Quick, possibly stupid question...

[mistertwister]

Looking at buying new tip ups as I've had the same ones for almost 20 years now...I'm looking at the frabill arctic fire and I'm wondering what the purpose is of the metal loop on the flag arm is for? I tried looking it up but never got an explanation, it looks like you can move it up and down the arm? My old ht polar's don't have this extra piece. Thanks in advance

http://www.frabill.com/ice-fishing/tip-ups/arctic-fire-rail-tip-up.html

[RapShack]

That's what you hook under the T-bar.  Not sure what the purpose is, maybe it makes it easier to trip by taking some tension out of the spring, or maybe it's just something they needed to get around patent issues.

[hardwater diehard]

Its to flip over to the other side to be as a anti wind trip

mark 1:08

[Curley]

Do yourself a favor and get the HT'S with that feature and the gold spool. Much better tip up than the Arctic Fire in my opinion. Yes I've owned both. The Frabil did away with the spring on top. The spool is 2 piece and will eventually loosed up. and the spool is also braised to the bottom of the shaft. The spring for the flag is very strong. Had it spook a few fish as the tip up will jump in the hole. The best part of the deal is there nylon flag is very good, as it is light and doesn't get all out of shape. Just my observations and experience.

[bart]

Tom Gruenwald explains and demonstrates the "wind-free trip wire" pretty well...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua0JZHFCVVY

[bart]

hardwater diehard, I didn't realize your pic was a video... 

[hardwater diehard]

That's the video I remembered seeing but wasn't able to locate it very good explanation/demonstration .

Tom Gruenwald explains and demonstrates the "wind-free trip wire" pretty well...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua0JZHFCVVY