Why Every Serious Sailor Needs a Rig Tension Gauge

When it comes to sailing performance, few things are more critical—and more overlooked—than proper rig tension. Achieving a fast, balanced, and safe sail plan begins with setting the right tension in your rigging. While live rig load data from digital sensors is a major step forward, there is a more cost-effective starting point that every serious sailor should prioritise: a rig tension gauge.

Whether you are racing a one-design dinghy or optimising a 40ft cruiser-racer, having a repeatable, reliable method to set your rig tension is fundamental to boat speed, safety, and rig longevity.

What Are Rig Tension Gauges?

Rig tension gauges are mechanical devices designed to measure the static tension in standing rigging—whether wire or rod rigging—from as small as 2mm up to 10mm in diameter.

Tension gauge gives a direct reading of the load being applied to the shrouds and stays, helping sailors ensure that settings are accurate, repeatable, and aligned with tuning guides or personal performance targets.

Rather than relying on "feel" or vague turnbuckle counts, a tension gauge provides an objective measurement. This is particularly important because even a small discrepancy in shroud tension can have a significant impact on mast alignment, sail shape, and helm balance.

How Does Rig Tension Gauge Works?

Rig tension gauge operates by applying a known force to the wire or rod and measuring the resulting deflection.

The user simply hooks the tension gauge over the rigging, applies light pressure, and reads the tension either from a calibrated dial or a mechanical pointer. The process is straightforward, quick, and highly repeatable.

Most models are portable and designed for onboard use, meaning sailors can monitor and adjust tension easily before racing, during seasonal re-rigs, or after transporting the boat.

The key advantage of tension gauge is consistency—being able to return to known good settings after any rig adjustment, maintenance work, or change in conditions.

Why Every Sailor Should Own One Tension Gauge

• Repeatability – Having a reference point means you can quickly recreate fast, balanced settings each time you rig the boat.
• Performance – Correct rig tension ensures proper mast bend, optimal sail shape, and better upwind pointing and speed.
• Safety – An accurately tensioned rig is less prone to shock loading, fatigue, or catastrophic failure.
• Ease of tuning – Taking the guesswork out of tuning allows you to focus on fine-tuning for changing conditions rather than fundamental setup.
• Cost savings – Prevents unnecessary rig wear and damage, potentially saving thousands in repair costs over the rig’s life.

Choosing the Right Rig Tension Gauge

There are a range of tension gauges on the market, but two standout choices are widely trusted by professional sailors and riggers alike:

Loos Tension Gauge – The Gold Standard

Loos Gauges are the industry benchmark for mechanical rig tension measurement.

Known for their accuracy, durability, and ease of use, they cover wire sizes from 2mm up to 10mm, making them suitable for everything from small dinghies to larger 40ft keelboats.

Loos gauges are available in multiple models (Professional and Standard versions), offering different levels of precision depending on your needs.

Their robust metal construction ensures they perform reliably even after years of hard use on board.

Spinlock Rig Sense – Modern Materials, Modern Design

For those seeking a lightweight, modern alternative, Spinlock Rig Sense offers a composite-based solution that combines durability with a sleek, easy-to-use design.

Rig Sense uses a calibrated mechanical system to give consistent, repeatable readings across a wide range of wire and rod diameters.

Spinlock’s approach focuses on portability and simplicity, making Rig Sense an excellent choice for sailors who value precision but want a tool that can live comfortably in a cockpit locker or tool bag without fear of corrosion or damage.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are racing at championship level or simply want your cruiser to perform better and last longer, investing in a rig tension gauge is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

It turns rig setup from an art into a repeatable science, ensuring you get the most from your boat every time you leave the dock.

With trusted solutions like Loos Tension Gauge and Spinlock Rig Sense, there’s a reliable, accurate tool for every sailor’s needs—whether you’re tuning a 2mm dinghy shroud or a 10mm masthead stay on a 40-footer.

If you have any questions about Tension Gauges, please feel free to talk to one of our sailing experts by clicking here or to see our full range click below:

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