Power Kite Forum

Kite line types

derble - 9-4-2017 at 11:37 AM

I'm trying to be cheap. I have more hobbies than income. I realize they're not ideal, but I'm curious if I can get away with using Dacron lines with a Snapshot 2.5, in dual or potentially quad mode, flown on foot. Will their friction ruin them in a quad setup? Will the stretching be more of a problem?

It's surprisingly hard to find good information about what type/strength/length of lines are acceptable for different conditions--just the ideal standard, "more expensive is better." Are there some guidelines worth noting? Or do I have to accept each set of lines will run me at least $50?

awindofchange - 9-4-2017 at 03:34 PM

Quality lines are expensive, no real way to get around that. Dacron will stretch and the kite will fly like garbage. When you get a gust, the kite will rebound excessively and give poor inputs, when you turn under power the line will stretch giving very poor response making the kite fly like mush.

A good quality lineset will cost a bit, but if taken care of right will last you many many years of hard flying with zero problems. Buy quality once and forget about it or try to make do with cheap substitutions until you finally just buy quality. The latter will always end up costing more in the long run.

oldben - 14-4-2017 at 01:08 PM

I will ask this here since its a line thread.

I have a 5m Beamer I got used. It has a line set that is not sleeved. I ordered a set of sleeves to add to the lines.
I have read there is one type of line that doesnt require sleeves?

Any way to know/identify if my lines are of this type?

B-Roc - 14-4-2017 at 01:31 PM

Q Powerline doesn't require sleeving. It was usually. I have only ever seen it in yellow, orange and white and that is what their website currently lists. http://www.powerline-sports.com/kiteline.html


I always found it a bit stiffer and thicker than spectra. If your lines are red, blue, grey, etc. I'd assume they aren't Q Pro.

B-Roc - 14-4-2017 at 01:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by derble  

It's surprisingly hard to find good information about what type/strength/length of lines are acceptable for different conditions--just the ideal standard,


If you are just flying around the typical minimum is 300# power lines and 150# brake lines. If you are jumping on a FB kite I'd recommend 500/250.

Depowers are typically 600 or 800 all around with no distinction between powers and brakes.

If you are flying a 2 line kite I'd think 150# is generally sufficient but it wouldn't hurt to go higher especially if the bridle is such that the kite does actually generate decent power AND you like to go out in big winds.

Power lines equal to 2-3x your body weight is a good minimum rule of thumb if you are jumping.



oldben - 15-4-2017 at 05:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by B-Roc  
Q Powerline doesn't require sleeving. It was usually. I have only ever seen it in yellow, orange and white and that is what their website currently lists. http://www.powerline-sports.com/kiteline.html


I always found it a bit stiffer and thicker than spectra. If your lines are red, blue, grey, etc. I'd assume they aren't Q Pro.

Thanks B-Roc for the explanation and the link.

The lines are white. Will check em out to see if maybe they are the standard lines. Will probably just sleeve em to be on the safe side.

oldben - 17-4-2017 at 02:03 PM

Heres a pic of the un-sleeved lines that came with the 5m Beamer.

They appear to have been flown for some time as there is slight wear where they have been knotted on
the kites leaders. I would think they would have broken long ago if they were intended to be sleeved. They are
pretty stiff. They are on an Airush winder which probably doesnt mean they came on it(or could have).
I read their lines are somewhat different. They are so perfectly matched I hate to cut and sleeve them If I dont have too.

Have a look.

001.JPG - 106kB

awindofchange - 17-4-2017 at 04:55 PM

Those sure look like Q-power lines. I really don't thinki they are standard HQ lines.

B-Roc - 17-4-2017 at 06:42 PM

I agree. They do like ok like q power.

oldben - 18-4-2017 at 01:53 PM

Thanks for the input Yall!

Will give em a shot as is.

Kent
Have been reading thru all your tutorials, Great stuff. Makes me want to try a knotless loop!

awindofchange - 18-4-2017 at 02:33 PM

They're pretty awesome. They take time to do until you have done a bunch. You have to make sure you have hollow core spectra/lines. You can't do them with Q-Power though...nor would you need to. I love Q-power because you don't have to fuss with sleeving or anything, just fold em over and knot twice and you are good to go.