Eleveight Donkey Stick QR V2 | Kite Bar Safety System Spare Part

The current-generation Eleveight safety locking bar for the Quick-Matic V2 system. The Donkey Stick QR V2 slots through your harness hook to prevent the chicken loop from accidentally disengaging while you're riding — a small part with a job you really don't want it to fail at. Designed for the CS Vary Bar Plus V4/V5 and CS Auto Bar V1. Browse all Eleveight kite bar spare parts and kitesurfing gear at Northern Watersports.

What Is a Donkey Stick?

The donkey stick is a hard plastic locking bar that slides through the open section of your kite hook once the chicken loop is hooked in. It creates a physical barrier so the chicken loop can't ride up and off the hook mid-session. Standard safety practice is to slot it in before every water entry and check it's centred after every significant crash or gybe.

Who It's For

Eleveight riders on a CS Vary Bar Plus V4/V5 or CS Auto Bar V1 who need to replace a lost, cracked or worn donkey stick. The V2 design has been updated versus the V1 — the fitting geometry matches the newer QR V2 chicken loop, not the older CS Vary Bar V2/V3/V4. If you're on an older bar, see the Donkey Stick QR V1 instead.

Key Features

• Updated V2 Design — improved geometry over V1, matched to the Quick-Matic V2 chicken loop dimensions
• Hard Plastic Construction — rigid under load, won't compress or flex in the hook
• Genuine Eleveight Spare — correct OEM fit for V2-system bars
• Compatible With: CS Vary Bar Plus V4, CS Vary Bar Plus V5, CS Auto Bar V1

Real-World Feel

When fitted correctly you don't notice it — which means it's doing its job. The V2 geometry seats more securely than the V1 design in the updated chicken loop. Slot it in, centre it, check it after every fall. Replace if you see cracks or if it won't seat snugly through the hook. At £19 it's the cheapest insurance in kitesurfing.

Setup / Fit

Hook the chicken loop onto your harness hook, then slide the donkey stick through the hook's open section from one side. Sit it perpendicular to the line pull direction, centred across the hook opening. Check it's in position before entering the water. One size — specific to Eleveight QR V2 geometry.

Pairs Well With

• Eleveight QR V2 Cuff — replace both parts together for a full QR V2 system service
• Eleveight Leader Line Set Complete — full bar refresh with all consumable parts in one order

Why We Stock It

Genuine parts for safety-critical systems. The donkey stick is cheap enough that there's no reason to ride without one — and no reason to improvise with non-OEM alternatives. If you're not sure whether you need the V1 or V2 version, contact us with your bar model number before ordering.

FAQs

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

The V1 fits CS Vary Bar V2/V3/V4. The V2 fits CS Vary Bar Plus V4/V5 and CS Auto Bar V1. Physical geometry and fitting dimensions differ between generations — don't interchange them.

How do I install the Eleveight Donkey Stick QR V2?

Hook the chicken loop onto your harness hook, then slide the donkey stick through the open section of the hook. Centre it across the hook opening, perpendicular to the pull direction. Check it's secure before riding.

What happens if I ride without a donkey stick?

The chicken loop can ride up the hook and unhook unexpectedly — especially during crashes, hard gybes or any moment that creates sudden slack then load on the lines. Always use the donkey stick.

Is the V2 donkey stick compatible with my older Eleveight bar?

No — the V2 donkey stick is for CS Vary Bar Plus V4/V5 and CS Auto V1 only. For CS Vary Bar V2/V3/V4, you need the QR V1 Donkey Stick.

How often should I replace the donkey stick?

Inspect before every session. Replace if you see cracking, splitting, or if the stick feels loose rather than snug in the hook. Given the low cost, replace proactively rather than waiting for a visible failure.

Sources: eleveight.world spare parts catalogue (QR V2 Donkey Stick page), TheKiteMag CS Vary Bar review, Mack Kiteboarding bar overview, Kite Generation bar components guide.