Power Kite Forum - Kite handles

speleopower

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posted on 14-4-2008 at 06:14 PM

Kite handles

I thought I would post these pictures again for anyone looking for a solution to the "strop" question.

I don't like using plain rope to connect my handles together. The rope is to floppy and doesn't hold the handles apart at all. I have been using non-adustable windsurfing harness line for many many years with excellent results.

When I put the harness lines on the handles I pass the main powerline leader line through the webbing on the harness lines. Doing it like this allows the main lines to be centered on the harness lines creating a balance feel and lets the brake lines just dangle.

It's easier to do then explain the above.

Scott

IMG_1061.JPG - 95kB

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speleopower

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posted on 14-4-2008 at 06:15 PM

another view

IMG_1062.JPG - 97kB

speleopower

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posted on 14-4-2008 at 06:15 PM

one more.
The handles in the picture are Concept Air handles that I have been using since 2000. They show no sign of giving up! I have had to replace the harness line a couple of time. They are excellent handles.

You have to experiment with various length harness lines to find the right length for your kite.

IMG_1063.JPG - 84kB

SecondWind

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posted on 14-4-2008 at 06:49 PM

Thanks Scott :thumbup:

What size is that strop from end to end?

Foil Kites: Flysurfer 12m Sonic 4, 10m Soul V2, Peak 5s and 5.5m Hybrid
LEIs: 9m Naish Pivot, 12m Naish Phoenix
Land: 16" Dirtsurfer GP
H20: 134 Shinn Monk Chromatic, Slingshot 103cm Hope Craft w/ Axis Spitfire 840

speleopower

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posted on 14-4-2008 at 06:57 PM

It is about 24-26" long. I didn't measure it when I took the lines off this afternoon. You have to try various sizes to find the one that works best for your kite. Measure your existing rope strop and get a windsurf harness line that is similar in size to try.

This particular one is used on my Competition XL or Blade IV 4.9 meter kite.

Scott

speleopower

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posted on 14-4-2008 at 06:59 PM

DaVinch and others let's see some pics to your strop line problem.

With my Blade 10.5 meter I had to use a longer rope strop to get the maximum turning ability out of the kite. I made the strop as long as my arm reach is.
Scott

Bladerunner

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posted on 14-4-2008 at 08:30 PM

I have thought of this using my D-loop from an old bar. I just couldn't figure out how to attach it. Will the standard kiteboard length be too short ?

P.S..... I'm short :P

Kites: 2.5m Profoil , Quadrifoil XL kitesurfer, NPW 5 Danger.
Flexifoil: 1.7m Sting, 4.9m Blade 3, 9m Blade 2.
Flysurfer : 19m Speed 2 SA, 7m Pulse
Peter Lynn :18m Phantom, 15m Synergy, 10m Synergy, 1200 Farc, 460 Sarc, 130 Tarc, 5m Peel, 4.2m , 6.4, 8.5 C-Quads, 3.5 LS2 single skin.

Rides: Flexi / P.L. Frankin'Buggy , Shaped + straight skiis, sand skis, Coyote blades. Core 95 ATB. RKB R2 ATB .

Ken (K2)

macboy

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Mood: They're ALL good ideas. Right up until they become BAD ideas.

posted on 14-4-2008 at 09:41 PM

How does that run around a hook or pulley? Pretty smooth?

speleopower

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posted on 16-4-2008 at 07:29 PM

Hi-It runs well in a pulley bar no problem. It has just enough friction that it won't slip easily but more important the line is stiff so it's not flopping around. I've never tried a regular hook bar.

Scott