TennZappa - 15-2-2016 at 02:57 PM
Hello I have been flying a 1.6m no name dual line kite for a couple of months and have finally bought a Flexifoil Rage Sport 3.5m quad kite. The kite
does not have lines with it and I will be flying static and then moving on to kiteboarding. I am trying to figure out what strength, length, and type
of lines I need to get. The Q-Pro lines appeal to me because they don't tangle as easy and don't require splicing for loops. The Laser Pro lines are
nice but very pricey and I don't know if I really need that much performance for my needs. What would you suggest? I fly in Memphis, TN and have
plenty of space in the country to fly and winds vary between 5-10 mph but we have 25-30 mph on some days. I also should mention I weigh 190 Lbs but am
on a diet and with the exercise on the new kite I hope to get back down to 170 in the next couple of months. Should I just get bulk line and make my
own or would it be better to buy a pre-made set? Lots of questions here and I will greatly appreciate and listen to all the advice given. I am toying
with making my own aluminum or fiberglass handles too and wanted to know if there is a template anywhere to get dimensions from?
ssayre - 15-2-2016 at 03:08 PM
I use conduit gray PVC. Plenty strong IMO. 16" - 18". Slight bend. 1/4" polyester sailing role for leaders.
ssayre - 15-2-2016 at 03:09 PM
I use my torpedo heater for the bend but heat gun or other would work.
On the other hand handles are cheap to buy as well.
Someone on here probably hook you up with lines and handles.
TennZappa - 15-2-2016 at 07:44 PM
What angle is the handle bent at exactly or does it matter? Looking at the handles they seem to range from 15 to 22 degrees. Did you smooth out the
holes the leads went through or just push them through after drilling?
ssayre - 15-2-2016 at 07:51 PM
The angle doesn't need to be precise. I heated one, bent it slightly then bent the other to match. It's not critical. I drilled holes top and bottom
and fed the rope through with overhand knot inside the handle to hold the leaders. I did not sand the holes. I also used red tape to mark left handle.
And I sanded the ends of the pipe smooth. I also installed cork in the ends to prevent coring myself in the event I fell on one but probably not
necessary.
ssayre - 15-2-2016 at 07:55 PM
Also, I don't jump so it should be noted that I wasn't relying on my handles while airborn but did put considerable force while in buggy.
TennZappa - 15-2-2016 at 08:43 PM
What angle is the handle bent at exactly or does it matter? Looking at the handles they seem to range from 15 to 22 degrees. Did you smooth out the
holes the leads went through or just push them through after drilling?
TennZappa - 15-2-2016 at 08:52 PM
Great tips on the handles that helps a lot on the design process and its good to know I don't have to be precise with the angle. What size rope did
you use for your leaders? I don't plan on jumping since it is only a 3.5 and I weigh 190 but when I slim down and get my next larger kite I hope to
start jumping. If you are buggying with pvc handles I guess that kiteboarding wont be too much of a strain. What strength lines do you use?
ssayre - 15-2-2016 at 08:59 PM
Yes the exact angle is not important. the rope for leaders I used was around 1/4" if I remember right. It was 1200# test from west marine. I have used
paracord also and it has not broke. I did not sand the holes. I used stock Line sets that came with kites. Pl and Hq and flexifoil. I don't remember
what strength line they are but that information is easy to google.
ssayre - 15-2-2016 at 09:02 PM
Also, I used 3/4" pipe
riffclown - 16-2-2016 at 04:36 PM
For Lines, I'd recommend a pre-made set if you can find them over making your own at least for the time being.
TennZappa - 16-2-2016 at 05:29 PM
If I go premade what length and brand do you suggest for flying static and beginner kiteboard? Where is the best place to buy premade sets I have
looked at about 30 sites and don't know who to use really. For what I am doing do I need something high performance like the Laser Pro or would Dacron
lines suffice? I like the Q-Pro too because you don't have to sleeve and it seems like it would be hard to tangle.
riffclown - 17-2-2016 at 01:56 PM
I u2u'd you a few links..