surviving the death loop

Quote: Originally posted by abkayak

gloves are more important than helmets...

I disagree. If you suffer a concussion or mild head trauma and can't think clearly, it doesn't matter if you have gloves on or not as you may not be able to string your thoughts together. If you are knocked out, gloves become even less important. The head is the most important thing to protect. That's why when you fall you instinctively put your hands out because your head is willing to sacrifice your hands to save your brain. That being said, I understand that you are emphasizing the importance of both and I too always ride with a helmet and gloves.

I saw a rider winding in a Frenzy one day when it self launched and he tried to wrestle it to the ground in his bare hands by the lines since the bar was useless given half the lines were already wound in. It was not pretty.

Drives me nuts when I see riders without helmets but I recommend gloves too. Too many riders think helmets are unnecessary because "they never fall" or they "always fly in control". They are called accidents for a reason. We don't go out planning to get into a car accident or suffer head trauma while recreating. One must always prepare as if an accident will occur to minimize the risk of harm when one does occur. If one can't afford the proper safety gear for whatever sport they participate in than they surely can't afford the medical bills associated with an injury. If one doesn't respect the fact that they can be injured than don't expect sympathy when you are injured. An ounce of prevention... (these comments are not pointed at abkayak and I will step off my soapbox now).

This was a helpful video but depending upon how powered the kite is and how bound the lines are you may or may not be able to stall the kite as the lines may cut through your hands or be too bound to tension. That's why, as others mentioned, you must be familiar with your safeties including the one that cuts the kite away :-(

Quote: Originally posted by Feyd

Thin full fingers for me if it's not too cold. Something leather with good dexterity. If it's really cold Black Diamond Guide gloves for me. Leather, minimal bulk and warm. Some heavily lofted nylon skinned winter glove, just asks to get pinched in the hole in the bar or snagged. Also, if your gloves have the little clips on them so you can clip them together, cut 'em off. Just a matter of time before you tangle one in a line. I'm in a helmet every time I ride.

Too true about the clips! These were the first things I cut off my Snowkiting mitts. First session hooked up about 3-4 times with the bridle lines (what a pain in the seat meat that was). Good call on the BD Guides. I use the lobsta mitt variety for skiing with a thin liner and hand warmer pack inserts as my ultimate cold weather weapons!