annual buyers’ guide - amazon web...

AnnuAl Buyers’ GuideIf you’re reading these words, chances are you’re a roper. If you’re still reading these words, chances are you want to get better. Every year, our team at Spin To Win Rodeo gathers together the latest and greatest—as well as the time-honored and proven—supplies to help you improve your game. Whether you’re a header or a heeler, looking for a new rope, a better dummy or a video to watch, this guide will help you get your arms around what’s out there and what you should consider. When you get that right rope and spend a little time practicing, you’ll be ready to hit the arena in stride and, as we like to say, spin to win.

Fast Back’s newest release, the redline, is also its best seller, and is the rope of choice for two-time world champion Patrick Smith, as well as NFR heelers Dakota Kirchenschlager and Dugan Kelly. This bright red rope is forgiving, consistent and durable, while its four strands and special blend help it hold up under pressure and heat.

“It has enough body and grip that it won’t run on the saddle horn, and when it comes tight, it stays closed and doesn’t open back up to let you slip a leg,” says rope-maker Al Benson.

On the other end, Fast Back’s most popular head rope, the Mach iii, has been a best-seller for more than 10 years. The three-strand, 100-percent nylon rope is used by greats like Speed Williams, Clay Tryan, Keven Daniel and Brady Tryan. Most users believe the Mach III gives you the most feel and control over your rope for your money.

Redline Heel Rope: $43 to $46, Mach III Head Rope: $34 to $39

fastbackropes.com, (800) 479-1851

FAsT BACK rOPes

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Special Advertising Section

By Julie Mankin*Prices subject to change

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Just as Patrick Smith nearly won a third gold buckle this December, he released his first instructional video. Called Driven, the DVD offers entertainment and information all rolled into one, including 80-plus rodeo runs and interviews with Patrick’s family and friends, as well as detailed instruction for heelers.

“It was time for a new roping video,” explains Smith. “Technology has advanced so much and this video features angles and camera shots that have not been seen before.”

The video offers a segment addressing mental preparation and how Smith

personally deals with pressure, as well as some candid remarks about the ups and downs of his rodeo journey.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a long, long time,” he says. “I wanted to offer ropers something that hasn’t been done before. We really tried to think outside the box while creating this DVD, and I’m very proud of it.”

Driven is available at your local Western store, including Teskey’s Saddle Shop and NRS. You can also order through Smith.

Driven: $59.95

patricksmithroping.com, (325) 669-0011

driVen

Walt Woodard has always been a fan of roping dummies. In fact, his dad built his first sled out of an old hot-water heater. Up until now, however, he always felt there were two things missing.

“I believe headers need to be reminded to stay wider and not get in behind steers; plus they need to practice seeing the steer’s neck bend to set up the correct handle,” says Woodard.

That’s why Walt and company designed the Time Machine so that the neck bends to the left before the horns collapse to release your rope. You only get your rope back if you were in the correct position.

And the other thing? The Time Machine has front legs like a steer, so if a heeler tries to throw out of time, he or she will miss.

“We believe you shouldn’t be rewarded with a catch if you throw when the hind legs are forward,” says Woodard. “It doesn’t work on a steer and it won’t work on the Time Machine.”

Most agree that timing is the most important aspect of heeling. If you’ve never been sure if you’re in time, the Time Machine will tell you.

Time Machine: $3,200

timemachineteamroping.com, (855) 277-7673

TiMe MACHine

AnnuAl Buyers’ Guide

If there’s one company in America with more old-school cool than any other cowboy retailer, it’s King Ropes (recently featured on the Discovery Channel). Visit the picturesque King family ranch outside Sheridan, Wyo., in springtime and you’ll likely glimpse dozens of fresh ropes stretched out in the sun.

“Part of what makes our ropes so popular is our curing and aging process,” said Danny Morales, who’s worked at King Ropes nearly 34 years. “Heat from that sun helps set the wax into the rope, so the hondo always stays straight. Plus, they break in a lot quicker with less runs.”

New this year are Kings’ 3/8 scant “light” head and heel ropes, available in a blue-green or red color. It’s their answer to the market trend toward smaller and smaller ropes. But don’t worry about the King brand coming out with any fancy rope names—you still just ask for a King in a nylon or blend, three or four strands.

And don’t forget to get a cap. The wildly popular King Ropes hats are spotted everywhere from Brazil to Australia, where Kings commonly ship their home-tied 40- and 60-foot ranch ropes.

Head Ropes: $29 to $37, Heel Ropes: $35 to $42

kingropes.com, (800) 443-8919

KinG rOPes


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Heel-O-MATiCWith 16 years’ development and expertise behind it, the patented hop of Heel-O-Matic’s ground-driven trainer makes it one of the most sought-after practice aids in team roping. According to general manager Chip Bruegman, the realistic hop is what sells it.

Just as that motion mimics a steer in tow, Heel-O-Matic has also recently introduced a revolutionary dummy that closely resembles a calf at a dead run. Designed with roping kingpin Joe Beaver, the nex Calf roping dummy compares to The Bones with the added bonus of a visual target to look at as you deliver your rope.

“We’ve been working with Joe for years to make the perfect calf roping dummy,” said Bruegman. “It has a long neck that ensures you’ll practice roping the neck like Joe teaches, which will make your curl kick back up like you want. The angle of the head makes you keep your tip down and it’s got a hide-like material that won’t let your rope slide.”

Beaver has been roping bales of hay and various dummies for 25 years, and says this is hands-down the best dummy on the market.

Ground-Driven Trainer: $3,095

Nex Calf Roping Dummy: $350

heelomatic.com, (888) 433-5464

It’s no surprise the home page of BobFeistInvitational.com features Cesar de la Cruz pulling off a perfect shot with his neon green nitro from Cactus. Sales of the rope have gone crazy since de la Cruz helped develop it over a year ago, and the seven-time NFR heeler enjoyed his best season since 2007 using it.

“It’s become our top-selling heel rope, and the head rope’s not far behind,” said Cactus rope-maker Barry Berg. “We started designing the Nitro as a heel rope only, but began testing a head-rope version for Matt Sherwood. Matt won the world twice using our Mini Mag, but was curious about a slightly larger-diameter rope. Now, the Nitro is his favorite.”

It’s hard to find more body in a smaller, faster package. The secret is in the special nylon blended into the Nitro’s body. The smaller diameter makes it light and snappy, but the rope maintains massive tip weight as you swing and keeps its shape.

Cactus has offered some of the industry’s best ropes throughout the past 20 years, including the Xplosion (from the Relentless line) favored by defending world champion header Chad Masters, who incidentally also used a Cactus rope to win his 2007 championship.

Nitro Head Rope: $36 to $42

Nitro Heel Rope: $39 to $45

cactusropes.com, (800) 774-6946

CACTus rOPes

Back in 1982, The Rope Shop started as Rocky Mountain Ropes in a garage in Idaho Falls. Since then, owners Steve and Allison Geisler have built the shop into one of the largest sources of cowboy ropes in the industry, thanks in part to acquisitions of Gator Ropes in 1999 and Magnum Ropes in 2003.

Originally a wholesale manufacturer for nearly 30 years, The Rope Shop now offers its products (everything from dummies to horn knots to ropebags) directly to the public. In addition to Gator and Ropervision products, you can order ropes by Magnum and Rocky Mountain, plus the Eclipse.

Gator’s four-strand Gripper came out last year and offers a strand of poly and three strands of nylon, giving it great balance and stopping power on the horn. The even newer four-strand Gator Annihilator added a strand of poly, and the weight makes it a great-feeling head rope in an 11/32 super scant or 3/8 scant—and 33 feet long.

you can also custom-build your own personal rope. You choose the size, length, material, number of strands, color, lay, kick and even the eye position. Not only will The Rope Shop build it, but they’ll put your name on the tail.

Three-Strand Ropes: $30, Four-Strand Ropes: $36

theropeshoponline.com, (800) 447-6259

THe rOPe sHOP

Special Advertising SectionAnnuAl Buyers’ Guide

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It’s rare in this industry for a new rope to dominate sales for this long, but the spyder hasn’t had a bit of trouble since it was used to win five of the 10 rounds at the 2010 NFR.

Classic’s patented five-strand rope was the latest result of the company’s Coretech technology. It twists five strands around an oversized core to deliver snap as well as tip weight. The rope is small but powerful, and favored by guys like Cory Petska and Luke Brown.

“Our core helps stabilize the rope and give it a lot more balance and rebound, making it really easy to use.” says production manager Craig Bray.

In business now since 1986, Classic is the king of brand loyalty, as a huge chunk of today’s amateurs and pros swing a Classic or Rattler rope. That’s proven in the continued wild popularity of The Heat, introduced in 2009, plus old favorites the Powerline Lite and Rattler’s GT4.

“People know they can always come back to a Classic rope because it consistently performs well,” says Bray. “We put a lot of pride in the quality of our product.”

Four- and Five-Strand Ropes: $39 to $46

classicrope.com, (800) 654-7864

ClAssiC rOPes

Each night during the 2012 NFR, you may have noticed that world champ Patrick Smith was calling for time using a “better” dally wrap than inner-tube rubber. The BetterDally Wrap company was founded in 2009 and has since come up with a product that outlasts inner tube rubber, holds better in all conditions, and doesn’t ruin ropes and jeans.

The strips come in red or black and have been lasting ropers up to a year. In the fall of 2012, BetterDally also revamped its design. Now, instead of a package containing a swell wrap, main body wrap

and Double-Lock wear strip, you get three Double-Lock wear strips in a system that’s easier to install and interchange. Plus, the swell wrap lays flatter and tighter to your swells, eliminating twisting or puckering.

Also, the company has moved from Washington to the heart of rodeo country—Texas—and now offers a fresh website and detailed new installation video. Need another great bonus? You’ll love the extra longevity in your ropes when they don’t burn.

BetterDally Wrap: $34 (including shipping)

dallywrap.com, (800) 299-8437

BETTERDALLY WRAP

Hot Heels has always been a trail blazer in the market for realistic and reliable roping dummies. It has the patent on its ground-driven hop and realistic stride, as well as on its fold-back release horns. Hot Heels also came up with moveable runners that have since been copied by similar dummies.

One thing that has not been copied, however, is the durability of the product. Hot Heels is the only dummy with a four-year warranty, because it’s a product that typically lasts for decades.

The machine can be set up to start a beginner or challenge a pro, and now the Crossfire, introduced just last spring, features an extra timing function that makes it impossible to rope out of time. While other dummies are easy to catch and fun to rope, Hot Heels believes practice should be tough so you can better prepare for live steers.

Sales of Hot Heels have increased every year for 11 years. Customer satisfaction, in fact, does most of their advertising for them.

Crossfire: $3,095, Original Hot Heels: $2,895

ropehotheels.com, (712) 947-4198

HOT Heels

Special Advertising SectionAnnuAl Buyers’ Guide

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It’s rare in this industry for a new rope to dominate sales for this long, but the Spyder hasn’t had a bit of trouble since it was used to win fi ve of the 10 rounds at the 2010 NFR.

Classic’s patented fi ve-strand rope was the latest result of the company’s Coretech technology. It twists fi ve strands around an oversized core to deliver snap as well as ti p weight. The rope is small but powerful, and favored by guys like Cory Petska and Luke Brown.

“Our core helps stabilize the rope and give it a lot more balance and rebound, making it really easy to use.” says producti on manager Craig Bray.

In business now since 1986, Classic is the king of brand loyalty, as a huge chunk of today’s amateurs and pros swing a Classic or Ratt ler rope. That’s proven in the conti nued wild popularity of The Heat, introduced in 2009, plus old favorites the Powerline Lite and Ratt ler’s GT4.

“People know they can always come back to a Classic rope because it consistently performs well,” says Bray. “We put a lot of pride in the quality of our product.”

Four- and Five-Strand Ropes: $39 to $46

classicrope.com, (800) 654-7864

CLASSIC ROPES

Each night during the 2012 NFR, you may have noti ced that world champ Patrick Smith was calling for ti me using a “bett er” dally wrap than inner-tube rubber. The Bett erDally Wrap company was founded in 2009 and has since come up with a product that outlasts inner tube rubber, holds bett er in all conditi ons, and doesn’t ruin ropes and jeans.

The strips come in red or black and have been lasti ng ropers up to a year. In the fall of 2012, Bett erDally also revamped its design. Now, instead of a package containing a swell wrap, main body wrap

and Double-Lock wear strip, you get three Double-Lock wear strips in a system that’s easier to install and interchange. Plus, the swell wrap lays fl att er and ti ghter to your swells, eliminati ng twisti ng or puckering.

Also, the company has moved from Washington to the heart of rodeo country—Texas—and now off ers a fresh website and detailed new installati on video. Need another great bonus? You’ll love the extra longevity in your ropes when they don’t burn.

Bett erDally Wrap: $34 (including shipping)

dallywrap.com, (800) 299-8437

BETTERDALLY WRAP

SWR’S ANNUAL BUYERS’ GUIDE

Hot Heels has always been a trail blazer in the market for realisti c and reliable roping dummies. It has the patent on its ground-driven hop and realisti c stride, as well as on its fold-back release horns. Hot Heels also came up with moveable runners that have since been copied by similar dummies.

One thing that has not been copied, however, is the durability of the product. Hot Heels is the only dummy with a four-year warranty, because it’s a product that typically lasts for decades.

The machine can be set up to start a beginner or challenge a pro, and now the Crossfi re, introduced just last spring, features an extra ti ming functi on that makes it impossible to rope out of ti me. While other dummies are easy to catch and fun to rope, Hot Heels believes practi ce should be tough so you can bett er prepare for live steers.

Sales of Hot Heels have increased every year for 11 years. Customer sati sfacti on, in fact, does most of their adverti sing for them.

Crossfi re: $3,095, Original Hot Heels: $2,895

ropehotheels.com, (712) 947-4198

HOT HEELS

Special Adverti sing Secti on

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ALONG CAME A SPYDR

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Founded almost 30 years ago, Rope-O-Matic is the home of Buford—“The Smartest Dummy in the World”—and the Jakesteer, used and endorsed by world champion Jake Barnes.

Buford is the only mechanical roping dummy that you can practice on by yourself. That means no waiting around for a partner who may not have the same commitment to practicing that you have.

It benefits both headers and heelers, and offers both an automatic-shut-off and a speed control. That means you can adjust your practice pace to what works best for you and increase the speed as you progress.

The Jakesteer is the portable heading dummy that you can throw in the back of your pickup or in your trailer for those quick warm-up shots you need before the competition begins. Jake Barnes says it’s the best dummy on the market.

Now owned by the Unruh Families of western Kansas, the same high quality of workmanship and service goes into each and every Buford and Jakesteer that avid ropers have come to expect.

Buford: $4,750, Jakesteer: $375

rope-o-matic.com, 800-828-3895

rOPe-O-MATiC

Dennis Willard started tying his own ropes as a teenager, from coils he bought at a local hardware store. More than 30 years later, Willard Ropes is still owned and operated by Dennis and Jeanie and their two kids out of Rockdale, Texas.

Today, they ship ropes all over the world. They also offer a complete line of other team and calf roping supplies. You can choose from any of six different team ropes in three or four strands, in an array of highly visible colors and sizes that include 3/8 ultralite, 3/8 scant, 3/8 true, or 7/16 scant. Willard also offers five different calf ropes to choose from: the original three-strand poly, the four-strand poly, the syngrass or the polygrass. Willard’s newest calf rope is the X-Calibur, made of 100 percent polyester so it doesn’t change with weather conditions and has very little stretch.

The company also calls its piggin’ string the best on the market today. In fact, the Black Tail Speedster is used and endorsed by several top PRCA ropers, including Adam Gray, winner of the 2012 NFR average.

Team Ropes: $31 to $32, Calf Ropes: $34 to $40, Piggin Strings: $13 to $14

willardropes.com, 800-827-7613

WILLARD ROPES

Today, we’re all about added features. Does the car have DVD and navigation? Does the iPhone have a share widget? That’s why it was tough for Allen Bach to build a roping machine that doesn’t hop. But at the risk of appearing to take a step backward, he had to go with his conscience on what would most help customers.

As an early roping-machine developer, Bach helped create a hop that mimicked a real steer. Over time, he and other top ropers noticed the hopping motion was actually causing inconsistencies in people’s mechanics. Basically, they turned the machines off or disconnected the belt and practiced with the legs in a stationary position.

Instead of making a complicated product to rope, he designed a tool to help ropers with perfect fundamentals. His four gold buckles have a way of proving that if you practice correctly, it’ll carry over into your performance.

And that’s not to say smarty doesn’t have essential special features, like a realistic corner you can ride as a heeler and a lift-off body you can rope on the ground. What’s more, it can be easily broken down to take with you.

Smarty: $2,150

smartroping.com, 888-908-9047

sMArTy


SWr

AnnuAl Buyers’ Guide

March 2013 spintowinrodeo.com 77

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Founded almost 30 years ago, Rope-O-Mati c is the home of Buford—“The Smartest Dummy in the World”—and the Jakesteer, used and endorsed by world champion Jake Barnes.

Buford is the only mechanical roping dummy that you can practi ce on by yourself. That means no waiti ng around for a partner who may not have the same commitment to practi cing that you have.

It benefi ts both headers and heelers, and off ers both an automati c-shut-off and a speed control. That means you can adjust your practi ce pace to what works best for you and increase the speed as you progress.

The Jakesteer is the portable heading dummy that you can throw in the back of your pickup or in your trailer for those quick warm-up shots you need before the competi ti on begins. Jake Barnes says it’s the best dummy on the market.

Now owned by the Unruh Families of western Kansas, the same high quality of workmanship and service goes into each and every Buford and Jakesteer that avid ropers have come to expect.

Buford: $4,750, Jakesteer: $375

rope-o-mati c.com, 800-828-3895

ROPE-O-MATIC

Dennis Willard started tying his own ropes as a teenager, from coils he bought at a local hardware store. More than 30 years later, Willard Ropes is sti ll owned and operated by Dennis and Jeanie and their two kids out of Rockdale, Texas.

Today, they ship ropes all over the world. They also off er a complete line of other team and calf roping supplies. You can choose from any of six diff erent team ropes in three or four strands, in an array of highly visible colors and sizes that include 3/8 ultralite, 3/8 scant, 3/8 true, or 7/16 scant. Willard also off ers fi ve diff erent calf ropes to choose from: the original three-strand poly, the four-strand poly, the syngrass or the polygrass. Willard’s newest calf rope is the X-Calibur, made of 100 percent polyester so it doesn’t change with weather conditi ons and has very litt le stretch.

The company also calls its piggin’ string the best on the market today. In fact, the Black Tail Speedster is used and endorsed by several top PRCA ropers, including Adam Gray, winner of the 2012 NFR average.

Team Ropes: $31 to $32, Calf Ropes: $34 to $40, Piggin Strings: $13 to $14

willardropes.com, 800-827-7613

WILLARD ROPES

SWR’S ANNUAL BUYERS’ GUIDE

Today, we’re all about added features. Does the car have DVD and navigati on? Does the iPhone have a share widget? That’s why it was tough for Allen Bach to build a roping machine that doesn’t hop. But at the risk of appearing to take a step backward, he had to go with his conscience on what would most help customers.

As an early roping-machine developer, Bach helped create a hop that mimicked a real steer. Over ti me, he and other top ropers noti ced the hopping moti on was actually causing inconsistencies in people’s mechanics. Basically, they turned the machines off or disconnected the belt and practi ced with the legs in a stati onary positi on.

Instead of making a complicated product to rope, he designed a tool to help ropers with perfect fundamentals. His four gold buckles have a way of proving that if you practi ce correctly, it’ll carry over into your performance.

And that’s not to say Smarty doesn’t have essenti al special features, like a realisti c corner you can ride as a heeler and a lift -off body you can rope on the ground. What’s more, it can be easily broken down to take with you.

Smarty: $2,150

smartroping.com, 888-908-9047

SMARTY

rope, he designed a tool to help ropers with perfect fundamentals. His four gold buckles have a way of proving that if you practi ce

doesn’t

it can be easily broken down to take

Special Adverti sing Secti on

swr

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Call and place your order today.

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800-447-6259photo by Will Brewster

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