Power Kite Forum

how much wind could a kite with 70 kg breaking strength lines handle?

rossb63 - 6-6-2011 at 12:28 PM

just got myself a hq symphony rainbow 1.8m its on the way in the mail the lines included can handle 70 kg pulling force how much wind is this not even got it yet and already im looking into getting stronger lines for it was looking at 170kg flying lines more than double strength

dylanj423 - 6-6-2011 at 12:37 PM

that was my first kite.... fast little thing in high winds.. kinda fun memories... i flew it in 30mph winds at least a few times with no problems

B-Roc - 6-6-2011 at 12:38 PM

170 kg would be overkill for that kite and 70 may be too light but I don't think it is unreasonable.

Pretty sure the symphony is a sport (recreational) foil which means its is probably bridled to offer some pull but not an outrageous amount in "normal" flying conditions and IMO is not considered a "traction" foil.

All my harder pulling (framed) sport kites are on 150# spectra and in the right winds they can pull me and the lines seem plenty strong (but I'm only 145#).

How are you intending to use the symphony?

indigo_wolf - 6-6-2011 at 02:52 PM

Considering that the Symphony 1.8 comes with polyester straps with plastic D-rings, I would have to agree with Brian that 170kg sounds like overkill.

It also looks like the kite has most of it's bridling at the leading edge, so I expect it is bleeding some power off at the trailing/back edge of the kite.

Looks like it is skewed more towards zippy speed and bombing around the sky than traction.



ATB,
Sam

Pulsar - 6-6-2011 at 04:50 PM

The supplied lines will probably break when looping heavily in about 25 knot winds. A few gusts this strong is enough, it doesn't need to be a steady 25 knot wind, so it'll probably break on a day where the wind averages 20-22 knots. 170 kg is a line strength you simply won't break with this kite, unless of course your lines hit something.

Also keep in mind that when you fly in winds that actually need these stronger lines, your kite reaches insane speeds, and a slight steering error can cause your kite to hit the ground and fully selfdestruct. One of the reasons the weaker lines are standard, is that when people try to fly winds that can cause damage, the fact that their line snaps, prevents them from destroying their kite (or themselves, but that doesn't apply to this size kite).

Bottom line: use supplied lines untill you're confident you can handle winds that require stronger lines.

furbowski - 6-6-2011 at 08:32 PM

IW is right, the handles will likely go before the lines, esp. if you move to heavier lines.

the symphonies can take some pretty hard crashes, but the thing that will blow a kite out for sure is hitting the ground dead on the leading edge so all the cells pressurize at once... at an angle is a lot more survivable.

snowspider - 7-6-2011 at 06:37 AM

70kg rated , maybe 140kg breaking strength X 2 = 280kg lift X 2.2kg/lb = approx560lbs
The answer to your question is high winds gusting over 50mph might break somthing on the kite and will most definatly break you. ( crash test dummy confirmed )
Those lines are fine untill they show wear.

rossb63 - 7-6-2011 at 09:45 AM

hi guys im not gonna put 170kg lines on it.......... im gonna put 270 kg lines on it:eekdrull:WHAT NOW? thats right im so sick of these kites being supplied with thin cheapy lines that break far to easily ill get the 270 lines then that way ill never need to buy another set cos they will never ever brake nothing that you can say will change my mind

Leojim - 7-6-2011 at 10:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rossb63
hi guys im not gonna put 170kg lines on it.......... im gonna put 270 kg lines on it:eekdrull:WHAT NOW? thats right im so sick of these kites being supplied with thin cheapy lines that break far to easily ill get the 270 lines then that way ill never need to buy another set cos they will never ever brake nothing that you can say will change my mind


Now that just downright funny. Nice to see you are considering (not) the VERY SOUND ADVICE that was given. But, it's your $ and your life. Let me see....use the lines that come with it and replace them IF they break, or blow the $ on new lines now.

Please don't ask what the maximum wind you can safely fly that in and then double it. Given enough wind even a 1.8m can spank you and even bring death. Please understand that it is a trainer kite. Something that will let you learn in a safe manner. It is not intended to power you into next week.

indigo_wolf - 7-6-2011 at 10:29 AM

Quote:
thats right im so sick of these kites being supplied with thin cheapy lines that break far to easily ill get the 270 lines then that way ill never need to buy another set cos they will never ever brake


Well, alrighty then.... sounds like


For our international posters... cartoon refers to the idiom: "Cutting off the nose to spite the face."

It's your money, so have at it.



For anyone else considering running over-spec'ed lines, especially on a dual line, please keep in mind that steering input (especially at the edge of the wind window) will be greatly compromised. The kite will be underpowered at the edge of the window (even when the wind is up) and will be struggling to accept your steering inputs as it tries to stay aloft while being weighed down by the heavier lines.

ATB,
Sam

snowspider - 7-6-2011 at 11:36 AM

I've seen some pretty stout lines on "Deadliest Catch" , shipping cost might break the bank though.

rocfighter - 7-6-2011 at 12:14 PM

When flying this with the heavy lines please wear a shirt that says " I do not represent the kiting comunity, I'm independent"

rossb63 - 7-6-2011 at 12:27 PM

holy joe calm down guys it was a joke why would i seriously by 270 170 is all it needs theres nohing snaller than can handle what i intend to do with it i only plan to fly recreatioally but i wanna make sure i have lines that will actully be able to put up with hard turns ect especialy when the winds are over 30

rossb63 - 7-6-2011 at 12:46 PM

how about 140kg does that sound better?

Krohn1999 - 7-6-2011 at 01:14 PM

Sure 140kg is fine. When the kite gets really powered up you will just tear the bridle out of the kite or maybe you can get a cell to blow in mid flight.

Somtimes it is better to have weaker lines so if the kite does get too overpowered the lines will snap but the kite will not be damaged. If your lines are stronger than the kite the lines will win!! And what is cheaper, new lines, or a new kite?

just my 2 Cents

BTW I fly all my kites, Vapor included, on 180/110kg lines and have not broke one yet.

snowspider - 8-6-2011 at 09:45 AM

This thread gave me the incentive to look up what my small kite is , 2.2m Ballistic Eclipse.
Early in my learning process I had it out on a day with recorded gusts over 50mph , I was slightly supermaned. Slightly because in mid acceleration one of the lines broke. If I had stronger lines I would have experienced full acceleration and bone breaking apogee. I get the feeling you want to go banging around in nuclear conditions , expect a fair amount of risk though. Pad up and have fun and if things get whacky remember that replacing a "cheap" line when needed is a minor inconvenience compared to the alternative.
jeez rossb63 I just checked your profile , this must sound like a bunch of bla bla bla from a bunch of old f**** !
Just put a helmet and pads on and try not to get killed!!!!!!!!

John Holgate - 9-6-2011 at 02:42 AM

And take a video too, please. I'm hanging out to see the symphony go ballistic in 30 knot winds. :smilegrin:

Houston AirHead - 9-6-2011 at 08:03 AM

all that money on new lines could buy you some "getriteaide" for when you get thirsty after flying your hq symphony in high winds... lol:singing:

indigo_wolf - 9-6-2011 at 12:20 PM

FWIW: This thread migrated and was kinda put to bed in two other threads:

to anybody who sawmy last post

hq symphony rainbow

ATB,
Sam