Outdoors

Vurtego's V4 extreme pogo-stick gives up to 10 ft of air

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The V4 uses an adjustable air-spring
The V4 uses an adjustable air-spring
The V4 comprises an aircraft aluminum casing, a shock absorber to soften impacts and a stainless steel slide-shaft
By pumping more air into the V4, users can jump higher
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As a kid, pogo-sticks always looked like fun, but were inevitably disappointing to use. US-based Vurtego, however, designs pogo-sticks for adults and they're a bit more on the extreme side. Its new V4 can launch users up to 10 ft (3 m) into the air and is ideal for a mid-life crisis.

Vurtego owner Ian Britt explains that the company's original aim in redesigning the pogo-stick was to create a "portable trampoline" that would let users get big air, but that could be easily carried around. The V4, which is somewhat similar in form and function to the Flybar we featured way back in 2004, is the most recent culmination of that vision.

Designed to be be robust, the V4 comprises an aircraft aluminum casing, a shock absorber to soften impacts and a stainless steel slide-shaft. The V4 uses an air-spring that is adjustable for anyone over 75 lb (34 kg). Users add or release air to change the stiffness of the bounce. This means that people of radically different weights can use the same V4 by adjusting the internal air pressure accordingly and that the bounce-height can be adjusted to a user's preference.

Air is added using a pump and released by simply pressing a button. By pumping more air into the V4, users can jump higher and, by releasing air ... well, you get the idea. The V4 can also be folded down for transportation by releasing all of the air.

The V4 comprises an aircraft aluminum casing, a shock absorber to soften impacts and a stainless steel slide-shaft

There are three versions of V4. A standard model is designed for most appeal, and which will offer "a soft, smooth bounce that resembles a portable trampoline." The Pro model has a longer slide shaft for higher jumping and the Fit flavor is geared to exercise and performance training. As well as two color options, there are also small, medium and large sizes available.

An Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign is underway to raise money for the production of the V4. Pledges start at US$365 and if all goes to plan, shipping is expected to start from August this year.

The video below is the Indiegogo pitch for the Vurtego V4.

Source: Vurtego, Indiegogo

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11 comments
Robert Walther
Brought to you by ambulance chasers united. Each unit comes with an app to locate the nearest paramedics, Orthopedic surgeons and trauma center.
Daniel Harbin
I remember a while back someone introduced augmented pogo sticks using gasoline and a piston. It operated fairly simply with air/fuel intake and combustion operating in a two stroke fashion. The dearth of these machines speaks volumes about the popularity of such.
Perhaps the air machines will be more popular as the operator determines when the power is applied and its "environmentally friendly".
grtbluyonder
After entering a low tunnel, the pogo-stickers were hammered into midgets who then packed into a Volkswagen. How many fit into it? Perfect for Wiley E. Coyote. "ouch"
ezeflyer
I love it. Go California!
thk
"Its new V4 can launch users up to 10 ft (3 m) into the air and is ideal for a mid-life crisis."
10 ft into the air can give crisis to all demographic groups.
Grunchy
I was thinking of Power Bokking (after watching the Oscar Pistorius trial) but then this came along.
Buellrider
If you are going to break a bone or your neck why stop at 10 feet, why not make it worthwhile and pogo 20 or even 100 feet into the air and ensure a lifetime of feeling nothing from the neck down. I'll bet even at 10 ft the inevitable wipe out will cause you to wake up in the emergency ward at your local over priced hospital. I'm all for having extreme fun but when you know you're going to hurt yourself and soon, I'd ask myself, "self are you out of your mind?"
Bruce H. Anderson
I can think of several things (vehicular and non) that result in being 10 feet above ground with limited protection. This may have limited appeal, but will probably end up gathering dust at Play It Again Sports or Goodwill.
Milton
Lol at all the fear-mongering comments. It's a freakin' pogo stick.
Buzzclick
This is actually quite cool. Perfect for the skateboard crowd. I don't think I saw any user bounce 10 feet in the video, but we have to assume that no one is going to go ape-sh*t right off the bat.
It has a learning curve and isn't easy if you're not in shape, and that is the appeal for the young hipsters its aimed at.
If it takes off there is no way they're going to keep production in California. I also wonder how durable the seals are between the cylinder and the plunger, because they must take a beating.