I've seen a few videos where a single kite killer was used when buggying with a FB using a strop, QR, pulley, harness etc. I've only used kite killers when static flying. I imagine that using one kite killer when harnessed in is more convenient than two and reduces the chance of a kite killer getting tangled in something?

My question is this - what is the downside of using a single kite killer?

For example if a FB was released onto a single kite killer, would there be a significant risk of damaging the bridles/kite due to loading only one half of the kite?

I'd be worried about the kite getting into a death spin, by which I mean the kite start spinning around like a propeller. Soon, there are so many twists in the line that you can't apply the brakes, all you cn do is stand there and watch your lines get hopelessly tangled. This might be more likely with one kite killer.

I think it would spin as well, but you could always test it out flying static.

Can you show one of those videos ?

Something isn't right. They make killers in pairs for a reason !

Single killer with no strop would shoot your free handle toward the kite. Messy and not safety. With a strop you should death spiral.

If the kk is installed correctly it may spin a couple times as it flags out.
2 is best, 1 works fine ,0 allows it to fly away.
just remember that the kk is not a brake system, its a total deflate system.

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner

Can you show one of those videos ? Something isn't right. They make killers in pairs for a reason ! Single killer with no strop would shoot your free handle toward the kite. Messy and not safety. With a strop you should death spiral.

if the kk is installed correctly, 1 is ok. Some of the new kites come with only 1 kk.
there shouldnt be any power left in the kite when the kk is used, whether 1 or 2 is used. Not any different that some of the depower kites that use one line on one side of the kite after you use the top hat, or the 5th line.
using the kk with a strop is fine as long as you unhook from the harness. If you dont unhook, 38 kS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s wont help.

KS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s are used to keep the kite from flying away if you get over powered and cant hang on with total control. They are to use as you learn to fly so you dont get supermaned for 2 miles.... after you learn how to fly and understand your ability when flying along with when not to fly, the kS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s are used as a means of "if things go wrong" and protecting the public from runaway kites, lines, and handles.

It is the free handle shooting toward the kite that isn't ideal.

When you go single line on a bar the bar is still somewhat captive as it shoots up the line. Messed up lines are very likely at least.

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner

It is the free handle shooting toward the kite that isn't ideal. When you go single line on a bar the bar is still somewhat captive as it shoots up the line. Messed up lines are very likely at least.

isnt both handles free? You dont hold on to 1 handle do you? Let go of both handles and let the kk do its job, or am I missing something?

Ok got it, no strop would let the other handle travel 160 feet away.
if there is no strop then use 2 kS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s, with a strop you can use 1 kk.

Why not just add a Y line to one KK and it can be attached to both. Attach KK to harness

Rip I love that idea...

I'm guilty of doing all of the above. The handle doesn't shoot all the way to the kite either. I keep 1 kk on in case I have to ditch. We are not allowed in the dunes , and I don't want to lose a kite to the sea.To me it is only 40% safety,the other 60% is LOSS PREVENTION.
Having to sort the lines a little, is better than a lost or destroyed kite.

http://vimeo.com/77554203 the very first video on my vimeo page shows me with 1 kk on a strop.

Nice post rip!!!

Similar to the y line suggestion, except the Y is way up i n the bridal, a three line kite like the scout will only have one KK.
funny story: it was really windy here so I busted out the Scout 4m last Saturday. I had the KK attached to my spreader bar and got nailed by a big gust, so I let go of the bar, pushed it all the way out, the kite still was holding shape in the gust, so I kept flying it with the bar all the way out, leaning back on the brake line, when the pulley on the crossover bridal popped, turning the kite into a two line kite. After an exciting belly scud, I landed the kite and kept it nose down until a nearby kiter helped me out. Now I need a new pulley and a different high wind kite.