Hi-Lift accessory review on OT&T

[Jonathan Hanson]

How many tools are one broken part away from never being made again? Of course you're free to draw your own conclusions from watching the video. After using the product, I was convinced of its value, and even more convinced it adds to the safety of the Hi-Lift rather than detracting from it.

 

[AFSOC]

I'm not surprised - to have said otherwise would have been to admit that the Hi-Lift is less than perfect, which they are reluctant to do. The rest of us know better.

Jonathan, I am surprised you are being so rough on the Hi-lift. Even if disparaging implications are just remarks in order to substantiate praise for the Safe Jack Stabilizer. Given the Hi-Lift jacks longevity of design, versatility and its market leadership, I think it is a universally admirable product. I have 40 years of direct Hi-Lift exposure/use and 30 years of owning the same jack. I don't find them the perfect tool but as anything else they should be used within their capabilities and with respect and understanding. The fact that Hi-Lift and its market have been positioned in the cross hairs for so many years for any innovator to replace, yet nobody has invented an affordable and viable alternative is absolutely remarkable.

I am excited about the Safe Jack Stabilizer. I think it looks like a great Hi-Lift accessory at a very fair price point. For my personal application (abundant bottomless sand), the base feature is as attractive as the lateral stabilization. I have been using two 12'ish b 12'ish pieces of plywood through bolted to two lengths of 1/4" angle iron as a base. While my plywood chunk is serviceable, it rates super low on the sexy meter.

 

[2025 deleted member]

I don't currently have a hi-lift, because they are so dangerous. This tool would be first on my list if and when I buy a hi-lift. Looks like a good idea to me.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Jonathan, I am surprised you are being so rough on the Hi-lift. Even if disparaging implications are just remarks in order to substantiate praise for the Safe Jack Stabilizer. Given the Hi-Lift jacks longevity of design, versatility and its market leadership, I think it is a universally admirable product. I have 40 years of direct Hi-Lift exposure/use and 30 years of owning the same jack. I don't find them the perfect tool but as anything else they should be used within their capabilities and with respect and understanding. The fact that Hi-Lift and its market have been positioned in the cross hairs for so many years for any innovator to replace, yet nobody has invented an affordable and viable alternative is absolutely remarkable.

Fair comment. I stress the downsides of the Hi-Lift because I meet so many people who use them unsafely - including someone who gave a demonstration on Hi-Lift use at an Overland Expo (not invited back). With that said, as you mentioned, no product has yet challenged the Hi-Lift's strength, durability, and versatility. I gave a potential lighter, more foolproof alternative a chance here, and found it wanting.

Incidentally, the manufacturer has given OT&T a very nice price offer through February for those interested. It's in the comments section of the review.

While my plywood chunk is serviceable, it rates super low on the sexy meter.

I know what you mean! I relied on plywood for years, but when I got a chance at one of the red plastic bases for free I took it. Pathetic.

 

[cactusjk]

That's a fair deal. I'm in.

Fair comment. I stress the downsides of the Hi-Lift because I meet so many people who use them unsafely - including someone who gave a demonstration on Hi-Lift use at an Overland Expo (not invited back). With that said, as you mentioned, no product has yet challenged the Hi-Lift's strength, durability, and versatility. I gave a potential lighter, more foolproof alternative a chance here, and found it wanting.

Incidentally, the manufacturer has given OT&T a very nice price offer through February for those interested. It's in the comments section of the review.



I know what you mean! I relied on plywood for years, but when I got a chance at one of the red plastic bases for free I took it. Pathetic.

 

[jrose609]

$40 off..........I couldn't resist. I bought one.

 

[plh]

$40 off..........I couldn't resist. I bought one.

Me too. Discount code OVERLAND until the end of February 2013

 

[keoni004]

Thanks for the coupon code. I don't even have a hi-lift yet (YET), but with that discount I couldn't pass it up.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

I just bought several full-capacity magazines for a pistol I don't yet own, so I understand your approach . . .

 

[NothingClever]

That Mr. Hanson has caused a real mess over at Bogert. They've sold out twice already .

 

[keoni004]

Just got mine in the mail today. First impression is, "holy crap this thing is heavy"...followed by "I wish I had a hi-lift jack". That being said, it is pretty large. I'm going to head to the store tomorrow and look for MOLLE type or other canvas/nylon bags to fit it; at 8x18x1.5" it's going to be a weird fit. Anyone else have any interior storage solutions in mind? Just tried to fit it under the rear seats of my D1 but it's just a bit too thick.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Anyone else have any interior storage solutions in mind? Just tried to fit it under the rear seats of my D1 but it's just a bit too thick.

I replaced the bolts securing the cables to the base with clevis pins and clips; this eases quick storage, and I can deploy the base alone when I want. I found the Safe Jack easier to store than my old ORB plastic base, which was definitely lighter but also bulkier. It would be easy to bolt to a roll cage or rear tire carrier/rack with wing nuts.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

We'll have one in the Camel Trophy Skills Area at the Overland Expo this year. The CT guys are intrigued by the concept.

 

[keoni004]

Follow-up. After all my awesome custom-fab ideas for mounting this in my D1, I found out that it fits perfectly into the rear door pocket. Now that I finally bought a jack it's time to scare the neighbors as I practice jacking up my car in the driveway, in the lawn and down the street in the construction pits.

 

[DamMan]

I just ordered over the telephone. Wow what great people! Customer service and a great product. More companies should follow Bogert's model.