Power Kite Forum

kite leash - buy or build

pongnut - 2-12-2011 at 03:40 PM

Just aquired a harness and depower kite with 5th safety line. I started looking for a leash and and the least expensive ones are around $35. I know thats not a life savings but has anyone built their own for less?

Thanks

lamrith - 2-12-2011 at 04:30 PM

Pong, I have had the same question myself.

The concern I see however is that you need a Safe way to dump the leash as well. All the leashes you see for $35-50 have a QR mechanism in them. So that if something really bad happens like a boat, car, etc snags your kite you can get disconnected in a flash AND under full load..

indigo_wolf - 2-12-2011 at 04:34 PM

Depending on what length and terminators you want a NSI Leash might be cheaper for you. Factor in both.... only the base price is $11.95.

You might want to put up a WTB. Some kites come with leashes and people may have surplus.

You are going to be better off with a store bought. Construction, findings (cheaper for manufacturers in bulk), gas/shipping is going to exceed $35 if you are making a one-off.

ATB,
Sam

Bladerunner - 2-12-2011 at 05:53 PM

Those NSI leashes look the job.

Making a reliable QR with a Cotter pin and sleeve is not too tough. One could make up a safe reliable leash in a pinch but ..... :dunno:

Here is a link to an example of a cotter pin saftey

http://kiteboarderz.piczo.com/projects?cr=6&linkvar=0000...

g00fba11 - 2-12-2011 at 06:43 PM

Switch is another option on a reasonably priced leash.....

http://switchkites.com/warehouse_comp/product_info.php?cPath...

lamrith - 2-12-2011 at 07:06 PM

Thanks Goof!! I Really like the look of that switch leash. Gonna buy one now I think, will need it after I send Blades Pulse back with his leash.

You help me out again G00f! Guess that is 2 beers on my tab ehh??

Hrmm they have complete CL with swivel for <$30

g00fba11 - 2-12-2011 at 07:08 PM

Sounds good to me......

I got a couple of them coming also.....

Kami turned me onto that site.....

They got some good parts cheap.....

I want to try their CL also......

I got 44 ft of 5mm amsteelblue just waiting to be turned into a depow line.....

pongnut - 2-12-2011 at 09:45 PM

Thanks for the advice and resources - looks like I'll buy. The commercial products also look much better than anything I could put together.

lamrith - 9-12-2011 at 01:01 PM

Well I just went ahead and bought one. Freight is a bit hefty as it is comming from overseas.. $16.39 becomes $30 n change after shipping.. Wonder how long it will take?

stetson05 - 10-12-2011 at 12:29 PM

I made a couple but don't use them. I realized that I didn't trust them enough. Add that to the lost time I recommend buying a tested commercial product. I know it was already said but just reinforcing with my exeperience.

May we all get wind for Christmas and get it Early.

lamrith - 20-12-2011 at 12:20 PM

Just got my leash in. So 7 business days transit. Not bad at all..

At least now I have my own so I do not have to send Blade's Pulse back with his leash accidentally, maliciously missing...:evil:

Bigbear97e - 20-12-2011 at 07:04 PM

Lamrith
speaking of tabs, I believe you and I have created a drinking problem for g00fba11....:D

lamrith - 20-12-2011 at 08:52 PM

Or at least he will hjave one if we every meet up with him? :-p:evil: