DialedN_07 - 18-8-2016 at 05:51 AM
I realize that some on here have bigger problems and more important questions than I'm about to pose, but I'm the new guy so I'm trying to learn.
My new kite and 4 line bar set came with one brake line about 4-5 inches longer than the other. I'm trying to figure out how to adjust the lines to
be closed to proportional length. Probably not as important with the bar setup, but I will be switching between bar use and quad handles, so I want
to fix the lines and not just patch it for one application.
I'd like some advice with lines similar to that pictured below. I can't just cut the line and re-tie it.
My thoughts:
1) Adjust the larks head knot on the bar end. But I think it may slide a bit unless I tie and extra knot in the brake leader line
2) Just connect the one brake line on the next knot up on the trailing edge bridal lines. but I'm thinking that this may cause one side of the kite
to respond differently.
Kites are 3.1m and 4.2m Kites that will be flown with this line set.
Thanks for any feedback.
abkayak - 18-8-2016 at 06:28 AM
start at the beginning and take all the lines off the kites and bar...pin down one end stretch it out and make sure of the difference
maybe even more important w/ the bar because its kinda a stepped down performance from handles
id want my lines even length...particularly if swapping between kites...so 2le check all this before next move
ssayre - 18-8-2016 at 06:36 AM
Is that a sleeved line? If so, I'd just cut the thread holding the loop, then slide the sleeve up to the desired area and tie an overhand or figure 8
knot to form the loop.
do this after following abkayak advice
DialedN_07 - 18-8-2016 at 06:49 AM
Admittedly this is a photo I found online and not an exact pic of my lines. I'll look more closely when I get home, but it seems more "stitched".
Possibly my lack of experience but I didn't see how to undo the lines as they were sewn together very toghtly on the ends.
They are a set of Prism lines FYI.
Will the end result of this be that one of my lines has a knot in it where the other remains professionally sewn?
abkayak - 18-8-2016 at 07:46 AM
might be...depends on what you think after you stretch them out proper and think about it
might not be if they stretch out all nice and even
skimtwashington - 18-8-2016 at 07:51 AM
IF... just that one line is off(check all 4 as mentioned) you can most simply MOVE the larks head of that fly line(brake) to handles leader line the
same 4-5 inches difference.. move it CLOSER(if it is LONGER).
Just set a knot 4-5 inches closer to handles( than the other 3 fly lines are attached).... on leader line and attach it there
..that would even it up. no unstitching ,sewing....or knot
You can now use adjusted line set w/ both kites.
DialedN_07 - 18-8-2016 at 08:39 AM
abkayak - When you say stretch out the lines, are you suggesting putting force to actually "stretch" the lines? I have not done that yet. just
unraveled them. I'd stake to the ground or a fence post and use some force to pull/stretch them out?
skimtwashington - I was thinking of doing this. But won't the larks head knot slide up the leader line without an additional knot? And when switching
from bar to quad handles I'd have to remember each time how much exactly to adjust
abkayak - 18-8-2016 at 08:55 AM
yes..not too much but under force to see how equally they stretch
i compare the 4 together and brake to brake/ power to power
have an understanding of whats happening there...try not to cut and loop except as last resort
try to have adjustment at your hands w/ knots on the leaders...and try to get another set of controls to make life easier
and loose the bar and fly your handles...you will become a better pilot
B-Roc - 18-8-2016 at 09:18 AM
As others have said, your best bet is to static stretch the lines first (staked to the ground or tree or fence). To stretch, lean back against the
line applying up to half the break strength in load and then pop the lines a few times with short and long tugs. You will feel the fibers lock in.
If one line is still off after that, correct it by tying a knot further down on your brake leader on the bar or kite side to even out the discrepancy.
Fly it for a while and retest the lengths. If still off and you want to, then cut and resleeve but that is a measure of last resort for new lines.
DialedN_07 - 18-8-2016 at 10:37 AM
Great info here. When you go back and think about it it all makes sense, but there's always more than 1 way to skin a cat.
Looks like I'll finally get a chance to use that ground stake.
abkayak - 18-8-2016 at 11:11 AM
:o we dont take the skinning of cats lightly around here....now apologize
DialedN_07 - 18-8-2016 at 12:43 PM
Meow......
DialedN_07 - 18-8-2016 at 07:50 PM
Wow! Thanks for the advice everyone. Looped the lines around the hitch ball on my truck tonight and gave them all a good stretch. Leaned into it
good, gave some short tugs and some long pulls. Lines are now within 1 inch of one another. Flying lines are dead on exact.
I'm going to fly it like this a handful of times and then re-measure and make any adjustments after I'm certain they are all fully stretched.
Really appreciate all the feedback.
skimtwashington - 18-8-2016 at 08:40 PM
I jumped a step...
the others who said stretch the new lines out first were correct.
A 1 inch differential is acceptable.
If lines stretch after heavy use later....... you may get a real situation and what I said may then apply.
...and yes additional knot.
FYI: Power lines take most of forces and tend to be the lines that might additionally stretch.
