InvaderZim - 3-9-2012 at 05:53 PM
Hey, I'm a noob here 
I've got a HQ Rush IV pro 300 and I fly in high winds a lot. I prefer the workout and I don't want to strap into a harness but my forearms are really
limiting my flying times to about 30 taking breaks. I think its mostly because I'm griping the bar so tightly. I can do over 170 pullups so for me
that's the difference between an open grip doing pullups and using the control bar with a closed grip.
I want to transfer some of that finger stress to the wrist and I saw a Paul Thody vid on YouTube and and he is using some sort of handle strap hybread
deal to fly 25 flexifoils. Here: Paul Thody on youtube
Anyone know what handles these are? I guess there is a good chance he made them himself but I can't figure out how the strap is connected to the line
and whats keeping it from sliding down?
shehatesmyhobbies - 3-9-2012 at 05:59 PM
I cannot speak for those handles, but I can say that you can hold a more relaxed grip and not lose control of the kite, when flying on regular
handles, I make sure that I do not have the death grip going for the simple fact that I have less fatigue that way and if I get over loaded with a
gust or something, the kite will break free from me quicker than I can let go if I have a death grip on the handles. Just the way I do it, give it a
try, it may work for you! ( I also follow this same rule when flying my depower kites, unless I am pulling the bar in for a jump.)
martinipro - 3-9-2012 at 06:03 PM
^What Rich said!
Also not sure but I thought the rush pro is a quad-line. It will be a little tougher on your wrists than a 2-line like the one in the video.
InvaderZim - 3-9-2012 at 06:45 PM
Its a three line on a control bar. Ive been flying in a lot 25 knot winds at the kites max and if I didn't have a closed grip I cant hold onto the
bar for long and try to keep it in the power zone. In lighter winds its not really a problem Ive flown until my fingers have blistered - with gloves
on. Weight lifters use lifting straps and hooks to get better a better grip and to eliminate the weakest link, the hands and forearms. I gotta figure
out a better system then the one I'm using.
indigo_wolf - 3-9-2012 at 06:54 PM
The HQ Rush IV Pro 300 is a 3-Line.
Flexifoil Stackers fly on 2 lines. 25 Flexifoil Stacker 6s can generate plenty of pull, certainly more than the Rush. However, he is probably flying
them at the lower end of their wind range.
The Rush Pro control bar is a tad on the spindly side which makes it easy to over grip, causing undue fatigue.
One thing that can help is to wear a pair of light to medium weight pair of gloves. Make sure they are snug fitting so the leather doesn't bunch
which will also be an uncomfortable of another flavor (including blisters). The additional layer(s) of leather will increase the effective diameter of
the control bar, which will make you less prone to overgripping. Depending on the material(s) the gloves are made of they will also improve your grip
on the bar without you having to exert any additional force/strain.
Another thing is to make sure you that in fighting the pull of the wind, you are not drawing the bar closer to your body than you have to. If your
elbows are bent, you are reducing the work your biceps and shoulders are doing, but transferring that strain to your forearms.
Trying to use anything like lifting straps with your control bar will get you into trouble in gusty winds and will place strain on your carpal
tunnels.
ATB,
Sam
InvaderZim - 3-9-2012 at 08:02 PM
Ive been waring my regular lifting gloves, leather + wrist support which are fingerless.
Lifting straps would be perfectly safe as they release as soon as you open your hands but require a pretty tight hold to keep them in place and would
constantly loosen and need adjusting from the bar movement. Hooks though like you said would be a quick trip to the face plant club.
Versa grips would be superb on a pair of handles and will probably be the route I will take. I will have to take the bar off and then what should I
do with the third line? I guess it will be safe to keep it strapped to my wrist like it is now?
I really need something that's going to work with my anatomy better.
lives2fly - 4-9-2012 at 02:16 AM
Fix a strop to the bar and wear a harness. then you wont have to hold the bar tight at all. there will be no strain on your arms or wrists.
Cycling goves are worth a try for releaving pressure points and preventing blisters. (the quality ones with the gel inserts) I have never tried weight
lifting gloves but don't imagine they are built for all day comfort.