The Miller ELITE Flyball FAQ:

Feature

Premier

Miller Elite

MATTING

1/2” Tuff Spun mat

3/8” Tuff Spun mat

5/8” is available but adds 2 pounds to the box weight.

MECHANISM

Plunger style firing mechanism

Lever style firing mechanism

The lever style is self-cleaning. When cocked, it will always fire. It is also dual-action in that it throws small balls as they rest against the plunger and strikes larger balls similar to the pin style. No need for large and small ball firing mechanism.

FASTENERS

Stainless Steel

Aluminum and Stainless Steel

There are 125 aluminum rivets holding the box together, and each is rated for 1300lbs in shear (most of the forces on the rivets are in shear) and 830lbs in tension. The hardware on the hinges is 1/4" stainless steel.

SPRING TENSION

N/A

Maximum spring tension is just over 140 pounds

A fast, average-sized Border Collie generates about 140 lbs of horizontal force which translates to about 100 lbs of downward force on the spring. The Border Collie will compress, but slower or lighter dogs also benefit from the spring action as they actually can compress the springs slightly.

FRAME

Rigid frame

Plastic sides and base

Spring Back Frame - Powder-coated Marine Grade Corrosion resistant Aluminum

Reduces shock on joints – please see video.

WEIGHT

57 pounds

27 pounds

Easier to transport and easier on the boxloader.

Feature

Spring Back Hybred

Miller Elite

APPROACH

49 degree angle – 45 optional

40 degree angle

Optimized for maximum landing pad and generating force downward so box does not move when the dogs hit the box except for the spring compression. The higher the angle the more force generated back and less into the springs.

MECHANISM

Pin-style firing mechanisms

Lever style firing mechanism

The lever style is self-cleaning. When cocked, it will always fire. It is also dual-action in that it throws small balls as they rest against the plunger and strikes larger balls similar to the pin style. No need for large and small ball firing mechanism.

FINISH

Anodized aluminum is the only coloring option, at an additional cost. Anodizing can easily be removed with cleaners like "Greased Lightning." The warning label on the bottle says not to use with anodized aluminum.

Powder coated finish goes on dry and is baked into the aluminum

Most household cleaners will not damage finish. Use with the same care you would with your car's finish and you will have years of like-new look. Powder coat is very difficult to remove, except by sandblasting.

SPRING TENSION

Spring tension is drastically higher than the Elite, although exact resistance is not listed.

Maximum spring tension is just over 140 pounds

A fast, average-sized Border Collie generates about 140 lbs of horizontal force which translates to about 100 lbs of downward force on the spring. The Border Collie will compress, but slower or lighter dogs also benefit from the spring action as they actually can compress the springs slightly.

FRAME

Open frame with plungers (firing mechanisms) exposed.

Closed frame construction that is light-weight and strong.

Cannot accidentally misfire or injure the boxloader.

BOXLOADER COMFORT

No place for boxloader to brace legs.

Back is enclosed and padded

Gives the boxloader a place to brace their legs