Powerbocks, as they’re called in Europe, also known as jumping stilts in the USA, were invented and patented by an aerospace, German engineer named Boeck. Every unit made, regardless of the brand or manufacturer falls under this one patent number. Mr. Boeck manufacturers his own own unique brand of powerbocks in Germany and also has authorized a few other companies to make and distribute products under his patent.

At the high end (expensive) of the scale Mr. Boeck has authorized a few small specialty manufacturers to hand make high end performance jumping stilts. His own company, Alan Sportakeil, makes the brand called Powerkskips. Popular among seasoned “bockers” and commerical performers in Europe, this brand has limited distribution or awareness in the USA, and is a bit cost prohibitive.

One of it’s unique features is the wrap around shoe binding that claims to add stability and security around the foot. Even though this brand still has older parts like the safety knee bar, it’s springs are one of a kind. Stiff and resilient, they are not the choice for beginners. But if your legs are strong and you want to jump to the moon and back, Powerskips can get you there.

Britain has been making a more affordable version of the Powerskip. Their brand name is Seven Leagues Boot. Information and distribution is limited in the USA but if people want more information on this brand they can either visit the European forums or simply google the brand name. Hand crafted and top quality parts, Seven League Boots claim to be the affordable Powerskip.

The USA’s verson of the Powerskip is called Velocity Stilts. These $3000.00 units are custom made, one by one, in a garage in Nevada, by Stiltwerks, Inc. The engineer who makes these units could be classified as an artist as much as a engineer. His parts and jumping stilts are of the highest quality known. They are light weight and very durable. Professional performers who jump for hours a day, or those seasoned users who want the ultimate jumping stilt experience, and who have a thicker wallet….love these units.

Every other brand sold around the world are mass produced by Mr. Boeck’s two authorized Asian manufacturers. One in Korea and one in Hong Kong. Both companies manufacture units that fall under Mr. Boeck’s patent and both use many of the same part suppliers, and honestly there is not that much difference.

Like GM and Ford, these two manufacturers are essentially assemblers that use out side part suppliers to assist in manufacturing. Not all parts are supplied, however, the springs, the spring weight category options, and the spring manufacturing technology differences that buyers need to be aware of.

Korea makes and distributes a single brand called Powerisers. Because of a smart Poweriser licensee in Britain, this brand quickly developed awareness, market penetration and quite a following in the UK. This following, with strong brand opinions, littered the established European forums with very biased opinions of the other available brands, thus making it an uphill battle for the other brands to catch up.

In the UK, the Poweriser brand had a very clever marketing strategy, with “community” as it’s central theme. This strategy has allowed Poweriser to grow by means of “club” establishments. The clubs compete against eachother and schedule events together…..to build the community. Brilliant!

Currently this Korean company has the only “kids” model, for 8 - 12 year olds, available in the USA. Although these units have an older, an rather inept, fastening system that users claim - just don’t get tight enough - they are built for safety and provide loads of fun for kids.

The only other authorized manufacturer, which is located in Hong Kong, makes all the other brands. (Except one cheater that we’ll talk about later.) Air-Trekkers, Power Jumps, Flying Jumper, Fly Jumper, Powerizer - recently changed brand name to Powerstrides, are all manufactured and distributed by this one Hong Kong manufacturer. Most of these jumping stilts are essentially the same, and they’re not very differenct from the Korean brand. In fact, some of the newer upgraded parts of the Air-Trekker brand can be used on the Korean brand.

HKIA, LTD distributes close to 90% of the jumping stilts that are sold around the world. It was this manufacturer who supplied units for the 2008 Olympic closing ceremony performance. So don’t let anyone fool you, these are top quality brands and the manufacturer is 100% committed to upgrading parts and improving manufacturing technologies, along with fair pricing.

HKIA, LTD, has made some credible upgrades in the past 12 months. They’ve provided their distributors with several new parts and have introduced a new unique model to be launched in the USA late summer 2009. The padded velcro Calf Cuff, which allows for fast and easy fastening, and a very important secure fit, is now available and affordable on a few brands in the USA.

They also have high end snow board bindings available as an upgrade the the plastic buckles and straps. Watch for the CZ series to hit the air waves late this summer. This model, using brand new manufacturing technology is very different than anything available - anywhere.

Half the weight, no foot plate, completely retooled frame and structural support, will make this model the jumping stilts of choice for the buyer who wants Powerskips or Velocity Stilts for half the price. (Please watch for posts, along with pictures and feature descriptions on the CZ series, very soon.) HKIA, LTD will also have a kids model available - with a CZ series type frame - in the USA before the holidays.

One noteable difference of the Korean brand versus the Hong Kong brands are the spring weight category options. The Korean brand has 3 adult weight categories and the Hong Kong brands have six spring weight categories. More weight categories means a more customizing fit and a more responsive unit for your size and shape.

Finally, we’ve told you the differences in brands and manufacturers, now we’d like to let you know how to buy. Yes, you must be careful from whom you buy jumping stilts, especially in the USA. The USA is a patent protected country. Only royalty paying licensees are allowed to import and sell jumping stilts in the USA. If you buy jumping stilts from a company outside of the USA, chances are that you may not receive your units.

Why? There are only three patent paying licensees, and brands currently in the USA. (Except of the high end Velocity Stilts.) If you buy units from a foreign distributor, and want to import those units, you would be violating Mr. Boeck’s patent. He has the right to search your transaction out and he will not grant permission for customs to bring the units into the country. Many small businessmen have tried to bring in the CHEATER, the brand Skyrunner.

The Asian manufacturer of Skyrunnner is not an authorized manufacturer of Mr. Boecks. They got ahold of a few jumping stilts, and went to work copying evey part. Skyrunnners are sold to nonpatent protected countries, because there is no policing. But if you try to bring them in the USA, they will be confiscated. Word of warning - don’t cheat. Buy legitimate brands from distributors who offer very fair prices and honor their warranties.

Special Thanks to Scott Loeser for letting us use his pictures. He’s a jumping stilts maniac!