Eleveight Donkey Stick QR V1 | Kite Bar Safety System Spare Part

A small part that does an important job. The Eleveight Donkey Stick QR V1 is the plastic safety locking bar that slots through your harness hook to prevent the chicken loop detaching while you're riding. Designed for the CS Vary Bar V2, V3 and V4 — the V1-generation Eleveight bars. Browse all kite bar spare parts and kitesurfing gear at Northern Watersports.

What Is a Donkey Stick?

The donkey stick (also called a chicken loop safety bar or safety finger) slides through the open section of your kite hook once the chicken loop is hooked in. It creates a physical barrier that prevents the loop from riding up and off the hook accidentally during hard riding, crashes or gybes. On any modern bar, it should be in place before you enter the water.

Who It's For

Eleveight riders with a CS Vary Bar V2, V3 or V4 who have lost, snapped or worn out the donkey stick. This is the V1 system part — not compatible with the newer CS Vary Bar Plus or CS Auto Bar, which use the QR V2 donkey stick. Check your bar version before ordering.

Key Features

• Hard Plastic Locking Bar — rigid construction that won't compress or flex under load
• Slimline Profile — slots through the harness hook cleanly without adding bulk
• Genuine Eleveight Spare — correct OEM fit for V1-system bars (CS Vary Bar V2/V3/V4)
• Revised Version — updated V1 replacement incorporating minor improvements over the original
• Compatible With: CS Vary Bar V2, CS Vary Bar V3, CS Vary Bar V4

Real-World Feel

Functionally invisible when working correctly — it sits on the hook, you don't feel it. Check before every session that it's centred and hasn't worked itself loose after a crash. If you've cracked or lost the original, don't improvise with cable ties or substitutes — ride with a worn or missing donkey stick only until the genuine replacement arrives.

Setup / Fit

Hook the chicken loop onto your harness hook, then slide the donkey stick through the open section of the hook. It should sit across the hook opening, perpendicular to the line pull direction. Centre it before dropping into the water. One size — designed for the Eleveight V1 QR chicken loop geometry.

Pairs Well With

• Eleveight Leader Line Set Complete — while you're doing maintenance, check and replace leader lines at the same time
• Kite bar accessories — full kitesurfing spare parts range at Northern Watersports

Why We Stock It

It's a £12 part that keeps you safely connected to your bar. We stock genuine Eleveight spares because substituting non-original parts in a safety system isn't a risk worth taking. If you're unsure whether you need the V1 or V2 donkey stick, check your bar model or ask us before ordering.

FAQs

What does a donkey stick do on a kite bar?

The donkey stick slides through the harness hook once the chicken loop is engaged. It acts as a physical lock, preventing the chicken loop from accidentally detaching from the hook during hard riding, crashes or gybes.

What's the difference between the Eleveight Donkey Stick V1 and V2?

The V1 fits older CS Vary Bar V2/V3/V4 models. The V2 fits newer CS Vary Bar Plus V4/V5 and CS Auto Bar V1. The physical geometry differs between generations — they are not interchangeable.

How do I know if I have a V1 or V2 Eleveight system?

Check the model name on your bar or its original documentation. CS Vary Bar V2/V3/V4 use the V1 QR system. CS Vary Bar Plus V4/V5 and CS Auto Bar V1 use the V2 QR system.

Can I ride without a donkey stick?

Technically possible but not recommended. Without it, the chicken loop can ride up the hook and unhook unexpectedly — particularly during crashes or hard gybes. Replace before your next session.

Is the donkey stick a regular wear item?

It's not high-wear, but inspect regularly for cracking, splitting or looseness in the hook. Replace if it doesn't seat snugly — given the cost, don't hesitate to replace it proactively.

Sources: eleveight.world spare parts catalogue (QR V1 Donkey Stick page), Kite Forum bar safety discussions, Surfer Today kite bar anatomy guide.