There have been some issues with the new STS n start gate sticks shearing off at the "bolt" end. All of these failures have been attributed to mounting the start gate on too small a post. Make sure that the gate is mounted to a 4x4 or equivalent. The idea is to make sure that there is minimum space between the edge of the mounting post and the gate housing. That way the racer will engage the stick further from the gate housing and the swing arm can work normally. Boot buckles and pants will not catch either.
Park City uses a very simple and effective system of attaching the two posts 24 inches (inside to inside) (29 inches center to center) apart with a 12 inch deep plywood spacer. The whole assembly is then buried. The snow between the spacer and the posts ices up nicely. The posts do not move and the stick overlaps slightly on the far side.
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