North vs Airush bar, any opinions?

by **jwest21** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 10:53 am

Unless you're finding that the kite flies to one side when the bar is straight and even, then measuring the lines at the kite (bridal lines) is unnecessary. The outside lines compared to center lines can have very different lengths depending on the model of kite. This is where the lengths change the flying characteristics of the kite where the bar lines end at equal lengths; it's all setup by the manufacturer and generally don't need to be messed with until it's time to replace the bridals.

These lines can stretch a little as well though, and may make it necessary to have slightly uneven line lengths coming off the bar. So if you're center line bridals stretch a little, you'll want to fly with slightly longer outside lines.

You may want to get ahold of Vincent (le noun) on this forum and try to meet up to get some help tuning your kite. He's a veteran Bandit flyer and was very helpful in answering my questions when I picked up my quiver. The folks at Boardsport Schools would be another great resource to make sure you're correctly tuned.

by **jwest21** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 11:12 am

Haha, never mind, there's Vince. Was wondering when you would join the conversation.

by **le noun** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 11:17 am

I have other jobs. :mrgreen:

by **skinnydoc** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 11:27 am

thanks guys. Rebecca just confirmed that the bar should be set up same length lines. Amazing that my front lines stretched 3in. I'm glad I figured it out. I'll try the North bar stock. So with front lines stretched as they have been, what kind of flight characteristics would I be seeing?

Ben

by **le noun** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 11:42 am

If the back lines are too short, kite will have the tendency to stall or "choke".
If too loose, you'll see it with the kite at 12. You'll loose steering and the kite will have the tendency to shoot to the edge of the wind window and Hindenburg. 3 inches shouldn't be that bad though. Nothing that the power/depower strap couldn't adjust.

by **jwest21** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 1:41 pm

I'm pretty fond of the velcro as well since I plan to bring these suckers out in the snow this winter and ice can freeze it up with the "standard" style of QR found on nearly all other kites now.

by **sc-surfer** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 4:38 pm

Actually 3 inches is a lot and could significantly affect performance. Try to fix that situation before making other adjustments!

by **le noun** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 6:44 pm

sc-surfer wrote:Actually 3 inches is a lot and could significantly affect performance. Try to fix that situation before making other adjustments!

yes, it is a lot, but it shouldn't be un-flyable, that's what I meant.

by **kitenaked** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 7:40 pm

Flyable yes....kiteable maybe....fun not likely

by **sc-surfer** » Mon Aug 27, 2012 8:19 pm

le noun wrote:
sc-surfer wrote:Actually 3 inches is a lot and could significantly affect performance. Try to fix that situation before making other adjustments!

yes, it is a lot, but it shouldn't be un-flyable, that's what I meant.

True dat.