I keep seeing references like “the lines are at about 50%” in the For Sale posting for kites.

Could someone tell me:
What this means?
How this is determined.

Or direct me to the previous thread I could not find.

line percentage?

It's rough guess as to how much life (flying hours) left in the lines.

I wouldn't trust my guess beyond 20% or so, but there's likely some folks who could get within 5% or so....

Still pretty subjective.

exposure to sun and ongoing abrasion from rubbing on ground would be the two main things affecting line life i guess, hard use would come third, I guess heavy riders would go through lines quicker than light ones....

But beyond that i'm just guessing, and actually can't recall any previous threads on the subject?

I'm sure some of the vets here would have good knowledge on the subject.... :dunno:

option a: you can extend your line lifespan by rotating them

option b: climax has line solution which re-coats to reduce friction

option c: let the line wear in that one spot, and when it breaks, re-sleeve for a shorter set.

subjective, a fuzz factor may be better, any fuzz blooms at the attachment loop sleeve area and lines are on their way out.

fuzz equals breakage in the line fibers.

some are hard to tell and shock loads just snaps them like the stiff ones like Q thingys, coated tangle free type.... hard call for some, i am a little more critical for water sets, but land sets they'll let you know! surprise!

its just a guestimation. I would hate to be a buyer and get a line set that was advertised as used to find out that the lines are almost destroyed. It just gives the buyer and Idea of what the condition of the setup might be. I guess it's just trying to be curtious as a seller...I don't think there is an exact rating scale lol

Thanks, I am just trying to understand this.
So in my words: the percentage left on a line set is
1) usually measured against the remaining life until it breaks even if it could still be resleeved. Not, against the “total life” of the line set.
2) determined by an experienced estimation as opposed to an actual measurement against some standard.

As an example, The lines that came with the Synergy 15 are essentially pristine, but show discoloration (lighter) at the kite end right below the sleeving (plastic tube) and are noticeable less rigid only at that point (did not really notice a fuzz factor, but I’ll look). I would base my estimation of the line life on how long that point will hold up. Also, you could base the line life on overall line quality when worn evenly, before an attempt to recoat or rehab the lines.
Let me know if this is off.

This now begs the question. How concerned should one be about these wear spots in the use of the line sets. What are the real world risks of having a line break while in use? Granted there are some situational differences like being off shore or freestyle where you are more at risk. But in general, what are the risks of personal injury due to line rebound or spiraling the kite (loss of control)? Is it worse if one line breaks than another?

Sorry for all this but I cannot keep my mind from running all the scenarios before I feel adequately prepared.

You would really be hampered if your flag line broke. No steering on that side and you can't cut the kite loose. At least you could fly it down on the opposite edge of the window and nose it into the ground then pull in a line while running towards the kite. If you lost a front line, the kite will go into a spiral but you could flag it and the trouble is over, except maybe that's the beginning of your test of your float plan.

Just buy new lines and save yourself the trouble.
I have a bunch of line sets that are now 11 years old and are still awesome (Q-Powerline). Haven't had a line break on me since 2000. I actually bought a spool of line a few years ago because I figured I would have to change my lines out soon. Well it's now 3 years since I got the spool and haven't changed one line. Go figure.
I would not sell my lines to anyone but for me they will probably last quite a few more years.
-Scott

totally trying to stay on topic here and not steal a thread but..... Do most people fly a set of lines till the give out??? If there isn't any real sign of breaking of course. I was almost thinking that maybe one could treat it almost like an oil change. After a predetermined time of solid flight time; if, they haven't broken then maybe its time to switch them up......Something like 100hrs????? Or would that be a total waste??

IMO that would be a waste, i think as long as there is no sign of wear and tear/ abrasions... your good to ride!

BeamerBob: Thank you, that helped straighten things out in my mind.

Now I am finding that my lines are more unevenly stretched than I like (> 1 inch on the front lines). Which, I will manage to correct.
But seeing how different these lines are:
1) How often do you guys check the length of lines on your kite? (by scheduled time or by “feel” of the kite?)
2) Is there an “acceptable” difference in the front line lengths other than the obvious and correct “0”.

Next, Q-line:
Do the Q-lines live up to the claims? Do they improve the flying characteristics? If so, how?

Thanks for your input.

Quote:

Originally posted by labrat BeamerBob: Thank you, that helped straighten things out in my mind. Now I am finding that my lines are more unevenly stretched than I like (> 1 inch on the front lines). Which, I will manage to correct. But seeing how different these lines are: 1) How often do you guys check the length of lines on your kite? (by scheduled time or by “feel” of the kite?) 2) Is there an “acceptable” difference in the front line lengths other than the obvious and correct “0”. Next, Q-line: Do the Q-lines live up to the claims? Do they improve the flying characteristics? If so, how? Thanks for your input.

your front / power lines will anyways stretch over your bottom / brake lines.

if you have new lines, its going to stretch and than set. from here you can:
a. re-sleeve to same length as your brake line
b. tie knot in your handle leader line

to answer your questions
1. i go by feel, if your power line is too long your kite will either fly sluggish / slow or require you to push more handle "brake" outwards (brake heavy) - awkward flying style. completely not take off the ground - maybe.

1a. if your driving something (board / buggy) you notice if your Power Line is too long your kite will jump (not wanting to run to the edge of the window). you also be fighting with more side pull and the kite may run a little behind you - possible OBE.

2. if your lines stretch and set more than 1cm you'll not notice it much. fine tuning is always better to do though.

Thanks Rip.

I should clarify.
I am asking the question in regard to depower front lines. Like an ARC.

As far as I can tell, these are the only lines that cannot be “made even” by moving a larks head or the way you fly. Let me know if I am wrong about this.

Quote:

Originally posted by shaggs2riches totally trying to stay on topic here and not steal a thread but..... Do most people fly a set of lines till the give out???

Not a good idea. Line failure in flight can cause over-stressing on remaining lines and bridles. I've seen kites torn open at the trailing edge when a main line fails and stresses the brake bridles. Fuzzy lines were ignored.

Don't try to calculate percentages or hours. Have a beer instead and replace lines when fuzzy or looking worn before they fail. Cheaper than a repair. Swapping lines end for end when minor wear shows can buy time.