Tack swivel roller furler feature

[4arch]

One of my winter projects is the replacement of my headsail furler. I’ve seen that some of the higher end units such as the Harken MKIV list an independent tack swivel as one of the special features of the unit. It supposedly allows the head and tack to furl semi-independently of the luff, theoretically providing better shape for a roller reefed sail.

In my fairly extensive research on furlers I haven’t read much discussion of whether this feature actually performs as intended. Has anyone with a furler having a tack swivel found that it really makes a significant difference in roller reefed performance?

[chef2sail]

Bryan,

Our Harken IV #1 works exactly that way. We put her on two years ago and I noticed that the twist at the top of the sail when furling was not as pronounced and that is shape was much better. Does it make a difference? I would say yes, but not the only reason to buy the Harken Furler. The components seem top notch on the Harken.

Dave