Straps are good to go for me, never loosened up during use, never faced any problem with them. So I'll use them further on

[Dangerscouse]

I rarely use footstraps, but when I do I've never had an issue with them. Maybe once or twice they've been a bit too loose when I used gym ergs, but never anything to really worry about.

[LtMandella]

I stopped using footstraps when I learned how much better the ab workout is without using the footstraps.

But since you didn't patent yours, maybe I will

[Slidewinder]

CrossFit expressed an interest in it, because they do circuit training, moving rapidly from station to station. This device eliminates any time fiddling with straps, but they went with another method on their new rowing ergometer, probably for cost reasons.

[Ombrax]

What is this "footstrap" device you speak of? ; )

[Carl Watts]

"Double Tuck" the foot straps they never come loose.

I just leave my slip on shoes strapped in and slide into those.

No need to try and re invent the wheel.

[JaapvanE]

Never used the footstraps, I hate being strapped in. I even tucked them away.

[Slidewinder]

I rarely use footstraps...

That's fine. I built the device for my own use. All of the interest I have received in it has been unsolicited (including the inquiry from CrossFit). To the many questions, "Do you sell them?" "Could you make one for me?" I have always replied, no, and no. I have had other things I wanted to do than manufacture and market it. Those who have inquired recognize its superior functionality over straps. I also think it is aesthetically more pleasing than dangling straps. For weight considerations straps make sense in a racing shell, but not on an exercise machine. Straps are used on rowing ergometers because of cost, nothing more. I intend to install a similar iteration in the wherry I just completed. For that craft the bit of added weight is inconsequential, and I like the one-hand quick release in case I unexpectedly go for a dip.

[Sakly]

CrossFit expressed an interest in it, because they do circuit training, moving rapidly from station to station. This device eliminates any time fiddling with straps, but they went with another method on their new rowing ergometer, probably for cost reasons.

For Crossfit, Hyrox, relay team events it is a good invention, even more when there would be an easy solution to adjust foot height with the same speed. Typically the machines are used by several different people, so adjusting of height and strapping in would save time, but give a better position for each individual rower.
Not strapping in at all, as written by many, is no option for them, as typically go for hard and short pieces, not low rate steady states.
For the individual rower at home, both aspects are very non-existent from my point of view. Height is always the same (except for hard short sprints for many) and for me it takes ca. 3s to strap in and strap out. Sure, your device would make that faster, but talking about 3s time isn't really a thing in single use outside from a circuit or team event on the same machine.

[Slidewinder]

CrossFit expressed an interest in it, because they do circuit training, moving rapidly from station to station. This device eliminates any time fiddling with straps, but they went with another method on their new rowing ergometer, probably for cost reasons.

For the individual rower at home... 3s to strap in and strap out... isn't really a thing in single use outside from a circuit or team event on the same machine.

When I designed and built this device I wasn't thinking about time saved strapping in and out. It was the e-mail from the CEO of CrossFit that made me aware of this advantage in circuit training/relay team events. I just wanted a more elegant solution than straps: One hand operation; self-adjusting to different size feet; both feet secured and released simultaneously... These features add a greater sense of quality to the machine, and thereby enhance the user's experience. Judging by the number of inquiries I have received, others also understand and appreciate these things.