Power Kite Forum - What are the lines called at the top on a kite?

What are the lines called at the top on a kite?

XdisasterXdrewX - 24-1-2010 at 12:41 PM

Im new to kiting and i just bought a 14m kite from a guy on craigslist for $15, but it didnt come with anything else.

He told me that i needed to buy the lines that connect to the kite but he wasnt sure what they were called.

im talking about these:
http://www.kiteworld.co.uk/acatalog/flexifoil_buzz_big_buzz....

P.S.
I know that I shouldnt be starting with a 14m.
Ive been using a trainer kite and I will be ordering a 4m one soon.

flexiblade - 24-1-2010 at 12:53 PM

what brand and type of 14m? It's either an LEI, it's the type of kite you have to fill with air from a pump. OR - a fixed bridle - the kind of kite you have the link set for. The brand will be the name splashed across the kite somewhere. Did it come with a bar or handles? The kite in the picture is a 2 line trainer - I would imagine that a 14m kite (yes that is a huge leap for a beginner kiter) will typically be a four line kite - the lines coming from the kite are known as bridles - the bridles will converge to bundles that have a single dense line coming out of them with a large knot at the end - the knot is what you connect the lines to. If its an LEI it will have rigid spars (carbon fiber rods - about 2 to 3 feet long) that go on either end of the kite (pockets at the ends of the kite) - at each end of the pockets will be either a short bridle or simply 4 cords with knots at their ends. Let us know what this is before you get any equipment to fly this behemoth so we can help you safely on your way. A 14m kite can kill in the wrong winds.

XdisasterXdrewX - 24-1-2010 at 01:01 PM

I believe its a 14m Aero and it does have to be filled up with air, with a pump.
What exactly does LEI stand for?

Im not completely sure that it does need bridles but my dad is a paraglider so im used to seeing bigger kites having the bridles so most of the kites ive seen have them.

also, there is only 1 (of the 4? i think) of the tubes that actually works. The other ones have holes in them.
So do I patch them or buy new ones?

and it doesnt come with a bar or anything like that.

ripsessionkites - 24-1-2010 at 01:07 PM

LEI - Leading Edge Inflatable

the pic listed: are bridle lines ... your LEI doesnt require that.

sounds like you need FLYING LINES. 4x of the same weight and length.

if you got it kite only, than you also need a DEPOWER BAR, one from any kitesurf brand will due.

dunno inner tubes are standard sizing, if so than replacement is better than trying to find all the holes and patch them up.

XdisasterXdrewX - 24-1-2010 at 01:11 PM

THANK ALOT!
You guys really seem to know your stuff.

Before I get a board or anything just just wanna do some jumps and stuff.
From what ive seen in videos, alot of people use handles. (instead of a bar)
Is there a certain kind I should get?

flexiblade - 24-1-2010 at 01:24 PM

For an LEI you really want to use a "Depower bar" and not handles - the bar actually moves up and down on the center lines changing the angle of the kite to make it either deliver more power or less power, handles cannot accomplish the range of motion needed to fully depower a kite like this.

Patching is the way to go - buying bladders (that's the name for the inner tubes) will end up costing you more than if you just went and bought another kite with a bar and lines.

Start by opening the struts - the bladders that run from the front of the kite to the trailing edge of the kite (the back) - there will be a little flap at the end of the strut (near the trailing edge) connected by velcro - open this up but don't pull out the bladder just yet. Take a 6 foot length of thin rope or dense twine and tie it to the air valve, not too tight you don't want to replace the valve as well. Push the air valve into the strut housing - you can then carefully pull out the bladder from the velcro end. Look for the hole by filling up the bladder with air and then submerge the bladder into water - then look for bubbles. I really hope you have pin holes and not tears, a tear will require too much effort to fix - you need to have these professionally repaired - and again it will end up costing you more than another used kite that works.

To patch the holes you first need to go to a boat/marine/raft supply shop and get some glue called "aqua seal". While at the boat/marine/raft supply shop see if they sell patch kits with silicone patches (silicone sheets) this will match the material you will be patching. To patch a pin hole you have to be careful not to get too much glue on the patching area - may leak into the bladder and glue one side to the other. with your silicone sheet use enough to cover at least a half inch around the hole - coat with just enough glue to make the patch tacky - then place on hole and then place all the books you own on top of that - just kidding - put about 20 to 30 lbs on there and leave it overnight - test the next day.

As far as the jumping goes I would wait to practice with the 4m before you try anything with that monster. The big kite will come in handy down the line - but for now just learning to control of bit of power and what can go wrong should be left for the smaller kites - less of a chance of impending death and all that.

carltb - 24-1-2010 at 01:44 PM

anything that cost $15 isnt worth trusting your life to. you wouldnt go parachuting with a rig that cost that would you? you didnt get a bargain you got a deathtrap!

flexiblade - 24-1-2010 at 01:44 PM

Just saw this - a really good deal on two descent kites that will help you along and won't break the bank.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=12330

XdisasterXdrewX - 24-1-2010 at 01:48 PM

@carltb
There is nothing else wrong with the kite.
The guy was giving it away cause he said that he didnt want to spend the money on getting it fixed.
I gave him the $15 for it.

kiteNH - 24-1-2010 at 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by carltb
anything that cost $15 isnt worth trusting your life to. you wouldnt go parachuting with a rig that cost that would you? you didnt get a bargain you got a deathtrap!

+1 Luckily you're only out $15. Get the trainer kite and fly that and try to hook up with a local kite shop, instructor or local fliers before you go out and buy another Ebay or craigslist special.

XdisasterXdrewX - 24-1-2010 at 01:57 PM

I got a trainer kite but there arnt many places i can use it in my area.
Once summer comes I can use it at my cottage in Michigan but until then i just gotta wait.

And I dont know of any kite shops around here.
Ill look for some though.

flexiblade - 24-1-2010 at 02:07 PM

Just looked up your kite - its a Naish Aero - from around 2002 - 2003. This is what's known as a C-kite. The C-kites are generally very quick kites, can turn on a dime and deliver immense amounts of power when doing so. If you were to accidentally kite loop this - even though I would imagine a 14m in 12mph wind wouldn't turn all that fast would still most likely catch you off guard and throw you something fierce, enough to break some bones - usually wrist or ankle. You would also need to purchase a harness to fly this kite correctly - without a harness you would be holding the bar and the center lines wouldn't be attached to you, which puts the bar in a power position (if you watch any kite surfing videos you will notice they "pull" the bar in when they want to jump - powering up). This will make your flying experience less than ideal - more dangerous than anything.

furbowski - 24-1-2010 at 02:09 PM

I've had a few kites like this come my way... and in the end they all went in the rubbish. good on ya if you get it going, but if you don't have really good skills on your trainer you will be at serious risk. You will be at risk anyways, by serious risk I'd say 50/50 chance of a trip to the hospital. Do make sure your health insurance is completely sorted before you give that a try.

Flexiblade is being very tolerant and hopeful... The other opinions are equally valid, and both Kite NH and CTB have seen a lot of newbies get going.

Make sure your dad is closely involved as you rig it up. Hopefully with his PG skills he can help you minimize the risk, but for darn sure a step like that can't be done safely.

For $150 you can buy an excellent (for the price) pair of kites to help you up the learning curve, have a look here...

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=12330

ha! I see you're on that thread already.

Tell you what, if you get them and don't like them I'll guarantee I'll buy them from you!

XdisasterXdrewX - 24-1-2010 at 02:17 PM

@flexiblade
thanks for telling me. Ill probably keep it and save it for when I (if ever) get better.

@furbowski
Thanks alot man. Im really hoping I can buy them cause ive been researching this for a while and I REALLY wanna do this.
My dad wont let me get a PPG so i figure this is the next best thing, and if nothing else it will get me better acquainted with the wind and everything.

flexiblade - 24-1-2010 at 02:30 PM

This sounds so familiar - I can't remember his name - hasn't posted on here for a while - was doing both kiting and Para gliding and was about 16 years old. Anyone recall - that would be the person for XdisasterXdrewX to talk to.

Bladerunner - 24-1-2010 at 02:31 PM

I also think you bought a Naish Aero ?

If you did you have an old 4 line C kite. My Aero II had a pump leash attachment that can be used to hook up a 5th line. Rig this kite as a 5 line or don't bother with it.

You get what you pay for in this sport. You have a $15 kite !!!!!! You will understand once you get into things just why he was giving it away. People in my town have been known to destroy these kites rather than see them get in to the wrong hands. Be SURE you undersatnd the safeties BEFORE you fly this kite.

XdisasterXdrewX - 24-1-2010 at 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by flexiblade
This sounds so familiar - I can't remember his name - hasn't posted on here for a while - was doing both kiting and Para gliding and was about 16 years old. Anyone recall - that would be the person for XdisasterXdrewX to talk to.

...hasnt posted in a while...

hmm, kinda scares me

Bladerunner - 24-1-2010 at 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by XdisasterXdrewX

Quote:

...hasnt posted in a while...

hmm, kinda scares me

NPWFever ! He lost interest while recovering from his major concusion ! Handed to him from a similar Naish C kite.

XdisasterXdrewX - 24-1-2010 at 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bladerunner

Quote:

Originally posted by XdisasterXdrewX

Quote:

...hasnt posted in a while...

hmm, kinda scares me

NPWFever ! He lost interest while recovering from his major concusion ! Handed to him from a similar Naish C kite.

I think ive just made up my mind.
Im not gonna use this kite.

Maven454 - 24-1-2010 at 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bladerunner
NPWFever ! He lost interest while recovering from his major concusion ! Handed to him from a similar Naish C kite.

Really??:ticking:

Jovver - 24-1-2010 at 04:09 PM

Hey XdisasterXdrewX,

What do you mean there's no place to fly where you'e at? This past weekend I was just up at Maumee Bay flying for 5 hrs non stop, first good session I have had in 2 months. Maumee Bay is where it's at! If you need someone to teach you the ropes, I will most likely be in the area. Once the bay and small pond freezes over again and we get some good snow, I plan on using them for some snowkiting.

Erik

XdisasterXdrewX - 24-1-2010 at 06:59 PM

@Jovver

I live like 45 minutes from Maumee Bay and my parents really dont want to drive that far, and where my dad flies his PPG there are pot holes everywhere.

Im gonna check google maps and see if there are any open fields around the area.

Jovver - 24-1-2010 at 07:08 PM

XdisasterXdrewX,

In this sport, you will find that a 45 min drive is a small price to pay for some decent space and smooth winds. I frequently make trips up to Maumee Bay (almost every weekend over the summer) and it's just under a 2 hr drive for me. Get your license asap so your parents don't have to drive you around! :lol:

XdisasterXdrewX - 24-1-2010 at 07:32 PM

haha
i have my license but I dont have a job.
The first thing im getting (before i even buy a car) is all the equipment and stuff that i need for this.
For now im just looking for a field to practice on.
Eventually I will hopefully get a board so I can get out in the water.

Once im better ill tell you and we can figure out a time when we can meet up and kite.
That would be really cool

rocfighter - 24-1-2010 at 07:43 PM

Man this is one lucky kid. All the free advise he could ever want from a bunch of good guys who don't even know him. This place gives me hope in a world of hate and horrors.

Bladerunner - 25-1-2010 at 08:02 AM

If your kite is an Aero it will work but is the tough ( cheaper ) way to learn. Post a picture of it.
Does it have an attachment point in the very centre of the leading edge ?

Look into what a FIVE line C kite looks like . Rig yours that way and it will be O.K. .

You can get some amazing deals but that is because the gear is better and safer now. It is a trad-off. Just respect the kite and you can do it on the cheap. Look for kite from 2005 and newer. Older ones have some issues.

BeamerBob - 25-1-2010 at 09:26 AM

NPWfever got into paragliding which was his initial passion and thus the kites were a path in that direction. But yes he had a 6 month layover to make sure he didn't worsen the effects of the concussion he got flying big kites in a somewhat careless fashion. He was constantly getting lectured about "Don't do that or you'll get hurt" from the rest of us on here. I checked in with him 6 months ago or so and it seems IIRC that he was getting into parachuting now. Adrenaline junky for sure, but that's ok if you take your time and play it safe.

B-Roc - 25-1-2010 at 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BeamerBob
IIRC that he was getting into parachuting now.

:wow:
His parents are either the most generous or irresponsible people on earth. :puzzled: