Allen ILCA Vang Block Comparison – Thoughts on the Five Options
Choosing the right vang block for your ILCA can make a huge difference to how your system feels and performs. Over the years, we’ve tried and tested a range of Allen blocks, from the simplest plain-bearing option through to the top-end titanium model. Each one has its place — and each suits a different sailor, budget, and level of performance.
Here’s our breakdown of the five Allen options you’ll see used on an ILCA vang system.
- A2030PF – 30mm Plain Bearing Fork Block
Weight: 37g
Price: £26.69
If you're just getting started in ILCA sailing or you’re running club kit that needs to be simple and reliable, this block does the job. It’s the cheapest and lightest option in the range, and because it uses a plain-bearing sheave there’s no maintenance and not much that can go wrong.
Performance-wise, it’s the lowest-friction option here — but that won’t matter much for beginner sailors. It shares the same clevis pin fork head as the A2030F, so upgrading later is easy.
Best for: Club sailors and beginners who want a low-cost, low-maintenance option.
2. A2030F – 30mm Dynamic Fork Block
Weight: 40g
Price: £30.60
The first real performance step-up is the Dynamic version. This block uses Allen’s classic stainless steel ball bearings running on a stainless rail with a plastic sheave, giving noticeably lower friction than the plain-bearing option.
The fork head makes it very easy to replace the kicker key (SA.873), and it can even hold two keys if you want a spare pre-installed.
It’s still lightweight and relatively inexpensive, but compared to the higher-end models, it won’t run as efficiently under heavy load.
Best for: Sailors wanting great value and smoother performance without jumping to the higher price brackets.
3. A2030HLF – 30mm Dynamic High Load Fork Block
Weight: 52g
Price: £53.77
This is where things start getting serious. The A2030HLF features a stainless steel sheave instead of the plastic version found on the standard Dynamic. Combined with stainless ball bearings running on a steel axle, you get a much stronger, stiffer and more efficient block — especially when the vang is really loaded up.
The friction reduction compared to the cheaper models is very obvious. If you're sailing regularly and pushing harder on the controls, this is the best “mid-range” choice.
Best for: Club racers and sailors who want high load capability without breaking the bank.
4. A2031XHL-873 – 30mm XHL ILCA Vang Block
Weight: 55g
Price: £165.12
Colours available: Black, blue, or pink anodising
Designed specifically for the ILCA vang, this block has a more specialised construction. The aluminium cheeks add stiffness, and the fork head includes plastic washers to perfectly centre the vang key.
Inside is the clever part: the XHL bearing system. At low–medium loads, stainless steel balls handle the rotation. But when the block hits extreme static loads — typical for an ILCA vang — it transitions to a plain-bearing mode to protect the balls and keep the block running smoothly.
With a stainless steel sheave and robust construction, this is the best all-round choice for serious sailors who hammer their vang systems.
Best for: Training and racing sailors who sail frequently and want long-term durability with excellent performance.
5. A9031-873 – 30mm Tiitan ILCA Vang Block
Weight: 43g
Price: £213.17
This is the ultimate performance option — a step beyond even the XHL block. The design is similar, but the bearing system is upgraded to a titanium sheave and ceramic ball bearings, reducing weight while increasing stiffness and efficiency.
You still get the XHL "failsafe" behaviour of turning into a plain-bearing block at huge static loads, but with far lower rolling friction in normal use. At just 43g, it’s significantly lighter than the XHL, which is a noticeable upgrade for sailors chasing every gram.
It’s expensive, yes — but for Olympic-pathway sailors or anyone who wants the absolute best possible vang feel, this is as good as it gets.
Best for: Top-level racers who value minimum friction, minimum weight, and maximum performance.
Final Thoughts
Each of these blocks has its place in the ILCA world. The plain-bearing option is perfect for beginners, the Dynamic blocks offer excellent value, and the XHL and Tiitan models deliver high-end performance for committed racers.
Choosing the right one really comes down to how often you sail, how hard you push your kit, and how much performance you want from the vang system.
If you're upgrading your ILCA setup, I hope this breakdown helps you choose the right block for your sailing style — and your budget.