A Fast-Closing Rescue Throwline Built for When Seconds Count
The Palm Bolt 20m throwline is a rescue and haul line from Palm Equipment, built around a Fidlock magnetic closure that opens and repacks faster than a standard buckle. It suits whitewater paddlers assembling core rescue kit and clubs or centres kitting out a group, where a throwline that repacks quickly between uses matters as much as the throw itself.
The Fidlock Closure Explained
Most throwbags rely on a buckle or drawcord to keep the bag shut, which slows down repacking exactly when speed matters most. The Bolt's Fidlock closure is a bayonet-and-magnet design: the bag closes with a single-handed push and, according to an independent review of the Bolt, does not rely on the magnet alone to stay shut, so it holds securely rather than being a novelty fastening. The bag opening itself is wide and stiffened, similar in feel to a climbing chalk bag, which makes repacking the rope under pressure noticeably easier than a narrow-necked bag.
Rope, Breaking Strain and What 10kN Means
Inside the bag is 20m of 11mm polypropylene-cored floating rope, built to a kernmantle construction, with a static breaking strain of 10kN. Palm positions the Bolt as strong enough for use as a haul line and nimble enough for person-to-person rescues, which is the kind of general-purpose rescue and recovery work most paddlers need a throwline for. It is worth being clear about what 10kN does and doesn't cover: it is a static breaking-strain figure, not a guarantee against every rescue scenario, and general swiftwater-rescue guidance sometimes points to higher-rated lines (13.5kN or more) for mechanical-advantage or boat-unwrapping work specifically. For everyday haul-line and rescue-throw use, Palm's own rating covers exactly this kind of work — but the Bolt is not built or marketed as a mechanical-advantage rescue rope.
Who It's For — And Who Should Think Twice
The Bolt suits whitewater and moving-water paddlers who already know they need a throwline and are choosing between models on speed of use and durability, and clubs or instructors buying multiple units where fast repacking between sessions is a real practical benefit. If an 18m, 8mm throwline better suits a shorter-reach, throw-first role, choose the Palm Lightning instead. If you need to choose between 15m, 20m and 25m lengths and want built-in flotation for repeat use, see the Palm Pro Throwline. Sea and touring paddlers who aren't yet sure whether they need a throwline or a tow line should start with our Throw & Tow Lines category guide, which explains the difference before narrowing down to a specific product. Paddlers planning technical mechanical-advantage or unwrapping rescues should treat the Bolt as a general-purpose rescue and haul line rather than a substitute for a rope rated specifically for that heavier work.
Construction, Weight and Where It's Made
The bag is built from 500D CORDURA with a 420D polyester lining, and the rope detaches from the bag via Palm's Quickclip webbing attachment point, so it can be used on its own when only the rope is needed. The Bolt weighs approximately 1.1kg and is finished in high-visibility Sherbet for easier spotting in a rescue situation. It is manufactured in Vietnam.
Fits Palm's Quick Release and Quick Pro Belts
Belt loops on the bag are sized to fit Palm's own Quick Release Belt and Quick Pro belt, so the Bolt can be worn as part of a complete rescue-belt setup rather than carried loose.
The Palm Bolt ships from The Boathouse Norfolk; see our delivery information page for current shipping costs and timescales before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the breaking strain of the Palm Bolt throwline, and is it strong enough for rescue?
The Palm Bolt has a static breaking strain of 10kN, which Palm rates as strong enough for use as a haul line and for person-to-person rescues. It is a general-purpose rescue and recovery rating rather than a line built specifically for mechanical-advantage or boat-unwrapping rescue work, which is sometimes specified against higher-rated lines.
What is the Fidlock magnetic closure and how does it work?
Fidlock is a bayonet-and-magnet closure system: a single-handed push closes the bag, and it stays shut mechanically rather than relying on the magnet alone. It's designed to make repacking the throwline faster than a standard buckle or drawcord closure, which matters when you need to reset quickly between throws.
What's the difference between the Palm Bolt, Palm Lightning and Palm Pro throwlines?
The Bolt is 20m with 11mm, 10kN rope and a Fidlock closure. The [Palm Lightning](https://www.norfolkwatersports.co.uk/shop/palm-lightning-1864) is an 18m, 8mm, 8kN throwline that also uses Fidlock, so choose it when the shorter, throw-first specification is the better match. The Palm Pro Throwline offers 15m, 20m and 25m lengths with a shock-cord closure and built-in flotation for repeat use. Choose the Bolt when its 20m length, 11mm rope and fast Fidlock repacking best fit the role.
Does the Palm Bolt throwline fit a tow belt?
Yes — the belt loops on the Bolt's bag are sized to fit Palm's Quick Release Belt and Quick Pro belt, so it can be worn on a compatible tow belt rather than carried loose.
Can the rope be used on its own, without the bag?
Yes — the rope detaches from the bag via Palm's Quickclip webbing attachment point, so it can be used independently when only the rope itself is needed.
Is 20m long enough for a throwline?
20m sits in the middle of the range we stock across Palm's throwlines (15m to 25m), and is a common all-round length for river and open-water rescue use. Longer lines suit wider water or bank-to-bank throws; shorter lines are lighter and quicker to coil. See our Throw & Tow Lines guide for length guidance across the full range.