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Are these the appropriate stilts for stiltwalking?

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Jason Kollum

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Aug 3, 2006, 1:04:12 PM8/3/06
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http://www.fantastictools.com/pages/stilts.htm

Will the Alto or DuraStilt III get the job done? What is the
"standard" that most stiltwalking performers use?

I've talked to some entertainers who have used stilts called "Bigfoot"
I think that cost over $1000, but are not sold anymore. I'm looking
for a basic stilt to learn stiltwalking, hoping to be performing it by
next summer.

I know many stiltwalkers use drywall for stiltwalking, available in
local hardware stores. They seem so heavy and clunky, I guess it
doesn't matter what they look like since pants are covering them.

I'm looking for a basic set of stilts, adjustable up to about 40inches
or so. I guess once you are raised off the ground, and are taller than
most people, its impressive at that point, not sure what the standard
is.

I'd probably prefer to have 24"-40" adjustable. I'm not tall--only
5'4", so a taller set of stilts for me would probably be better.

Any websites or any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jason

mini mansell

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Aug 3, 2006, 1:44:36 PM8/3/06
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"Jason Kollum" <jdko...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1154624652.2...@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...


Hi Jason.

durastilts are the default stilt for many performers. they are what i
use.

the weight is not really an issue because you can stand still with no
effort at all.

i am also 5 foot 4 tall. one thing to remember when on stilts.
most stilt walking is interactive and is an attraction for small children.
once you get to a height where you can not reach down and shake the hand of
a 5 6 or 7 yr old child. your too high.

i have 24 - 40 inch dura's and they are set at 36 inches. making me 8
foot 4 tall.

its enough to be head and shoulders above even the tallest person. but i
can still reach down to kids.

mini

Jay Linn

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Aug 3, 2006, 2:04:09 PM8/3/06
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Jason Kollum wrote:
> http://www.fantastictools.com/pages/stilts.htm
>
> Will the Alto or DuraStilt III get the job done? What is the
> "standard" that most stiltwalking performers use?

At a glance, Jason, yes these are bog standard Dura Stilts, at what
appears to be a pretty decent price, and yes, lots of stilt walkers use
them, in the UK at least.

They are light, strong, comfortable, you can stand still on them, but
most of all you can hear them coming about 300 metres away - they squeak
like buggery!! And they can be a bit clanky if you have heavy footfalls,
which you may well do whilst learning.

> I'm looking for a basic set of stilts, adjustable up to about 40inches
> or so. I guess once you are raised off the ground, and are taller than
> most people, its impressive at that point, not sure what the standard
> is.

There is no standard, but my rule for performing is that bigger is
very much *not* better, because you never want your face to be too far
from you audience, otherwise you become impersonal. Very tall stilts are
for spectacle only, not for interaction. Personally, I would recommend
that from the floor to the top of your head should be around 8 or 9 feet
(2.4-2.7m).

> I'd probably prefer to have 24"-40" adjustable. I'm not tall--only
> 5'4", so a taller set of stilts for me would probably be better.

Sounds good to me.

> Any websites or any suggestions?

Dunno about websites, but I would recommend trying traditional peg
stilts too, if only to get a feel for how different they are to
plasterer's stilts. Also, make sure you have a companion for your first
couple of attempts, just in case you end up in a bloody concussed heap
on the floor. Lots of people like knee and elbow pads, too.

In closing, you might be interested in the following small gallery of
pictures, which shows you what happens when you are half way through a
four hour drive to a professional stilt walking job, and you realise you
have left your stilts at home, and have no time to go back and get them,
but do have just about enough time to go to a timber merchant and
purchase timber, hammer, saw, and annular nails. These pictures are for
real, and the stilts bore me round a town centre for three hours,
without the slightest hint of failing me, despite appearances :-

http://jay-linn.co.uk/jlca/gallery/one-shot-stilts/index.htm

--
Jay Linn

No HOPer. Meh.

popstar_dave

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Aug 4, 2006, 12:33:15 AM8/4/06
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Jason Kollum wrote:

> I know many stiltwalkers use drywall for stiltwalking, available in
> local hardware stores.

Ah ha! Do you have any idea how long it took me to realise that the
stilts AREN'T made out of drywall. Boy, do I feel silly now.

Dave

--
----== posted via www.jugglingdb.com ==----

Peachi - Pete

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Aug 4, 2006, 4:37:07 AM8/4/06
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We use Sur Stilts that is just another make like Dure Stilts. So be aware
that Dura is just a brand name but everyone calls them that as they were the
only ones around at first I think.

Also note that adjustable stilts are a bit heavier and this can be extra
tiring on a long set or a long parade or travelling abroad. They are also
more expensive. My partner changed hers to non-adjustable for just those
reasons. All our costumes are made to one height so I dont think I've ever
adjusted mine. Most clients will never ask for a specific height either - so
as long as its stilts and they are at least around 2 foot you'll be fine.

You may also look on e-bay or advertise here for second hand ones.

Good luck, Cheese, Peachi


Azrelle

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Aug 4, 2006, 4:59:27 AM8/4/06
to
Jason Kollum wrote:
> http://www.fantastictools.com/pages/stilts.htm
>
> Will the Alto or DuraStilt III get the job done? What is the
> "standard" that most stiltwalking performers use?
>
> I've talked to some entertainers who have used stilts called "Bigfoot"
> I think that cost over $1000, but are not sold anymore. I'm looking
> for a basic stilt to learn stiltwalking, hoping to be performing it by
> next summer.

I got a set of Sur Stilts in the exact same design for £90 off of ebay. I
got em off a tool trader as when you go to buy em off specialised
performing retailers the price magically jumps up.

Az

randomnickname

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Aug 4, 2006, 10:30:50 PM8/4/06
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I know that i prefer stilts that aren't of the drywall variety because
they're easier to walk in (less likely to stumble).

something like:
http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~juggle/pictures/stilts.html

I made em myself from 2x2s, some wood for a foot support and some big pvc
pipe for the calf...etc

Good: they make me 9'4", tall enough to hit my head on everything and
still be able to shake hands of wee ones. And: Quiet as a mouse.

Bad: not adjustable.

Stephen.

Jason Kollum

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Aug 9, 2006, 3:38:16 PM8/9/06
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Thank you everybody for your help!

Looks like I'm on the right track.
A very good point was made here too...don't have them too high where
you can't reach down and shake hands with the little kids.

I'll post again and let you all know what I managed to find. I think
the hard part is finding somebody to make some good stilt pants at a
decent price.

popstar_dave

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Aug 10, 2006, 1:33:48 AM8/10/06
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Jason Kollum wrote:

> the hard part is finding somebody to make some good stilt pants at a
> decent price.

What about your Mum? Mums tend to be good for that sort of thing!

Dave

..
Treating adults like kids since 1982.

ChrisFowler

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Aug 10, 2006, 7:36:44 AM8/10/06
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personally, I use drywall stilts, and they work just fine. those on the
page, should do the trick nicely i think.

Jason Kollum

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Aug 10, 2006, 12:27:36 PM8/10/06
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Ever use the Alto or Magnesium Stilts? I've never even heard of those
before!

ChrisFowler

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Aug 11, 2006, 1:31:59 AM8/11/06
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Jason Kollum wrote:
> Ever use the Alto or Magnesium Stilts? I've never even heard of those
> before!

i haven't actually. mine are just standard drywall stilts.

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