Q:  I recently saw an aftermarket adaptation of your aluminum spread bar that permitted a quicker release.  Why doesn't Häst offer this?

A:  Good question!  We looked at this option a number of years ago and give this a lot of consideration.  In the end, we decided not to offer this for the following three reasons:

1)  Cost.  This option, as it is offered elsewhere, costs more than the entire Becker Sling.  For most agencies, it simply may not be affordable.

2)  Ratings.  The spread bar, as it has been specified, will sustain a load of over 21,000 pounds before failure.  The aftermarket option has parts on it that do not come close to this rating.  In addition, when aluminum is welded, the base material looses strength, either some or a lot depending upon the base alloy.  To our knowledge, the spread bar that has undergone modifications has not been tested to failure for an engineered rating.

3)  Safety.  While it is true that our support system, with the rapid release shackles, cannot be taken apart while under load, we feel that this is a fail safe feature.  As long as the system is loaded, it cannot be released.  This avoids any possibility of premature or unintentional release of the animal until its feet are on solid ground.

As we mentioned, we thought about this feature quite a bit.  And although we acknowledge that the modified system may be "convenient", we feel that it is not a requirement for a safe and effective rescue.

Q:  We are a 501c3 non profit organization.  Can you offer us a discounted price?

A:  As much as we would like to make our products more affordable for organizations, the truth is that, after our costs on materials, we make only a modest amount on the labour that goes in to the sling, with really no additional funds available that might be considered profit.  For example, the shackles are purchased, but they require drilling to be used in our system.  Because the steel is extremely hard, we purchase special fluted carbide bits, at $20 apiece, to perform this operation.  Even with a cooling/lubricating fluid drenching the work, we get only a limited number of holes drilled until the bit simply wears out.  The same goes for the other specialty tools and sewing machines that are used to make the system.  And some items, like the Rubbermaid container, are offered with absolutely no markup.  And we still have to pay shipping and sometimes sales tax on the incoming components.  Rest assured, our prices are a low as we can afford to make them and still stay in business!