Just looking for some input and answers for a few general questions...

Where im just static flying and getting a feel for my new traction kite, and eventually jumping, i dont think im really needing either of these but ill look for some info anyway.

Are the spreader bars/harnesses really just for landboarding and buggying, and not so much jumping?

And what are some big advantages for using back straps? And When using back straps do you just steer with the brakes?

I understand both take some of the load off of your arms, but is effective/safe-ish jumping still an option if you are "hooked in?"

Let me know! Thanks!

There is a post below in this forum which may be of some help

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=21

As I mentioned in that thread, you will need a strop line with quick release shackle to connect to the harness since you are using handles and not a control bar.

Secondly, as was mentioned in that thread, to jump with handles you dont "need" a harness, but yes it will take 90% of the strain off your arms and make for a longer session since you will have less fatigue. The problem with having a harness and being fairly new to power kites/jumping, is that if something goes wrong it is a lot easier to drop the handles than it is to think about using a quick release (shackle or chicken loop).

Hope his helps, sorry i didnt comment on the "back straps", dont have any experience with this.

If you are thinking of the same backstraps I am, you may have seen them on the Peter Lynn site. They are something of a legacy item, I think and I'm surprised they are still there. I am nervous about anything with a strap that has to pass over your neck and head for your to get out of.

I'm not a real fan of jumping in the harness either. A lot going on there and too many things to go wrong. I think that if you jump so much that you need it, you are inviting other trouble, personally.

Quote:

but is effective/safe-ish jumping still an option if you are "hooked in?

jumping in itself is very unsafe, very easy to brake legs/ankles even if your very experenced.

A harness isnt really made for static flying where the kite is mostly over your head. depending on the harness the kite will pull the whole harness up or pull the spreader bar up. Either way it is very uncomfortable.

Thats kinda what i figured, the harness is better fitted for a vehicle (board/buggy). Im new to the power kite world, and just looking around the online shops and saw some of these items, and just wondering what the pros and cons of each were



This is the back strap i was talking about. As far as the reviews go, most people who havent used 'em express concern about potential head/neck injury, but those who have used it say as long as you drop your head you'll be fine :puzzled:

IDK, im fine with the pull, gives me a good work out... it just sucks because after a couple of hours im landing the kite every 15 mins because im worried the handles might slip out of my hands... oh well, im really good at landing this bad boy, and i could prolly do a lot of finger pull ups

Quote:

Originally posted by snobdr [QUOTE]but is effective/safe-ish jumping still an option if you are "hooked in?"[/QUOTE] jumping in itself is very unsafe, very easy to brake legs/ankles even if your very experenced. A harness isnt really made for static flying where the kite is mostly over your head. depending on the harness the kite will pull the whole harness up or pull the spreader bar up. Either way it is very uncomfortable.

I flew 4 line kites for about 10 months with many hours under my belt before I tried to jump. I was ready at that time. Others may be ready sooner, or never get to that level. I've jumped literally hundreds of times with a dozen jumps over 8 feet and one that was about 12 feet high. What goes up must come down so yes it can be dangerous, but if you pick the right conditions and your skills are ready, you can minimize your risk of injury. The worst I have ever done is to have some ground speed and have to do one of those PFL's(?) when I landed. Never a bruise or scrape. I would recommend knee, elbow pads, and a quality well fitting helmet. Jumping static with a harness is a little too committed for me. I'll let the kite loft me 3-4 feet but I'm not going to really send it to get 20 feet off the ground with a big depower. It doesn't feel right to me to jump with a fixed bridle kite, harness and strop. I want to hold on with my hands. My 2 cents.

Getting a harness won't kill you ! How you use it may ?

I enjoy using a harness with handles to take the load off when I'm getting tired out but NOT when I'm jumping or trying tricky stuff. A hook spreader allows you to flop in and out.

It is good to get used to hooking in under safe conditions. People who put it off often get a certian fear of being hooked in. Just use the harness to take the load off when walking back upwind or resting up. Get in the habit of doing both with the kite off to one side rather than overhead. It is safer that way. You willget most of what you are looking for this way. Extended fly time !