Originally posted by Scoopy HERE
Control Gear
There are only about 3 types of kite control. Handles, Bar and de-power. We will go over all three and their advantages/disadvantages.
Handles-
Handles offer the most control out of all the control methods. With handles, you have independent control of each four lines. You can pull just one
line without adjusting the other three. This enables you to turn your kite with using only a push/pull turn like a 2 line kite, a turn with only the
brakes, or a turn with using a pull and a brake all at the same time. In addition, you can pull only the brakes, creasing the trailing edge of the
kite. This most often will slow the kite down, stop the kite (killing the power) and then even put the kite into reverse. This is especially useful
for landing the kite. Handles can be tied together with a strop line between them, then you can use them with a harness and transer the pull from your
arms to your waist. The only realy downfall I can see to using handles would be that the kite is fixed power, and in the winter for snowkiting, you
have to have a very strong grip on the handles, making control a bit more difficult and making your hands cold faster. The only safety system I know
of for handles is kite killers. These are wrist straps that attach with a small bungee to the brake lines. If you get into trouble, you can let go of
the handles and the kite will crumble up and fall out of the sky losing all pull.
Fixed Bridle Bar-
There are 3 different ways to set up your bar. You can set it up with only the 2 lines. The power lines only are connected to the ends of the bar. The
brake lines are not used. Basically as a 2 line kite. You lose the ability to stall and backup the kite. Making landing only by taking the kite out to
the edge of the window and crashing it to the ground. Launching may be done from the edge of the window as well. This method is mainly used by
kite-surfers using fixed line foils to surf with. There is no safety, only letting go completely will get you away from the kite. This poses the
problem of the bar/lines getting wrapped/tangled around someone/something that it shouldnt and the kite powering up again. This system is not
recommended. Next is almost the same thing, you attach the brake lines to the ends of the bars ,and the power lines to the center of the bar. This
system has about the same limitations as the 2 line bar. There is still no safety. The main difference is how the kite will handle. Turning on brakes
versus turning on power lines. The next system attaches the brakes to the center of the bar and the power lines to the outer tips. This has similar
flying characteristics as the 2 line bar, but you can reach out and grab the brake lines (wear gloves). Then you can stall and land the kite. You can
also keep the kite on the ground by staking the brake lines. Reverse launching is also available. There is a safety option in this.. You can attach a
leash to the brake lines out in front of the bar, and when you let go, the brakes will be activated and collapse the kite. If you must fly a fixed
power kite on this system this is recommended.
De-Power Bar-
This system requires a harness to work properly. You must have the kite attached, and have the ability to slide the bar back and forth. A de-powerable
kite changes power by changing the angle of attack. Quick lesson on AoA (you guessed it, Angle of Attack). The AoA affects speed and power of a kite.
The steeper the AoA, the top of the kite if farther away and the bottom of the kite is closer to you. This makes the AoA steep. A shallow AoA puts
both top and bottom of the kite more equal distance from the kite flyer. The steeper the AoA, the slower the kite flys, and it produces more power.
The more shallow, the faster the kite is and it makes less power. By adjusting the angle of the kite, you can adjust the power of the kite. When you
pull the bar in, it steepens the AoA, slows down the kite, and makes the power greater. These kites can be reverse launched. They also have an
adjustment strap in which you can change the amount of angle you can get with the bar. These kites are preferred for kitesurfing, landboarding, and
snowkiting. the safety on these kites is built into the de-power system. There is normally a release of some sort on the bar system that when
activated, will collapse the kite get you out of trouble.
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