Power Kite Forum

Trim strap

shaggs2riches - 21-8-2010 at 11:53 PM

Went out on the ATB today and got half skunked cause the area was so small that I could get two sines in and have to turn around. But I happily got in some 30-40foot scuds and played with the trim strap on the synergy.

So far I've never gone past half way trim so in the moderate winds I was flying I thought that now was as good as any.:yes: What a huge difference in kite I got once I approached the 3/4 to full out trim. The short ride I had gave a feel for more smoother power delivery. With back lines attached to the closest to kite knot I enjoyed the extra bar pressure, made the overall movement less sloppy. I'm kicking myself for not letting it out more sooner. Fear of over power in higher winds and back-stalling in light winds has kept me from going past halfway. (and my short arms have a hard time reaching the strap at 3/4 trim.:smilegrin: )

Maybe this was an obvious thing I shoulda learned a long time ago but it never dawned upon me till now. The next time I get to ride in a bigger spot I'm sure it will be a ton more park 'n' ride instead of luff and sine. :wee:

Sorry I just had to share thanks for reading.

cheers
shaggs

krumly - 22-8-2010 at 08:47 AM

That's my one beef with PL kites, too. With 15"+ throw on my depower line, I'm holding with my fingertips with the bar full out, and the trim strap is quite a reach. But the kite isn't pulling out there, so fingertips are enough ;)

Been thinking of setting up spare Slingshot bar as 1:1 so I have below the bar trim, but I'm more used to the above bar trim. And the disadvantage there is you end a double length of depower line hanging around near your body.

krumly

arkay - 22-8-2010 at 11:46 AM

yeah the I agree with your assessment, though with the strap out and espically when flying at the top of the bridal, there is pretty much no depower on the kite:Ange09:

PHREERIDER - 23-8-2010 at 08:57 AM

for better body position and arm extension, i have added knots (figure 8) in the depower line right above the loop.

with full out setting you really only omitt the stall range , certainly worth the comfort!. and you can get it back by grabbing up the bar end lines for the stall feature for landings in mod. to low wind.

the alternative by trimming in for better bar position can lead to excessive trim strap flapping around which can catch the bar end with surprising results, and unhooked its less likely but a nuisance in any case.

go for comfort!

arkay - 23-8-2010 at 12:06 PM

You figure eight the line below the bar? I've had my venom trimmed in so far I had 0 control and had to fly holding 1 foot up on the control lines... maybe the wrong kite for the conditions...

PHREERIDER - 23-8-2010 at 12:39 PM

it makes a new stop right above the loop , it consumes about 3-4inches of line.

you should be able to see the wear part of the SINGLE depower line and the untattered part below it.

shorten the depower line at the loop or add a knot, just a tidy quick solution to customize for your preferences.

be sure to have ALL the power throw you need to get all of the kite, otherwise for closer bar use you may need to shorten bar end leaders with equal change knots as well.

the trim strap can get in the way, it will surprise you!