GCC stones now have the latest technology built-in to them: Klutch Curling! Located between the handle and the stone, are sensors that provide curlers loads of delivery details including short and long times, amount of drift, and whether the release was pushed or pulled.
Klutch is the same system that was used during last season’s Grand Slam of Curling. The GCC invested in this technology as an additional resource for all GCC members to further improve their delivery.
Installing the Klutch Curling App
All members of the GCC can access Klutch for free. It’s one of the many benefits of being a GCC member.
First time Klutch users will need to install the Klutch app on their smartphone. It is available for both the iPhone and Android phones.
After the app is installed, the initial screen will prompt for a log-in. First time users will need to create a user name and password for the account, or connect to Facebook. (Note that passwords cannot contain special characters.) Where the app prompts for the home club name, enter Granite Curling Club of Seattle (there’s also a few others Granite clubs in Canada).
To use Klutch for free throughout the season, there are a few additional steps:
- Click on the head icon to show the “Account” menu
- Click on the graphic or text that indicates the current plan. It will likely say “ Free Plan Active”.
- In the next screen, click “Code”
- Enter the discount code posted on the arena doors. This code is unique to the Granite Curling Club and will not work at other clubs that have Klutch.
- If the code was correctly entered, the app will prompt that a 100% discount has been applied! Click “Proceed” to finish.
iPhone users can also pair the Klutch app with their Apple Watch. Just open the iPhone Klutch app and open the paired Apple Watch. Tapping the Klutch icon on the Apple Watch will allow data to be transferred in real time between both devices.
Practicing with Klutch
Before using Klutch on the ice, a bit of set-up is required. The Klutch-enabled phone will need to have the Bluetooth on. The sheet will need to be selected in the app (all 5 sheets have Klutch). The stone will need to be flipped on its side, just like when its cleaned, each time before throwing in order to sync it with the app. The step-by-step guide for this set-up, as well as other usage tips can be found on this overview document from the manufacturer.
The Klutch app also has an audio component. During practice, it is recommended that headphones or earbuds be worn. That way you can hear the Klutch app, while also not driving your fellow curlers crazy.
When practicing, the best approach is to do quick simple drills, focusing on specific aspects of the delivery. It allows the curler to immediately compare results between throws and make corresponding adjustments. A recommended drill approach is:
- throw four draws at the same short time. A t-line to hog time of 3.8 seconds is a good place to start
- throw four draws at the same short time with consistent rotations, aim for 3-4 rotations
- throw four control hits. A hog-to-hog time of 10.5 seconds is good..
Using Klutch in Leagues & Bonspiels
For league play, Klutch may be used at the league manager’s discretion and as long as it doesn’t result in slow play (SLOW PLAY SUCKS!)
During bonspiels, using Klutch is not allowed. This creates an unfair competitive advantage over out-of-town curlers who can’t access the GCC Klutch system.
More Info
The Klutch Curling web site contains more information about how the technology works and other considerations. There is also this handy Frequently Asked Questions page from Klutch Curling and the overview document mentioned above.
Questions can also be e-mailed to klutch@curlingseattle.org.