Power Kite Forum - Strop connection for pl handles

Strop connection for pl handles

ssayre - 25-4-2014 at 05:14 PM

Awhile back I purchased a store bought strop to use with my pl handles. I didn't like the length and I didn't like having to take the lines off one of the handles to install it. One of the kites I sold just had knots so I used marine rope and used the beamerbob method of the no knot larkshead which works great. I now have to PL handles that have loops instead of knots so I've been thinking of different adjustable, easy to install methods because I want to have the ability to adjust length and remove the strop when flying static. So I can up with this ingenious method. I feel like I'm the first one to do it but I'm sure I'm not. Here are some pictures. Let me know if anyone else does it this way. You can adjust it to any length and it won't slip, it just tightens on itself. Also, I'm sure the knot has a name but Im not sure what it is.

BeamerBob - 25-4-2014 at 05:22 PM

You did it right. You just need a stopper knot on the end of your strop so it won't pull through. This is how the diagram shows in the PL owners manual. Cool on you for figuring it out on your own. :thumbup:

ssayre - 25-4-2014 at 05:24 PM

I yanked pretty hard and it didn't seem to budge. Do you think I have to put a stopper knot on? I like the minimalist no knot way so it won't catch or snag on the spreader bar. I know that's not likely, but just in case. Either way, I'm glad I figured that out because I was getting ready to unnecessarily replace the top leaders so they would have knots instead of loops.

BeamerBob - 25-4-2014 at 05:30 PM

It will really be a shock to you if it pulls out. :o Once you get flying, you won't be thinking about how minimalist your strop is. :cool:

All my strops end up pulled against the knot. I'm using Amsteel and it might be slicker.

ssayre - 25-4-2014 at 05:36 PM

It could be. This has a soft core that allows it to compress and tighten on itself. I will mark it with a marker and fly static for awhile and see if it moves any.

BeamerBob - 25-4-2014 at 05:40 PM

In my environment, I load the strop harder than I could hold the handles without it. I moved away from just hooking the strop into the spreader bar hook when I burned my arm once when the strop mashed up against it in a turn. If you are just cruising or flying static it might not move.

ssayre - 25-4-2014 at 05:45 PM

I hadn't thought about it like that, good point. The strop could potentially and usually would be loaded way more than I can pull.

ssayre - 25-4-2014 at 06:02 PM

Quote:

This is how the diagram shows in the PL owners manual. Cool on you for figuring it out on your own.

Are you kidding? I've been thinking about an easy way to do this for weeks. :mad:

Guess I need to read the manuals more often.

Edit: Just checked and the instructions were in my bag the whole time. :embarrased:

indigo_wolf - 26-4-2014 at 06:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre

Also, I'm sure the knot has a name but Im not sure what it is.

Square knot.

Quote: Originally posted by BeamerBob

I'm using Amsteel and it might be slicker.

The abrasion reducing coating on most flavors of Amsteel is slicker than olive oil on cat fur. (Trivia: olive oil is good for working out deep mats in cat fur without resorting to scissors).

The nylon marine rope should lock in without needing a stopper knot once the core is full compressed. Most likely scenario for it slipping is if it gets wet. A stopper knot wouldn't hurt and if you wanted to keep it clean, you could always backsplice to get the same effect as a stopper knot.

ATB,
Sam

ssayre - 26-4-2014 at 08:04 AM

Thanks Sam

DAKITEZ - 26-4-2014 at 10:44 AM

I made this a few months back for a customer. Been using this for years .. although I always seem to forget the correct procedure when I actually need to do it. So the video was kind of for myself also

BigMikesKites - 27-4-2014 at 06:53 AM

I like Dino's video. Perfect answer for custom strops

Peter Lynn has a video for their product. You don't take any lines off the handles to install. I have it posted at the very bottom of this page

http://www.bigmikeskites.com/PeterLynn/Harnesses/HarnessHome...

ssayre - 27-4-2014 at 07:11 AM

Mike, you have to disconnect the lines from the leaders on one of the handles for a strop with loops.

-mj- - 4-6-2014 at 07:25 AM

No need to take off the leader lines if you use a stropline with loops, look here :D

Windy Heap - 4-6-2014 at 12:23 PM

I just went to a marine supply store, and bought 8 feet of Amsteel blue, comes in 3/16" dia, (perfect dia IMHO) and doesn't stretch a bit, and is super slippery.........I'm going to cut it up for 3 kites of custom length stropps...........thanks all for the knot ideas and tips.

It was super cheap by the foot at a marine store, and people even use it as winch rope on their jeeps.

specs.

http://www.offroaders.com/tech/amsteel.htm