Hi there! Just got my first four line power kite today, had it out in very light wind but noticed to steer it it steered best by using the brakes? Is this normal or should I check my lines/bridle?

Aaron

Normal is a relative term but I fly primarily on the brakes, especially when hooked in. Many race kites that need more flier attention respond best to brake inputs as well. Don't worry about it. Likely no need to check anything out in your lines or bridle.

no, no problems... usually just pilot preference... i usually only use the brakes (when turning) if i need a very tight pivot turn, or if i gotta save it from a crash...

usually when im turning im trying to generate power (jumping or atb), and it seems like if i hit the brake i lose to much power to do either effectively...

as you fly more you'll feel the kite more and youll use a combitnation of all four lines to make the kite do what you want, without really thinking about it.

if you knotice your barke lines are to slack, or to tight, without input, they may need adjustment, but it sounds good right now... happy flying!

In light wind it's common to need brakes to horse the kite around.
Have fun and welcome to the addiction.

cheers guys! Had it out in strong winds today and it was excellent! Turned well wnough without the brakes but as you guys have said above, a wee dab helps it turn on a fixed point! Its a Brookite Air Attack 360 (360cm by around 80cm) and it was pulling like hell! I sat down at one point and it ripped me forward and dragged me 20 odd feet on my chest, it was great fun =) ! winds where about 13mp with it ending closer to 20 odd mph and getting a bit much for me to handle before my kite killers arrive! All in all great fun! It does have a tendancy to fly to the right though, lines seem to be the same length, may need to shorten a pair to compensate!

Aaron

Where exactly are the brakes? Are you talking about reaching past the bar and pulling the strap connected to the two lines used when reverse launching a kite?

Please clarify, it seems like half the time if you were doing this you might activate the primary safety and watch the kite luft to the ground.

@ paintball: the author of this thread is flying a 4-line on handles, you're flying one on a bar, there's a fair bit of difference.

You should feel free to start your own thread with your questions.

Let us know what kite you are flying, it helps....

:karate: