Bocking Velocity Stilts Bionic Man
Welcome back!
You can now leap up to 6 feet, run lightening speeds up to 23 MPH with ease and take 9-foot strides like Steve Austin’s Six Million Dollar Bionic Man with recent aerospace employed technology using Velocity Stilts for a new sport coined as ‘Bocking’ or ‘Powerbocking.’
Photo Powerizer
Each boot consists of a foot pad with snowboard type bindings, foot-plate and a fiberglass leaf spring. Using only their weight and few movements, users are able to jump, run, and take unusually long strides.
The downward force of your steps as you walk springs your feet up in the air to take the next step. Stilt wearers say you have to keep moving, as it’s too difficult to balance standing still.
For some, Powerbocking is an extreme sport, while for others it’s a form of exercise and even a means of artistic expression.
Known by various names — Powerizers, Powerskips, Flyjumpers, 7 League Boots, SkyRunner, Velocity Stilts, and Pro-Jumps — the original name ‘PowerBocks’ is derived from inventor Alexander Boeck’s name, of Germany. Some companies market them for recreation, others as fitness gadgets.
Claims have been made that Velocity Stilts have been considered for military applications, and that the US Air Force has been performing tests and studies.
We suggest ample protection — helmets, elbow pads, knee and wrist guards — as an intelligent idea.
Velocity Stilts Freestyle-Jumping
Jumping Stilts Guinness World Record-July 4th, 2007
Man sets Guinness World Record for most backflips in 1 minute, performing
20 backflips in 20 seconds at John Carroll University, Cleveland, Ohio.
Bocking, Powerbocking
Source: Wikipedia
Copyright 2007 Life in the Fast Lane
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oh no Deborah!!!
I hope my son doesn’t find out about these…..they look so much more dangerous than the ‘toys’ out here…I think crash helmets and protective gear would be a must !!!
The orthapedic surgeons and doctors just love these type of things. Radical skateboarding and biking have been a major source of income for the bone doctors. While it might be great fun and “cool” to do flips, 920’s, and other radical moves, it also is regrettable if you walk with a limp or have pains every morning for the rest of your life. Then again,…..I’m an avid skier. What do I know?
I won’t be surprise if this sport make it as an official event in future Olympic games!
Imagine Power Bocking dash, hurdling, relay, Bocking jumps, so many possibilities! It will make great spectator sports.
Safety gear is a definite must Kim! It certainly appears trecherous to me if you’re not careful.
I wouldn’t doubt that the specialists and doctors rake in $$ over radical sports as you say Nitropuppy. This sport would certainly be a good candidate
Funny that you mention the Olypics Cheewee. There is a handicapped athlete that has appealed to be able to run. He uses a device very much like this, and there have been objections that he’s actually at an advantage over those that have legs to run with. But it could make for a very interesting sport to watch!
If the hadicapped athlete (or any other athlete) was using a device even remotely similar to these ‘powerizers’, it seems they would have a definite adavatage. I’m sure the people in the videos have practiced before being filmed, but it looks so easy! i want some, just so i can go running down the street and watch people freak out while i’m bounding past them.
Oh SNAP – these look like a LOT OF FUN! You think Walmart carries these? LOL
Ok, who knows where to get those things cheap? I’m sure that Walmart will sell them at some point but I think I can not wait.
They sure look great..and are they any more harmful than driving a car – and do you wear helmets for that? By the way the disabled athlete ( please don’t use the word “handicapped”) would probably have to prove they give him/her no advantage before entering the race.
All inventions seems to alarm or frighten people at first – think of the first motor vehicles, and even cameras – bit in 20 years time we could alll be wearing them, or powered mini-versions, in shoes.
Gorilla, there had already been some tests run on the disabled man that was using the device in relation to his stride length, which proved no disadvantage. There was a disadvantage when he first takes off, but he begins to gain speed, which is why there has been contention for being accepted into the 2008 Olympics.
Hehe, well there had been some that said it takes about 10 minutes of practice to get balance, but to do as they have in these videos would take considerably more time.
No Andreas, they’re not in Wallmart yet as far as I know. But if they become more mainstream, don’t be surprised if they do
Peter, I did a quick search, and there are quite a number of places … Pro-Jump.Co.UK advertises them for 115 pounds, and Powerizerz.com retails them for $320 to $530. I would do an online search and try to compare price versus quality, and whther they’re available in your country or if you have to import them, as the latter will increase their cost. I would also consider what their warrantees provide.
Ron, with a car, you have the metal shell of the vehicle for protection. I definitely wouldn’t do this without a helmet and safety gear. You make a good point about fears over new products. It may not be any more hazardous than skateboard stunting for that matter.
Hi, here is my vidéo what do you think?
I just completly love this new sport !!!
It’s actually a pretty cool video
It’s true you can run way faster and being able to jump high. It’s hard to believe, but I agree with the article in that pads should be work at all times. Despite how easy it is to learn how to use the spring stilts, I have taken a few hard spills, but with pads you can brush it off and get back up. They are currently only sold through dealers and stores like Walmart are a long way away from having these.