Has anyone ever tried teh Blue Line dual or quad line sets? The reason I ask is, I was pricing out a new set of quad lines, someting in the 485/220 lb range and came across this stuff on clearance:

"Blue Line is the premier kite flying line for dual and quad line kites. These sets include sleeved, pre-stretched lengths of 100% Spectra, 2000 fibers per line, with tight, flawless braid structures, straps for flying, and a winder. Also known as Berry Blue Line, Blue Line kite line sets have been sold for years by Avia Sport Composites."

So I bought a 75' dual set of 300lb on a winder and also a 100' dual set of 500lb on a winder. I cut and sleeved the 500lb set to match the length of the 75' 300lb set.

So, first time out with these lines on 4m foil and they feel totally wack!, like I had to over-emphasize all my movements just to control the kite. I moved them to my 5.6m foil and same thing - like super delayed action and dull kite response to my handle motion. I stuck the regular "Dyneema" lines back on and everything felt way better.

Could it be I need to "pre-stretch" these lines?

I loved berrry blue line 75# 75' on my sport kites. These lines were very popular to some about 10 years ago in the dual line community. Only complaint back then was that you sometimes loose them against the blue sky and slack line management is the key to dual line flying. I had no problem with stretch or slow response but that was low wind, slack line flying and nothing like what you are trying to do.

If you bought them as premade sets, chances are that they are already pre-stretched. You can try stretching them again to "bed them in," but it might not make a difference.

I have flown Berry Blue on various flavors of dual line kites, but it's a different critter because they are framed kites.

It could be that the "weave" of the Berry Blue is looser and that might be the delay you are experiencing.

If you are trying to save some money you might consider having some Q-Powerline or Combat lines made up or buy some in bulk and make up your own sets.

I believe that Angus and Kent can make up Q-Powerline sets for you or sell you bulk rolls. Q-Powerline isn't as flexible as HQ/Flexi/Ozone lines and takes a few seconds to get used to, but still pretty cool). I had Kent make me up some short lines and the price was pretty reasonable. When I talked to him a year or so back, Jeff had mentioned that he was thinking about making up custom Combat lines to give his customers a less expensive but quality set of lines. Not sure if he's still up for doing this, but worth asking. In either case, I expect he can still supply you with bulk line.

Combat lines are more popular in the UK/Europe, but probably closer to what you were hoping for when you started looking around.

You can knot the sleeving if you decided to make up your own Combat lines or you can make up a very simple "jig" for stitching the sleeving.

ATB,
Sam

indigo - your right, I was trying to save a few bucks but it looks like I'm still going to have to get a "real" set of lines - only out $25. I will still try to stretch those Blues to see if they can "tightened".

I may ping those guys about that Q-Powerline or Combat - that stuff sounds perfect!

I've always been happy with OEM lines. Yes they are expensive but I only get to fly so much and want the only variable to be the wind.

For powerkiting, I feel Q-power is the best line you can buy. We do have it in bulk and can make sets up in any length from 100# to 600#

As far as your blue line, you need to check to see what type of line you have. It may be a possibility that you have purchased a type of line that is either a dyneema blend, sport grade or other quality. From what I have heard, Berry Blue Pro line is suppose to be fairly high quality.

What you have been describing is line stretch. When you go to turn the kite, the line stretches instead of pulls on the sail. If it is a high quality dyneema line (which I always thought it was) then it should have minimal stretch. I would stake the linesets out firmly on one end and then give them some pull on the other and see if they do indeed stretch. Anything over 3-5 inches over a 100 ft. span would be excessive.

If it is a good quality dyneema line, flying it should tighten it up. I would try to stretch it out good and hard to see if that takes the creep out of the line (it should not spring back once stretched). This may help. Personally I think you got some poor quality line.

I have not personally flown on BB line so I really can't comment on its quality or characteristics. From others that have used it, they always seemed to give it ok reviews. Granted that most all of the pilots that have talked about BB line are using it on dual line kites which pull much less than power kites.

Hope that helps.