Hi there,

Looking to buy a leash for my LEI 12m kite. I'm pretty skilled with my trainer kite and can even ride my bodyboard standing up with it in some good wind. However, I'm new to the big kite. I know what to do but just haven't flown it yet.

I plan on attaching my leash to one of the OSR handles (at first), so if I do have to bail, my kite should flag.

So I'm looking at leashes and will buy one of these two.

#1 PKS Slider Release Leash
http://pksdistribution.com/proddetail.asp?prod=pkssliderrele...

Thoughts: I like the big easy release. I need the length due to attaching to the OSR handle. I worry about the release going off too easy during stuff like body dragging (will be doing lots of this before boarding). I see in the youtube vid that it comes with a tool to adjust how easy it will release.

#2 PKS Handle Pass Leashw/release
http://www.pksdistribution.com/proddetail.asp?prod=hpleash

Thoughts: I like the length (this one is 2 inches longer) for reasons given above. I like that it wont release by accident as easy, but having no idea how the actual release system on it works, I worry it may be a bit of a nightmare to release in a sticky situation (not as easy as the above leash). But surely it is a quick release and one just pulls the little knot?

I'm leaning toward #2 as I need the length and plan to ride unhooked once I progress with my skills.

Any input would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

It releases using a snap shackle, shown in the second product photo at the link you provided.


Some folks have observed that over time this type of release has problems under load.

ATB,
Sam

I have two leashes with the clip Sam shows. I've realeased to the leash but never released the leash and hopefully never will. I think it works great to keep the kite attached and have no problems pulling the pin. I do spray it with silicone if it gets sandy or wet to keep it llubricated and sliding. perhaps over time it could jam but after the first year of use at the beach and on snow it is fine.

I have also used that QR and found that with a quick pull it works OK, but if the pressure is slow to build it will deform the ring and it will fail. Simple fix is to solder the ring to prevent it from being removed or stretched out of use,(solder the ring closed, not the connection), hope that you got that.

Are you talking about the release ring? Mine has deformed and I bent it back with a set of pliers. Did you solder that into a solid ring?

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Originally posted by B-Roc Are you talking about the release ring? Mine has deformed and I bent it back with a set of pliers. Did you solder that into a solid ring?

Yep, tried a few other key rings and the like, but they all deformed. I use the QR that is connected to the buggy, if I leave the seat more than a couple of inches, POW, I am NOT going airborn. the kite can but not me.

hey thanks for the replies fellas.

I ended up ordering the slide release leash. After reading some horror stories on here, I figured I wanna be able to ditch the kite with as much ease as possible.

I use a similar looking leash made by Cabrinha. It has a push away plastic piece that release very easily. It's not as long as the leash you ordered but works fine to attach to the OSH and then the other end to your spreader bar.

http://store.kittyhawk.com/By-Pass-Leash-by-Cabrinha-Kiteboa...

Quote:

hey thanks for the replies fellas. I ended up ordering the slide release leash. After reading some horror stories on here, I figured I wanna be able to ditch the kite with as much ease as possible.

I think you made the right choice....lots of problems reported on that type of Snap shackle...just do a search on kiteforum.com. I've actually had a difficult time releasing it and it wasn't even under a lot of load. I use the Wichard 2673...never had a problem with that one....

I have broken several leashes and had the worst luck with FS ones - awesome plastic clip release!
I inherited two slide release leashes from who knows where (don't leave your stuff on the beach if only I'm around)
They have been the most reliable and least likely to accidently release - (had the Ozone do this several times)

enjoy but be careful if your leash is so long since you WILL get your knees , neck, board wrapped around it at some point.

I'd never rely on the piston snap shackle in the pic as my leash release. Maybe on the 'dumb end' but not at the 'need guaranteed release from the kite' end.

Cabrinha's red 'top hat' release used on their leashes and chicken loops works well. The wire gate 'biner they use at the kite end of their leashes is fine clipped in below the bar. It seems unsafe if clipped in above the bar to a front line flagging ring, as lines can get trapped in there. A threaded SS link or something that can't get a line trapped in it would be better in that situation, but my leash is always clipped in below the bar.

krumly