Power Kite Forum

sliding spreader bar?

ssayre - 28-1-2015 at 11:05 AM

I have been using my ozone harness in the buggy because the nasa star's have a hard side pull and the ozone harness stays loose around the waist and will slide around to whichever side the kite is on. I initially saw this as a disadvantage until I used my devine harness. The devine harness stays and does not slide around, but when I look at the harness loop, it looks like it is on the verge of slipping off the hook since there isn't any donkey stick. I could solve that problem but there other negative thing is the devine applies much more pressure around my hip on the upwind side causing it to be fairly uncomfortable. That was a lengthy explanation to basically say I think I'm going to remove the bar from the devine and make some sort of sliding spreader hook or biner. I know they make spreader bars for this purpose. Does anyone use one in the buggy?

Chrisz - 28-1-2015 at 11:45 AM

I think the Dakine maniac bar is what you are looking for, it slides left and right with the kite

Demoknight - 28-1-2015 at 11:46 AM

Dynabar V3 was suggested for one of my posts looking for a swivel system. It doesn't fit exactly what I want, but sounds like it is specifically what you want. Check it out. There was also a Craigslist add for the spreader for sale for $80. Sounds like a hell of a deal for this bar. I would snatch it up if I wasn't looking for a swivel specifically. Looks like a dream for depower.

ssayre - 28-1-2015 at 11:58 AM

I was looking at those. It looks like they would be great. I only need one hand with the nasa's and the bar is fixed so I sit completely forward with the bar to my side. I might tinker with it a bit with a homemade one to try it out before getting a real one.

zero gee - 28-1-2015 at 12:36 PM

I've been using my homemade one since 2012. No going back to a fixed hook. All you need is some dyneema powerline and 2 stopper balls. Heres mine...
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=22441#pid21...

I simplfied mine since. I just have the main line now.

dangerdan - 28-1-2015 at 12:47 PM

I looked at the Dynabar V3 video. Why the elastic ?

ssayre - 28-1-2015 at 12:56 PM

zero gee, is there a spreader bar with the hook removed that the line is tied to on each end? Also, is the top line for your leash and the bottom the main line? What is the function of the bungee? Is that just to bring back to center automatically? Also, I don't see any stopper balls. Thanks for posting, I'm pretty sure I'm going to like this set up. :D

soliver - 28-1-2015 at 01:47 PM

If its a matter of how the "hook" is facing and not necessarily a matter of the whole mess sliding over to your side, maybe a Peter Lynn Link Spreader (see it here http://www.peterlynn.com/accessories/harnesses-spreaders/spr... about 1/2 way down the page) with a heavy duty carabiner .... just a thought. That would be a pretty inexpensive solution.

PHREERIDER - 28-1-2015 at 02:42 PM

the simplest i 've seen is just take regular spreader bar with hook, cut the hook off smooth , place large steel ring/carbiner on the bar . definitely helps with hip rotation /side kite action

soliver - 28-1-2015 at 04:39 PM

That's a great idea, PHREE... I might just do that with my bullet spreader that I don't use!!!

ssayre - 28-1-2015 at 06:55 PM

I'm looking forward to trying Phree's or zero's ideas. I think it would be useful for carving upwind and also walking upwind with the kite in the air. There are those days that I run out of room before I get a decent gust of wind and have to walk upwind. It's pretty tough to do with the harness fighting you and twisted. It's still easier than landing the kite and winding the lines in my opinion.

3shot - 28-1-2015 at 07:18 PM

Won't you lose the ability to hook/unhook on the fly Sean? For some reason my Divine rotates enough to make side pull more manageable. A rope and a biner would be a quick solution though.

ssayre - 28-1-2015 at 07:43 PM

Yes you would. Very rarely do I ever need to hook and unhook anymore. I pretty much stay hooked in unless I hit the safety. If overpowered, I have been doing controlled fishtails with the buggy. Also, I have 2 harnesses so I was thinking I could experiment with one just for the heck of it more than out of necessity.

soliver - 28-1-2015 at 07:56 PM

I've been considering using my snap shackle and hooking the chicken loop through that and it can be AQR if needed... guess I still need some NS3s first though.

John Holgate - 28-1-2015 at 08:59 PM

I solved the 'no donkey dicS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K- issue with the trapeze setup on the 3 line std bar by simply adding a short, stout cable tie to my spreader bar hook. Pull the cable tie down, insert the trapeze behind it and into the spreader bar hook, then flip the cable tie back up and tuck it over the top (from behind) the trapeze loop and out the front of the hook (geez, a pic might be easier....) works a treat and no more accidentally unhooking.

AD72 - 28-1-2015 at 09:51 PM

I have a dynabar v3 I use for kiteboarding. It works great. The elastic is to keep the hook biased in the center along with the bar notched in the center. Which is good for general riding and jumping. It slides easy to the side when riding toe side. With the regular bar my whole harness would twist going toe side.

3shot - 29-1-2015 at 04:36 AM

Do you have a picture of that setup John?

Spencer, the snap shackle would work as well.

Flyfish - 29-1-2015 at 01:19 PM

I went sliding spreader bar a year ago and love it.
Preface: I don't buggy at all. Just kite mostly waves. So I have no idea about buggys.
But, I didn't even cut the hook off. I left it so that the rare occasions I want to twin tip i can still use it. The hook never gets in the way.
Simple dynema line with small carabener to chicken loop.
For surfing, you'll never go back.

zero gee - 29-1-2015 at 03:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Flyfish  
I went sliding spreader bar a year ago and love it.
Preface: I don't buggy at all. Just kite mostly waves. So I have no idea about buggys.
But, I didn't even cut the hook off. I left it so that the rare occasions I want to twin tip i can still use it. The hook never gets in the way.
Simple dynema line with small carabener to chicken loop.
For surfing, you'll never go back.


A buddy has used this setup for kite skiing on snow for many years. Kite skiing is a very forward facing stance similar to the kite buggy.

I also kept my hook with my current setup in case some wanted to pass me the kite they are flying to demo it. It doesn't get in the way.

If your chickenloop opens up you don't even need the carabiner.

I use the stopper ball to make the knots larger and solid so the knots do not slip through the slots on the ends of the spreaderbar.

Most awesome setup for surfing.

dangerdan - 29-1-2015 at 04:30 PM

Could you not use something equal to or similar to a Slingshot Pull Quick Release Leash. A carabiner attached to that would solve movement and safety issues.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28911#pid27...

3shot - 29-1-2015 at 04:59 PM

Some really good ideas here that wont break the bank. I might have to try the rope setup now :thumbup: :cool:

zero gee - 29-1-2015 at 05:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by dangerdan  
Could you not use something equal to or similar to a Slingshot Pull Quick Release Leash. A carabiner attached to that would solve movement and safety issues.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=28911#pid27...


I have tried that type of setup too but resulted premature failure due to wear. The mechanical pivot point bolt (replaced hook) I used sheared. Tying the rope directly to the center of the spreaderbar broke at the knot using a couple different kinds of knots and protection at the knot. The rope would wear quickly at the knot (friction at pivot point).

I have used the same sliding rope for over 2 years. It is due for replacement soon though.

4w7s - 29-1-2015 at 06:26 PM

The Dynabar has a replaceable bushing on the hook/shackle. If you use the metal slide bar the bushing does wear over time.

I have been using my "rope version" for many years and probably only replaced the rope once or twice. I use a 5mm piece of Dyneema doubled over. Works a treat.

If you have a Dynabar with the welded bar you can still use a rope, or not use the rope. If you want te hook fixed in the center that is possible too.

The latest Dynabar systems offers an easy way to do all of these options.

I have a few older models for sale that work fine.

http://muskegon.craigslist.org/spo/4831225199.html

unfortunately Craigs List lost the accompanying photos to this ad...????

send an inquiry of interested.

John Holgate - 30-1-2015 at 02:41 AM


Quote:

Do you have a picture of that setup John?


Just move the cable tie down, insert trapeze loop, move cable tie back up and tuck between the little horizontal bar and trapeze loop to hold the loop in position. My loop has not accidentally come out but it's easy to grab the loop and pull it out as the cable tie gives way pretty easily.

Spreader bar hook.jpg - 127kB

3shot - 30-1-2015 at 05:17 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Holgate  

Quote:

Do you have a picture of that setup John?


Just move the cable tie down, insert trapeze loop, move cable tie back up and tuck between the little horizontal bar and trapeze loop to hold the loop in position. My loop has not accidentally come out but it's easy to grab the loop and pull it out as the cable tie gives way pretty easily.


I see. Thanks John. That's a pretty good idea!!