My experience level is near zero but the flights I have had
on my 'Thunderfoil' have raised a question.
Mine is (currently) a two line foil and I'm useing the wrist loops
that were supplied. I get a pretty good pull from this kite when the
conditions are right.
If I were to covert it to a 4 line kite, the logical control device
would be handles, I presume.
Since (I believe) you don't put any tension on the break lines unless
you want to de-power the kite, all the kites pull will be on the top
of the handle and I'm not sure that i can hold all that power against
the top of top of the handle.
Now, I've never flown a four line ANYTHING before so perhaps I'm not seeing
the full picture.
Comments, please.
Alex

If it is converable to 4-line then you can fly it on handles or a control bar.

The pull on the top of the handles is no more than the pull on your wrist straps. You generally hold the handles with the top leader lines between your index finger and middle finger so the pull is balanced in your hand.

To use the term "de-power" in this context to describe the effect of the brakes is almost a misnomer. Application of individual brakes sharpens a turn. Application of both brakes can momentarily power up (increase lift) before it begins to backstall the kite and cause it to stop and back down and in effect, de-power the kite.

True "de-power" refers to a different kind of rig altogether where the control bar is used to change the angle of attack of the entire kite to power up or de-power the kite..

If you fly your four-line kite on a conventional control bar, the brake lines connect to a common line in the center of the bar, most often equipped with a pulley. Pulling the bar one way or another changes the geometrry of the triangle formed by the lines and the bar and helps to put tension on the brake in the direction of the turn. With a bar, you free up a hand, but you loose the finesse you get with individual brake control that you get with handles.

Great explaination, Angus. Thank you.
As you can tell, this is all pretty new to me but with a little guidence and a lot of flying, I'll get it.
I will, after I mastered this two line thing, try adding brakes to it and see what that does. Everyone raves about flying on four.
Thanks again.
Alex