Power Kite Forum

wingtip / bridle / speed line and fids

B-Roc - 17-9-2011 at 06:51 AM

For those of you who have kites with sliding wingtip bridle lines (FLysurfer, etc. - the line in the bridle that slides through a metal ring at the wingtip) what type of line would you suggest to replace that?

I was hoping for something hollow core which I could loop splice or sew by hand. And if I can loop splice it anyone know were to buy a real thin fid. West Marine's smallest is 1/4 inch.

Also, what type of line do you use to replace the line in the speed system that runs through the pulleys. Can I use amsteel or is that no good since it lacks a core?

Thinking of reaching out to John at PZ but it looks like these things are easily made... though I dont know of what.

indigo_wolf - 17-9-2011 at 12:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by B-Roc
I was hoping for something hollow core which I could loop splice or sew by hand. And if I can loop splice it anyone know were to buy a real thin fid. West Marine's smallest is 1/4 inch.

Jamestown Distributors down in RI sells SeaDog Rope Splicing Fids in two sizes. The smaller fid is for ropes from 1/8" to 1/2". The larger on is for ropes larger than 1/2".

I really wish JD's store hours didn't suck so bad.

Quote:
Originally posted by B-Roc
Also, what type of line do you use to replace the line in the speed system that runs through the pulleys. Can I use amsteel or is that no good since it lacks a core?

Thinking of reaching out to John at PZ but it looks like these things are easily made... though I dont know of what.


What kite are you working on? I believe there are variants of Amsteel both with and without a core. West Marine only carries a subset of the Sampson catalog.

Are you replacing two different sections of the bridle? Having trouble breaking your post down into a mental image.... pics would help.

Yes, definitely give John a call. I have been hemming and hawing about giving him a similar call for the past week or so.

Unless I am reading things wrong, it sounds like John sometimes tweaks things above OEM specs: "PowerZone uses AmSteelŪ synthetic fiber twelve-strand braided rope over a Dyneema inner-core for replacements."

ATB,
Sam

erratic winds - 17-9-2011 at 12:47 PM

I like to fiddle around myself, but on my FS I just sent it to john and he did the work for me at very reasonable rates.....and as always, the oracle has already answered you. :D

Kamikuza - 17-9-2011 at 07:18 PM

I think it's the Ring Line, the one on the tips ... The pulley line is Spare Parts Line of SPL.
Send the whole lot to John at powerzonekitesports.com and get him to do it and tune it - you'll be glad you did :thumbup:

B-Roc - 18-9-2011 at 03:55 AM

Yes, it is the ring line that I'm referring to but figured I'd redo the SPL if I was going to be buying line and loop splicing. I might give it a go with 7/64ths amsteel just to see if I can do it first. Looks relatively easy adn I know the bridle itself and mixer are in tune. Its just the ring line mostly that's chaffed.

tridude - 18-9-2011 at 04:41 AM

B,

Ive got extra wingtip line from my pulses (too include your 6m). I can send you some if I have the right diameter and length. Also, I have some old FDS line the should work as well...................shoot me a U2U if I have what youre looking for. Alwayz good to give back! :tumble::yes:

awindofchange - 18-9-2011 at 03:53 PM

Ive got some really small fids that can go down to 90# hollow core. If you need one or two I can send them to you.

Just to clarify, the Fids I have are not like the ones in the jamestown link above. These are the latch-hook type.

B-Roc - 18-9-2011 at 04:55 PM

Hey Kent, thanks for the fid info/offer. ARe the latchook kind the type where you open the end up a bit and then squeeze it shut through some strands in the bitter end before pulling? I think that would work for 7/64 amsteel?? I'd appreciate your recommendation for what you've got that would work on say 7/64th - 1/4 amsteel. U2U me or post back here details for shipping etc. and we can work something out.

Thanks!