Power Kite Forum

Short lines...?

cheezycheese - 10-7-2011 at 06:58 AM

I had a line snap on me earlier this year. So I figure I will cut em down for a set of short lines.
So here's a question for those who have used shorties...

Looking at my FB's, what length would you suggest cutting them to...?

Which kite/wind conditions...? :dunno:

WELDNGOD - 10-7-2011 at 07:00 AM

15 meter

bobalooie57 - 10-7-2011 at 07:09 AM

Hey Marc, if you just need a "spare" set, and are not too concerned with length(like my beach, where I need 30 foot or so lines to keep out of the trees) just cut them down so they are all equal to your shortest (broken) line. Just remember that with shorter lines, your kite will be faster across the window, so not develop quite as much power as it would with full length lines. Used in higher wind, they should extend the range of the kite somewhat, but it takes a little getting used to, as it will speed everything up.

cheezycheese - 10-7-2011 at 07:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bobalooie57
Hey Marc, if you just need a "spare" set, and are not too concerned with length(like my beach, where I need 30 foot or so lines to keep out of the trees) just cut them down so they are all equal to your shortest (broken) line. Just remember that with shorter lines, your kite will be faster across the window, so not develop quite as much power as it would with full length lines. Used in higher wind, they should extend the range of the kite somewhat, but it takes a little getting used to, as it will speed everything up.


So then theoretically it should increase the turning speed as well...?

bobalooie57 - 10-7-2011 at 07:45 AM

I'd say yes.

Scudley - 10-7-2011 at 08:50 AM

Short lines are great, if you have clean wind. What is the area you fly like? If you field has wind obstructions around it, you will want to make you line set as long possible. If there are no obstructions, 15m will be good.
At GP, we have trees or buildings that obstruct the winds from WNW to N to SSE. On S to WSW winds, short lines are ok, if the wind is above 10kts. In any other conditions, the guys flying short lines have their kites collapse pretty frequently from rotor, while those flying on longer lines are able to keep their kites up in cleaner wind. Unfortunately wind greater than 10 kts coming from S to WSW happen here about as often as a new Pope.

S

ripsessionkites - 10-7-2011 at 09:10 AM

15m from sizes 2m to 16m

10m from 3m to 5m (for NABX super wind)

change your kite size not your line size