Wichard MXEvo Friction Block Captive Pin, 8mm, Max rope 10mm

4,100kg Breaking Load. Only 109g. A compact friction block engineered for serious sailing loads.

The Wichard MXEvo #11604 represents Wichard’s new generation of one-piece friction blocks, developed for sailors looking for exceptional strength without the weight and complexity of a conventional block.

Designed for a maximum rope diameter of 10mm, the MXEvo combines a monobloc construction, captive pin, becket functionality and carefully designed rope track in an extremely compact 62 x 36mm body.

Despite weighing just 109g, it provides a remarkable 1,760kg nautical Working Load and 4,100kg Breaking Load.

MXEvo – The New Generation of Wichard Friction Blocks

The MXEvo is designed differently from a conventional pulley.

Instead of relying on multiple mechanical components, Wichard uses a monobloc / one-piece construction without mechanical parts. This simple architecture is designed to increase reliability while maintaining excellent strength and keeping dimensions and weight under control.

For performance sailing, fewer components also means a straightforward, compact solution for high-load line management.

Designed for Heavy Loads

Small size does not mean small performance.

The MXEvo #11604 is specifically designed for heavy-load applications, with Wichard specifying:

Working Load: 1,760kg

Breaking Load: 4,100kg

The 1,760kg Working Load is specified by Wichard for nautical applications.

This outstanding load capacity makes the MXEvo particularly interesting when a compact and lightweight solution is required without sacrificing mechanical performance.

8mm Captive Pin

The #11604 features a:

Ø8mm Captive Pin

The captive-pin design is one of the most practical features of this MXEvo.

A leash keeps the pin attached to the block during opening, handling and closing, significantly reducing the possibility of losing it during installation or adjustment. The pin itself is forged from high-resistance 17-4 PH stainless steel.

This is particularly useful on board, where handling a small loose pin on deck, at the mast or during sail changes can be inconvenient.

For Ropes up to 10mm

The Wichard #11604 is designed for:

Maximum Rope Size: 10mm

Its track geometry is engineered to guide the rope correctly through the block, while integrated fins help keep the rope on track.

Wichard also designed the track to help limit rope wear, an important advantage when the block is used with high-performance running rigging under significant loads.

Only 109g

One of the standout characteristics of the MXEvo #11604 is its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

Weight: only 109g

For those 109 grams, you get:

1,760kg Working Load
4,100kg Breaking Load

That’s an impressive combination for performance sailing, where reducing weight in the rig and at high-load connection points can make a meaningful difference.

Monobloc Construction – Simplicity Means Reliability

The MXEvo is a one-piece friction block without mechanical parts.

This minimalist construction is not just about saving weight. Wichard specifically highlights the monobloc design as a feature that provides better reliability.

There is no conventional rotating sheave mechanism inside the block. Instead, the rope runs over the specially designed friction track.

For the right application, this creates an exceptionally compact and robust alternative to a traditional block.

Rope-Retaining Fins

Correct rope positioning is important, especially during installation and under changing loads.

The MXEvo incorporates fins that help keep the rope on its track.

This small but clever design feature makes the block easier to work with and helps the rope remain correctly positioned around the friction surface.

Designed to Limit Rope Wear

High loads can be demanding not only on the hardware but also on the rope.

Wichard has therefore designed the MXEvo track specifically to help limit excessive rope wear.

This makes the design particularly relevant for high-performance running rigging where both strength and rope protection matter.

Integrated Becket Function

Another important feature is the becket function, which allows the MXEvo to be incorporated into tackle systems.

This expands its usefulness beyond simple line deflection and makes it particularly suitable for purchase systems where mechanical advantage is required.

For sailors configuring efficient high-load systems with minimum hardware, this is a valuable feature.

Ideal for 2:1 Halyard Systems

Wichard specifically recommends the MXEvo #11604 for 2:1 halyard purchase systems, including:

• Mainsail halyards
• Spinnaker halyards
• Gennaker halyards

A 2:1 configuration can reduce the load handled by the line and associated equipment, making the MXEvo particularly useful in modern performance sailing setups.

Flying Sail Furler Applications

Wichard also identifies the MXEvo as suitable for flying sail furler terminals.

It can be used for tensioning configurations from the top or from the bottom, depending on the system.

This makes the #11604 especially relevant for modern gennaker and other compatible flying-sail configurations.

Easy Opening & Rope Installation

High-performance sailing hardware still needs to be practical.

The MXEvo has been engineered for:

Easy opening → Easy rope installation → Easy handling

The captive-pin configuration adds another layer of convenience because the leash prevents the pin from simply being separated from the block during handling.

This is especially valuable when installing or reconfiguring hardware on board.

316L Stainless-Steel Construction

The main MXEvo #11604 body is manufactured from:

316L Stainless Steel

316L stainless steel is widely used in premium marine hardware due to its suitability for marine environments.

The captive pin takes the construction a step further, being forged from high-resistance 17-4 PH stainless steel to provide the mechanical strength required at this critical connection point.

Compact Dimensions – 62 x 36mm

The #11604 measures just:

62mm long x 36mm wide

Its optimized dimensions make it particularly attractive where installation space is limited or where reducing hardware bulk is important.

The complete unit still weighs only 109g, making the MXEvo an excellent example of compact performance-oriented rigging hardware.

Why Choose the Wichard MXEvo 8mm?

The MXEvo #11604 brings together several features that are especially valuable for performance sailing:

• Genuine Wichard MXEvo
• Part Number 11604
• High-performance friction block
• 8mm captive pin
• Maximum rope diameter 10mm
• Nautical Working Load 1,760kg
• Breaking Load 4,100kg
• Weight only 109g
• Main construction in 316L stainless steel
• Forged 17-4 PH high-resistance stainless-steel pin
• Captive pin secured by a leash
• One-piece / monobloc construction
• No mechanical parts for increased reliability
• Integrated becket function
• Fins help keep the rope on track
• Track designed to limit rope wear
• Easy opening and rope installation
• Optimized weight and dimensions
• Designed for heavy-load applications
• Suitable for 2:1 halyard purchase systems
• Suitable for flying sail furler terminal applications
• Made in France

Technical Specifications