CIRKAO Reinforced Stilts

Item sold in pairs . CIRKAO reinforced stilts are handcrafted in France, in the Ardèche region. They are delivered without shoes.

Each pair of reinforced CIRKAO stilts is custom-made to your order. The production time is usually around one week , but it can take two to three weeks during busy periods—especially when everyone suddenly realizes they need stilts for the following week just before Christmas! If you have a performance date or any other specific requirement, please contact us before ordering: we will check with you to see if production is possible within your timeframe.

CIRKAO reinforced stilts for professionals

The reinforced CIRKAO stilts are an evolution of the professional CIRKAO stilts, developed to meet the demand of artists wishing to have a more robust structure.

Like the standard model, they are handcrafted in the Ardèche region of France . They retain the molded central element and platform of the classic CIRKAO models, but use a larger diameter aluminum base tube . The nylon tip and split adapter are also sized for this reinforced structure.

Standard or reinforced? For users up to 90 kg who are not performing lifts, the standard CIRKAO stilts are generally sufficient. The reinforced version is particularly suitable for users over 90 kg and for activities that place greater stress on the structure.

Weight of CIRKAO reinforced stilts

Despite their more robust structure, the reinforced CIRKAO skis remain relatively lightweight. The weights below correspond to a pair equipped with strap fastening .

What is the weight difference compared to standard CIRKAO?

The reinforced structure results in a relatively small increase in weight. At the same height, a pair of reinforced CIRKAO shoes weighs approximately 400g more than a standard pair.

Download the CIRKAO stilts documentation

A CIRKAO developed for greater robustness

The reinforced version appeared a few years after the classic CIRKAO, following requests from professionals who wanted a more robust structure for certain uses.

The principle remains the same as that which made CIRKAO successful: a relatively lightweight aluminum construction, an articulated and adjustable leg loop and equipment designed to be maintained and repaired over time.

The main difference lies in the lower part of the stilt. The base tube is wider , with a reinforced nylon tip and split adapter.

This version has been particularly successful with professionals in Germany and is now used by artists and companies in various European countries.

The 100 kg limit is a recommended guideline . The stresses exerted on a stilt vary greatly depending on its height, movements, and intended use. The taller the stilt, the greater the potential mechanical stresses on its structure.

Manufacturing of the molded central element

This video shows you the manufacturing of one of the key components of CIRKAO stilts: their molded central element.

NetJuggler information:

Reinforced bases from 80 to 120 cm

The reinforced CIRKAO chairs are offered as standard with bases of 80, 100 or 120 cm . The height corresponds to the distance between the floor and the platform on which your foot rests.

The reinforced version starts at 80 cm because, at lower heights, structural reinforcement is generally less beneficial. If your project requires a lower reinforced base, please contact us: some dimensions can be custom-made.

The 120 cm base is also an interesting feature of this range: it allows you to directly obtain a high and reinforced stilt, whereas standard CIRKAO bases stop at 100 cm.

CIRKAO Reinforced Extension Cords

Reinforced stilts use specific extensions . Extensions for standard CIRKAO stilts are not compatible with this version.

Three heights of reinforced extension cords are available:

• 20 cm
• 40 cm
• 60 cm

This allows you to adjust the height of your stilts according to your services without needing to own a complete pair for each height.

There is no single maximum height suitable for all uses: the greater the height, the greater the mechanical stresses on the structure. For particularly tall configurations, please contact us so we can study your project.

Custom-made reinforced stilts

Handcrafted production allows us to go beyond the standard dimensions. We can design bases and extensions of specific heights to suit your project.

Whether you're creating a company, need a specific costume, require an unusual height, or have other technical constraints, please contact us with as much information as possible. We will then work with the manufacturer to determine what can be done.

Shock-absorbing keels

The reinforced CIRKAO shoes are equipped with shock-absorbing lugs . Their shape allows the rubber to compress slightly upon contact with the ground, providing flexibility while walking and greater comfort during prolonged use.

The quillons can also rotate 360° , which naturally accompanies the changes of direction and rotations of the wading bird.

Stilt-walker tip: if the rotation of a quillon becomes less fluid, a small amount of flour between the quillon and the nylon tip can facilitate its rotation.

Adjustable and articulated calf support

The calf support is adjustable in height and width to adapt to the user's anatomy. Foam padding on each side enhances comfort around the calf.

The leg support can also pivot relative to its tube. This allows it to move with the leg, providing significant comfort during performances, parades, and long walks.

Attaching shoes to CIRKAO stilts

The stilts are delivered without shoes . Two configurations are possible:

• The shoe is held in place with the straps and the heel pad.
• The shoe is fixed directly onto the platform using the screws provided for this purpose.

The heel pad can be moved forward or backward to find a balanced position. The position of the straps can also be adjusted for a more comfortable fit.

For an artist who always uses the same pair, permanently fixing their shoes to the stilts mainly saves time with each installation .

For screw fixing, use shoes in good condition with compact soles that are strong enough to accommodate the fixing.

Spare parts and repairs

The main components of the reinforced CIRKAO are available as spare parts: quillons, nylon tips, straps, leg guards, foams, central elements, screws, extensions and other components.

The reinforced model has undergone several evolutions in recent years, so not all parts are necessarily listed directly on our website. Contact us before ordering a part : we can accurately identify the generation of your stilts and verify compatibility with you.

We can also consider certain repairs, for example when a bond needs to be redone. These requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Assembly of reinforced CIRKAO stilts

The stilts are delivered partially assembled , with their screws and assembly instructions.

For use without an extension, the assembly consisting of the nylon tip, the shock-absorbing quillon and the split aluminum ring attaches to the end of the tube.

When assembling a reinforced extension, the split aluminum ring must be removed from the nylon tip and kept. The nylon tip and lug assembly is then installed at the end of the extension.

The calf height is adjustable using the locking screws. The heel pad and the position of the straps can then be adjusted to find a comfortable and balanced position.

The necessary screws are provided. However, some adjustments require wrenches which are not supplied with the stilts.

For what type of practice?

The reinforced CIRKAO stilts are professional stilts designed for walking, performing, dancing, event entertainment and activities requiring a more robust structure.

They are particularly suitable for professional touring artists and users weighing over 90 kg. They can also be chosen when the practice, costume, accessories or certain movements impose greater constraints on stilts.

For acrobatic lifts and other high-wire acts, it's not accurate to define resistance solely based on the users' weight. The height of the stilts, the movements involved, and how forces are applied to the structure all have a significant impact. For a project of this type, we recommend contacting us so we can analyze your specific setup .

Safety advice before use

Using stilts involves working at height. Take the time to check your equipment before each use and always adapt your technique to your skill level, the height you are using, and the terrain.

• Check the overall condition of the stilts before each use.
• Check the various screwed components and tighten them if necessary.
• Check the condition and positioning of the straps.
• The straps must be passed through the buckle three times to ensure they are tight.
• Check that the shoes are securely fastened or held in place on the platform.
• Regularly check the condition of the quillons and tubes.
• Adapt your practice to the height of your stilts and the condition of the ground.

Wearing a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and protective gear appropriate for your activity is strongly recommended.

A robust structure, but not indestructible

The reinforced aluminum tube is designed to withstand higher stresses than that of standard CIRKAO tubes. However, it retains the ability to deform when subjected to sufficiently high stress.

This characteristic can come into play, in particular, when a stilt suddenly gets stuck in a hole or opening while walking: the deformation of the tube can help to absorb part of the effort rather than transmitting all the stress directly to the leg.

The weight values are recommendations for use and cannot, on their own, determine the strength of a stilt in all situations. Height, movement, impacts, and the way forces are applied significantly alter the stresses exerted on the structure.