line length issues.....need advice/input.

Greg · Post by **Greg** » Fri May 20, 2011 10:35 pm

Did your kites come with any "Books" ? I understand yours might be used and therefore the "information pack" might be missing.... Also it's a GOOD IDEA to get a bar for every kite, often they are size specific, or line length specific- This varies with kites and brands.
When I used to make my own bars I'd make some with SHORT LINES some longer, some were PULLEY BARS, each had a different purpose and "feel" depending on what I was shooting for-

ALL NEW KITES COME WITH A BOOKLET that EXPLAINS ALOT ABOUT YOUR KITE. Many Kiters NEVER READ the BOOK and therefor MISS ALOT OF INFORMATION.. Some booklets are better then others and so forth... But ALL kites should come with a booklet-

EVERYONE- when you sell a kite, PASS ALONG THE BOOKLET that came with it-
Take care everyone-

SC-SURFER, I look forward to meeting you in person.
Greg Boyington, aka- L.M.G.

sc-surfer · Post by **sc-surfer** » Sat May 21, 2011 12:40 am

LMG,

Yes I did get a booklet. All three kites are the same model and use the same bar. They all have the same bridal system etc. The book does describe several rigging options on both the front bridal and on the rear steering lines at the trailing edge of the wingtips. However none of these adjustment points resolve the unequal front line issue. It'll make a lot more sense when I can post up a pic tomorrow. Not sure how to post photos here yet but will give it a go.

Until then!

Thanks all for the input so far....!

M

Greg · Post by **Greg** » Sat May 21, 2011 8:29 am

Thats good!
Many of todays kites are designed to use only one bar size, some lines sets even come with extensions to give the rider more options. Almost all kite brands are designed to fly similar as possible throughout the size ranges however some change in how each fly should be expected.
For example: the RPM design is changed between sizes 12 -14 and 6 - 8 therefor three bar sizes are available, additionally the line lengths change. The kites are pretty similar in "FEEL" but changes in AIRSPEED make the designing process pretty complex-

To better understand this process I refer back to my days playing with slope gliders where my friend/mentor Harris Nelson explained how airfoil design must change with scale. Almost every potential airfoil has been wind tunnel tested, this research has been ongoing for decades, however few airfoils are tested up and down the size scale. Tests show airfoil's range considerably at different airspeeds/sizes, results of lift over drag change considerably with the smallest foils preforming the worst.

How this all effects the end user of traction kite gear is questionable. Kites are designed/tested for riders around 160 lbs and each size is expected to be used in different airspeed's therefor riders who are extra-heavy or very light are at great disadvantage using the stock sizing charts.

When buying new gear a good rule of thumb is: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY-
L.M.G.

sc-surfer · Post by **sc-surfer** » Sat May 21, 2011 11:32 am

Hi again.

Rather than start another thread with noob questions I'll just ask here.

I'm currently riding a Caution Redline 142 TT until I can move to a directional surf style board. Seems to work fine as is with the 4 small fins. However it has holes to add additional fins slightly inside and forward from the current ones.
What benefit would the additional fins bring? Would it hold better going upwind? Obviously if won't slide as well sideways but right now I don't care about that. Additional fins are only $12 each so I could add more pretty cheap if it will improve tracking and upwind riding.

Thanks again for all the help so far!

Monte

sc-surfer · Post by **sc-surfer** » Sat May 21, 2011 2:01 pm

Ok. Photos as promised.

Hope they show up.

sc-surfer · Post by **sc-surfer** » Sat May 21, 2011 2:08 pm

Looks like only one photo per post using tapatalk on my iPhone....

Above photo is an overview of the bar.

Below is a closeup if the front lines where they meet the trim strap. The left (red) line attaches to a fixed pigtail on the strap. The black line goes through a ring on the strap and attaches to another ring on the end of the safety line so the bar can run up the line when the chickenloop is released.

The black line is the one that is way to long causing (I think) the kite to fly uneven. There is no adjustment point to shorten it easily and not enough pigtail to lengthen the red line more than a little.

sc-surfer · Post by **sc-surfer** » Sat May 21, 2011 2:13 pm

Not sure if it shows up here but the front lines sag a lot when I pull the bar against the back lines.

(for some reason my photos are showing up with some image cropped. Don't know why. )

sc-surfer · Post by **sc-surfer** » Sat May 21, 2011 2:17 pm

Ok. Photo of rear line adjustment point at bar pigtail. No way to extend them any more to compensate for longer front lines. Hope this helps explain the issue more clearly. Seems to me like I just have a bad set of lines. I even tried the trick mentioned to stretch the ell out of the shorter line to match the other. No go. Just springs back to original length.

Anyway, there you have it. I'll fly my other bar for a bit but want to resolve the issue so I have a backup bar. Thanks for all your help and LMG I'll bring the bar up with me when I come out your way.

Monte

sc-surfer · Post by **sc-surfer** » Sat May 21, 2011 2:18 pm

Oops. Photo to go with above post.

kitecrazy · Post by **kitecrazy** » Sat May 21, 2011 9:15 pm

Gees...they really dont give you much adjustment with that bar design. MIght be in your best interest to adda pigtail of about 6-8 inches on all 4 lines before they connect to the bar. You can then use the added pigtail to give you the adjustment you need.
LMG will no doubt be able to help you out if you meet up with him.

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