Power Kite Forum

Need help with HD 4-line traction control bar

dirtysven - 28-8-2014 at 05:42 AM

Hello forum,

I've recently purchased an HQ 4-line traction control bar for my 3M Beamer. I was using paddles with it and like them but needed a bar to start getting use to it for when I move to depower in the future. I was trying to add the bar to the kite yesterday and kind of worked, I saw that the brake lines were sagging a ton in comparison to the main lines on the bar. I was wondering if there's a rule of thumb as far as how to setup the bar and length of lines. Been looking all over the forums and online for a manual but can't find one. Also, the bar came with a D-loop and the wrist strap to include a harness. I was able to flight the kite with the bar and harness but I think my setup was wrong.

I have this bar: http://www.powerkiteshop.com/accessories/hqbeamercontrolbar....

Can someone with knowledge on this please help, I would like to set it up correctly to avoid injuries and any help will be appreciated.

Lastly, I need to replace the lines on my kite, they are used and I can see they are getting signs of wear. Wondering how many meters lines I'll need for a Beamer 3M 4-line.

Thanks in advance.

ssayre - 28-8-2014 at 06:08 AM

You were not using paddles unless you were playing ping pong with the kite. You were using handles. A four line fixed bridle kite on a bar will teach you less about depower than using handles and strop because you lose any control of your brakes on the bar. You will learn more by using handles and strop and flying in winds that will not overpower you while you learn to be hooked in. Sorry, not trying to be a downer on the bar but handles with an FB kite gives so much more control IMO.

dirtysven - 28-8-2014 at 06:41 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ssayre  
You were not using paddles unless you were playing ping pong with the kite. You were using handles. A four line fixed bridle kite on a bar will teach you less about depower than using handles and strop because you lose any control of your brakes on the bar. You will learn more by using handles and strop and flying in winds that will not overpower you while you learn to be hooked in. Sorry, not trying to be a downer on the bar but handles with an FB kite gives so much more control IMO.


lol, yes handles. I noticed I had less control on the kite and took longer to respond with the bar. I guess I have this whole idea of depower/using a bar backwards. now my question is, how can I use the harness with the handles? is there a way to do it because I would like to try that.

acampbell - 28-8-2014 at 06:55 AM

Adjust the brake lines such that there is just a bit of sag, until it feels best for you. We can't say anything more precise than that. Adjustments can be made by moving the brake line attachment point at the brindle of the kite. Note that there are several sets of knots allowing you to move the larks head attachment up and down on the brake bridles. Generally tighter in higher winds and looser in lower winds. Experiment and you will find what works best.

Using a control bar on a fixed bridle kite is more often for the sake of using a land board or skiis so you can fly with bar in front or in back and single handed for a moment. It is nothing like a depower bar, since the rigging and geometry of a depower kite is a whole other kettle of fish. Your fixed bridle kite is just that; fixed, like a go-kart wired at a fixed high throttle setting. On a depower kite, the movement of the bar lets you change the angle
Of attack and sometimes camber of the kite, working like a gearbox and throttle.



dirtysven - 28-8-2014 at 07:03 AM

Quote: Originally posted by acampbell  
Adjust the brake lines such that there is just a bit of sag, until it feels best for you. We can't say anything more precise than that. Adjustments can be made by moving the brake line attachment point at the brindle of the kite. Note that there are several sets of knots allowing you to move the larks head attachment up and down on the brake bridles. Generally tighter in higher winds and looser in lower winds. Experiment and you will find what works best.

Using a control bar on a fixed bridle kite is more often for the sake of using a land board or skiis so you can fly with bar in front or in back and single handed for a moment. It is nothing like a depower bar, since the rigging and geometry of a depower kite is a whole other kettle of fish. Your fixed bridle kite is just that; fixed, like a go-kart wired at a fixed high throttle setting. On a depower kite, the movement of the bar lets you change the angle
Of attack and sometimes camber of the kite, working like a gearbox and throttle.




cool thanks man, yeah I've got that depower thing down. I was adjusting the main lines instead of the brake ones and all I got was NO liftoff. But will try and bring up the brake lines on the the bridle side and try to cut the slag that way. Now I have an idea of how to do it.

for the time being, I'll just get a piece of rope and make a strop out of the handles so I'll be able to use the harness. Went kiting the other day and my legs were killing me from all the pull.

dirtysven - 31-8-2014 at 05:21 PM

question guys, is it safe to buy a LEI kite with 2 pin holes that has been patched? the kite is a 2010 Best Nemesis. I need opinion on this because its a good deal and not sure if I should invest in it.