martinipro - 28-10-2018 at 08:38 PM
Anyone knows where I would be able to get replacement spars for PL twinskins? Snapped a spar on my 16M Venom II
Snake - 28-10-2018 at 09:08 PM
Shazam!
https://www.powerkiteshop.com/peter-lynn-power-kite-kiteboar...
Alternatively, tungsten on arcusers vouches for bamboo with some hot glue on the end. Supposedly it is indestructible. People have also used
fiberglass tent poles or carbon fiber arrow shafts
Bladerunner - 29-10-2018 at 05:28 AM
I got tent poles cut to length at our mountian equipment co-op.
Most big camping stores should have them. Pretty much inentical to PL. Foldable and all.
mystainedskin - 1-11-2018 at 07:38 AM
10mm tube carbon,fiberglass, aluminum (carbon fan myself).. collapsible can be made f with a smaller diameter (but snug fit) tube slid inside 10mm,
glued and ferrulled for a 3 piece.
A write up somewhere... Forum search or Google.Don't remember where I saw it and I don't have a link..
Most "recreational" kite suppliers should carry something close in the carbon or fiberglass category for a reasonable cost.
Kitesandfunthings...Goodwinds...Flymarket
In my short time flying twinskins...I have found the stiffer choices yield preferable results.. I have some used kites with "snow poles" or "driveway
markers" for spars ...not worth the effort in my opinion. Flimsy...you can see the flex and distortion in the tube and wingtips while flying.
Hindering input performance compared too stock or similar setup....imho.
PistolPete - 1-11-2018 at 10:28 AM
Bamboo can work but it is very flexible and will probably negatively affect kite performance. I've also read you'll want to wrap the bamboo in tape
in case it splits so it does not shred the spar pocket. Can be a challenge to locate 1/2" diameter (nearly identical throughout) long straight low
taper stocks.
I had looked into buying carbon spars, like the original S-Arcs. They are light weight, strong and stiff, but down sides are, they are long one piece
units and twice the price of tent poles. https://goodwinds.com
I made some spars from tent poles, identical to the original PL spars. Ordered all the hardware at https://www.questoutfitters.com
PL sized poles are 0.433" diameter but the sleeves support up to 0.5". I thought maybe the thinner walled but larger 0.490" diameter poles might be
stronger than the 0.433" thicker walled poles. (Strength is nearly proportional to =pi*4*D*2*w. D and d are the outside and inside diameters and a
thin walled tube w=(D-d)/2. But I calculated:
- 0.433" walled at 0.030" gives Strength 0.3263
- 0.490" walled at 0.026" gives Strength 0.3200
So, 0.433" is slightly stronger, lighter, smaller and cheaper.
Get the poles you want 18" or 26" lengths and cut to the lengths you need (hacksaw and a light hand with filing finish to smooth burrs). Note the
longer the length the weaker and more flexible the pole will be. 18" lengths seem plenty strong, 26" lengths seem more flexible and I would suggest
segments be closer to 18".
Then get the inserts end caps (suggest solid aluminum dome for smooth end that won't cut spar sleeve), and shock cord (suggest 3/32" diameter cord).
Once cut, assembled, and fit-checked in your kite sleeve, then one end of the inserts can be superglued in place and you're good to go.
Hope this helps.
Feyd - 1-11-2018 at 06:48 PM
Driveway markers work in a pinch.
awindofchange - 1-11-2018 at 08:48 PM
We still have some sets of OEM PL replacement spars in stock. Send me an email and we can check tomorrow to see if we have your size.