Looking for some info about set up for FB race kites .....

What you suggest for kite hadles/ killers ? different sizes ??? for different kite size ???

What lines I should use ???

Where to find best deal on those sets .......

So many different types ... I always wanted to try the quad handles with a clam cleat type brake line adjuster on the handles ... think PKD makes 'em ... weldngod? bigkid?.... got links? .... review?

Quote:

Originally posted by Bigbear97e I always wanted to try the quad handles with a clam cleat type brake line adjuster on the handles ... think PKD makes 'em ... weldngod? bigkid?.... got links? .... review?

Yup... PKD.

http://www.pkdkitesusa.com/products/PKD-Handles.html

ATB,
Sam

Wow I like that idea. No undoing bridles for ajusting. I wonder if I can find reverse cleats at Defender industries. I think I will check there tomorrow.

Quote:

Originally posted by Kober What you suggest for kite hadles/ killers ? different sizes ??? for different kite size ???

Personal preference plays such a big factor in this. Some candidates for handles (listed alphabetically) .

Flexifoil ProLinks (Available in 1 size)


Ozone Composite Pro Handles (Available in 3 lengths: 35cm, 40cm, 45cm)


Peter Lynn Longhorn Handles (Available in 3 sizes: 30cm, 35cm, 40cm)


XXtreme XXGrips (Available in 3 lengths: 35cm, 40cm, 45cm)


Biggest differences in kite killers are the wrist attachment and connection loop (going to the brake line loops/leaders.

Some wrist attachments just snug around the wrist and finish the closure with velcro (Ozone for example). Some actually go through a plastic or metal loop. You tighten the wrist strap by pulling it through the loop and then fastening the loose end down with velcro (Flexifoil for example).

The former method requires a little bit more work putting them on, but is preferable if you need to release the kite completely. The second kind takes longer to release completely and can get hung up if the kite is under full power.

The connection loop for the brake loop/leader can either be bungee with a metal crimp or a more flexible webbing loop.

The webbing loop locks down tighter. The crimp bungee wants to spring back out of the larks head when there is no tension on it and can work itself loose more readily.

The are no rules about mixing handles from one manufacturer with kite killers from another manufacturer.

Longer handles provide more leverage for working larger kites (or man-handling smaller ones under power). That just has to be weighed against elbow room in the #@%$#!pit.

Hope that helps. I am sure the folks that race will chime in with their favorites and why.

ATB,
Sam

Thanks for info Sam ,,....

What race kites are you getting? Gin tonkawas?

Before the kite killer debate goes off. I'm curious why you would want to use KK with a race kite. I only ask this cause the PL longhorn, HoZone Carbon and Xxtreme Grips don't have attachment points.

Both the PL and the Oz handles have pre-spliced knots so it looks a little ugly if you need to tie more knots in.

The xxtreme grips can be more customized as the brake lines come with no knots pre-done.

If you ride without gloves, and looking for comfort - xxtreme grips

Just an FYI, the Ozone Composite handles have been discontinued.

@ripsessionkites .....

Educate me ..... I ask about killer because they are on most kites .... My Crossfire have them...... I understand that when you in trouble you let go one handle to loose power .... and keep the kite ...... What you do when you use harness ??? this is all new to me ..... I have few carbon fiber handles with beak line cleat ..... no company name on them ..... but they all small I think .....
I am sure I get lots of pointers when at WBB .... lots of good pilot there .....

I love the PKD handles,the cleats are great to havefor on the fly adjustments.The strop can be cut and the ends knotted for a looped strop of your own length. When using a harness ,you will want a Quick Release & clamshell pulley(40mm). I recommend a # 2673 wichard and a Holt Allen snatch block. See ya soon !

Anyone ever tried the HQ Ultra Quad handles? Was thinking of trying those or XXtreme Grips. Where does one get the XXtreme's?

thanks,
Mike

Quote:

Originally posted by Smeagol Anyone ever tried the HQ Ultra Quad handles? Was thinking of trying those or XXtreme Grips. Where does one get the XXtreme's? thanks, Mike

They have potential, they have some warts, and the have room for improvement. More details can be found here:

• HQ ultra handles... anybody have experience with them?
  
• HQ Ultra Handles- anyone use them??
  
• HQ Ultra Quad handles

Rip should be able to get you point you towards a source for for Xxtreme XGrips, if you decide to go that route.

Right now, I lean towards Flexifoil Pro-Links, but wouldn't mind trying the XGrips.

ATB,
Sam

Thanks Sam.. duh, guess I should have searched. noob mistake! Heh.

-Mike

I'm currently flying on Flexifoil Prolinks, they're pretty nice but they wear out kinda quick, especially where I put my thumbs. The rubber cracks because it's a little too soft. Will try something else when these wear out completely.

I did buy the Ultra's but never flew them- I did beef up the knot in question but always had that "What if?" thought in my mind. I ended up selling them. I have tried many handles out there and always go back to my original Flexifoils. You need to have TOTAL trust in you're equipment [or I do!] or your confidence will be shaken which leads to injuries.

speaking of Flexi handles- Anyone looking to sell theirs?

Take this with a grain of salt as I did not fly fixed-bridle kites for very long (less than year?). Used a couple different types of handles, and I really liked the Flexifoil ones. Always just felt really good in my hands. The others work just fine, or did for me, but I just really liked the Flexifoil ones.