Hello fellow kiters. I am new to this forum and have been kiting for some time. I mainly snowkite but eventually want to get into kite surfing.

I was curious what everone uses for a center line swivel to keep your center line twist free. I have looked around and cant find one to use. I live in edmonton, Canada and was wondering where i could find one.

Thanks

edmonton, alberta eh? small world.
there are a few of us from edmonton, and area, here at PKF.
wolfwolfee has been looking at implementing a center line swivel. i'm sure he'd be more than happy to let you know how it turns out.
did you go to S Cooking lk last weekend?
Paul

Hi, nice to meet another local kiter, as you cam probably tell we buggy, board and ski. Hear a couple of the guys are going to try kite surfing this year. I will get my camera and show you the swivel I picked up. Its about $40 at Mountain Co-op little heavy but absolutely smooth as silk under load. I live in the Calgary Tr. and 51 ave area, where you at and what you flying?

wolfee,
how are winds looking like for monday?
Paul

There was just a post about this the other day...

I heard about the event on the weekend but was not able to make it out. I have a 11m hq neo love the kite. The only issue is the ceter line gets twisted with all the looping ha.

I have been searching for a swivel and seems the ones i find are in the states or in europe. I would like to get it locally, if possible.

If you could take a picture that would be awesome. So have you used any other swivels? if so how do they compare to the one your using?

I have seen a lot of diferent ones, most you had to reach up and give a little assist. The one I have is not cheap but all ball bearing and spins with no effort.
Will pick my camera up today left it at work and take a picture.
I got to fly the 14M Neo at the festival was amazed it turned nicely and nice looking kite.

Here is a picture.

Got a link to that swivel, wolfee?

see what I can find.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efo...

there you go.

That's a nice bit of hardware! Would you put this above the trim strap?

Looks to be a "Black Diamond Rotor Swivel". Google pulls a fair number of hits at $39.95 or so.

Wolfee:
Is the break strength marked as 26 kN (kilonewtons) right under the "Black Diamond" label at the swivel point?

Readily available at EMS stores in the US and most likely the better climbing supply stores everywhere.

ATB,
Sam

What are the measurements on it? Rough estimates would be fine...

Thanks for the info

yes it rated 26 kn, its not going to fail. Length is 3" and super smooth, and yes any good climbing place should carry it.

Here's another I found. This one is pretty small.

http://mauriprosailing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Category_C...

Are you guys putting these above the trim strap?

The Ronstan type from Kitedog's post I'm familiar with. But you need to use a shackle to get your lines or straps attached.

The black Diamond unit looks to be the bomb.

This sort of swivel is usually located above the trim strap, below the connnection point for the front lines. A swivel above the chicken loop or at a Wichard shackle (if you use a shackle instead of a chicken loop to clip in) at your spreader bar will work too.

krumly

That is more money and a simple sampo style the one I showed you is ball bearings. I will probably put it above the trim strap but I'll let you know when I get around to it.

Cheers

Thanks for all you help, that helps a great deal. Looks wicked I will have to go grab me one of those swivels.

looks sweet how's the weight? Yes, install it above trim strap/clam cleat to your front lines............:duh::duh:

70 grams

nice swivel certainly looks to be the ticket

$38 seems fair... bearing change is possible or use it til failure?

here's the $3 version got about 40 hours on it flawless

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg-GDX77HhY&feature=relat...

Rather pay the money and know then cheap out and power crash from 40'.lol

Quote:

Originally posted by PHREERIDER $38 seems fair... bearing change is possible or use it til failure?

I don't believe the unit is meant for rebuild. Given it's originally intended use and liability concerns, I just don't see BD supporting it.

Here's the rest of the skinny on the BD Rotor Swivel.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE
A Rotor’s parts must turn freely without resistance. If your Rotor
gets clogged with dirt, wash it in very warm, clean water, and
dry it thoroughly. After washing and drying, lubricate the Rotor
sparingly and wipe off all residual lubricant.

Avoid contact with corrosives such as battery acid, solvents or
salt water.

Always wash, dry and lube a Rotor after contact with saltwater
or salt air.

Do not alter, file, or otherwise modify the Rotor.

Do not expose the Rotor to temperatures above 70°C (158°F) or
below -40°C (-40°F).

STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
Store all of your gear in a clean and dry environment, out of
direct sunlight.

Do not store gear near heat sources, such as radiators or
wood-burning stoves.

Protect your Rotor from corrosive materials, moisture and
physical damage during transport.

LIFE EXPECTANCY
With normal use and proper care, the life expectancy of your
Rotor is 5 years, and can be longer or shorter depending on
how frequently you use it and on the conditions of its use.
Factors that reduce the lifespan:
Wear
Rust or corrosion
Damage

INSPECTION AND RETIREMENT
We recommend that you inspect your Rotor before and after
each use for signs of damage and wear. Retire it immediately
if it has:
A crack
A sharp edge or burr
If any of the components are worn, corroded, deformed or
missing
A loose bolt or set screw
Irregular rotation or will not rotate

If a Rotor has been shock loaded severely, but is not obviously
damaged, it still may be ready for retirement. If you have any
doubts about the dependability of your Rotor, retire it and get
a new one.

Anytime you retire a piece of gear, destroy it to prevent future use.

ADOPTING ROTORS
We strongly discourage secondhand use. You must know the
history of your equipment to be able to trust it.

ATB,
Sam

Thanks Wolf, good info to pass on. Yes it came with its own paper work.
It also can be split in two so easy to install with larks head knot with a simple allen key. I have hung from my harness with the buggy strapped on and could spin like a ferris wheel.
Very smooth underload but not unlike any quality gear needs to be taken care of.